Written by: Andrew Wandola
Edited by: Lillian Castro
Reviewed by: Christina Lewis
Developed by Facepunch Studios, Rust proudly sits up there with the league of legends (not the video game) in the list of PC games that have sold at least 1 million copies worldwide. Hosting this game away from your local computer opens up new possibilities and makes it even more enjoyable. Aside from adding more players, you can customize your online game server to suit your preferences.
A huge part of your enjoyment and customization depends on the Rust host you choose. That’s what I’ll discuss today — an overview of the best Rust server hosting providers you can count on to get the most out of this popular video game. Let’s get started.
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Best Virtual Private Rust Servers
Tech enthusiasts and developers with server management experience can benefit from renting a virtual private server to play Rust. These VPS hosts give you full root access to create the perfect Rust server with mod support, enhanced performance, and low latency.
1. IONOS.com
Monthly Starting Price $2.00
- Affordable VPS hosting with no hidden fees
- Try it FREE via 30-day money-back guarantee
- Full root access and API
- 10GB to 240GB SSD, Linux or Windows
- No throttling or traffic restrictions, ever
- Get started on 1&1 IONOS now.
VPS
RATING
★★★★★
Our Review
For an all-star player in the game of web hosting flexibility, look no further than the low-cost options from 1&1 IONOS. The company’s vServers are a powerful VPS option that includes dedicated resources and unlimited traffic. Go to full review »
| Setup Time | Disk Space | CPU | RAM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 minutes | 10 GB NVMe – 640 GB NVMe | 1 – 12 cores | 1 GB – 24 GB |
IONOS brings affordability and versatility to your Rust gaming world. This is one of the cheapest web hosting providers out there, and its affordability doesn’t just apply to gaming servers. Speaking of versatility, this host allows you to add between two and 500 players on its VPS, cloud, or dedicated servers.
With the VPS package, you can also choose between managed and unmanaged hosting depending on how comfortable and knowledgeable you are in setting up your gaming environment. Whichever hosting environment you choose, you’ll benefit from Rust dedicated server resources and unlimited traffic. This means high uptime and better performance for your Rust game.
2. Hostinger.com
Monthly Starting Price $5.99
- Cloud-based SSD storage for speed and reliability
- Double your RAM with burst periods
- FREE dedicated IPv4 and IPv6 addresses
- Custom control panel for reboots and OS installs
- HostingAdvice readers enjoy more than 50% off
- Get started on Hostinger now.
VPS
RATING
★★★★★
Our Review
Hostinger’s laser focus on providing affordable hosting solutions shines brightest with the company’s VPS packages. The company provides six different virtual server plans, including one that costs less than $5. Go to full review »
| Setup Time | Disk Space | CPU | RAM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 minutes | 50 GB NVMe – 400 GB NVMe | 1 – 8 cores | 4 GB – 32 GB |
Before we go further, keep in mind that you will experience better gaming performance on a virtual private server or anything above that. You can’t count on a shared server for optimal performance since you’ll share the server resources with other users, leading to server overload. Hostinger’s VPS hosting plans check all the right boxes if you’re looking for a powerful hosting environment for Rust.
Hostinger offers a Linux-based hosting environment known for its stability and efficiency. And given that Rust requires at least two CPU cores, eight gigabytes of memory, and 20 gigabytes of storage, Hostinger’s VPS hosting packages fit the description just right. Besides allowing you to add mods, this hosting service will give you full root access, conduct automatic offsite server backups, and offer full DDoS protection to shield your server from attacks.
Best Rust Servers
If you don’t want to worry about the management responsibilities that come with an unmanaged VPS plan, a traditional Rust server is right for you. These hosting companies specialize in game server hosting and have out-of-the-box features to get you online in minutes.
3. Apex Hosting
- Unlimited player slots
- 24/7 live support via ticket and chat
- FTP file access and DDoS protection
- Low latency and support for mods
- Get started now »
RUST
RATING
Apex Hosting is a household name in the online gaming industry. Particularly known as a powerful Minecraft server host, this company also excels at Rust hosting. Its features make it easy to see why Apex Hosting is a popular name among Rust gamers.
The ability to create unlimited player slots makes this host stand out in the crowded online gaming sphere and is particularly ideal for growth-oriented gaming enthusiasts. The last thing you want is to find yourself in a situation where you need to switch servers to accommodate more players, but your host has exhausted all its resources. With unlimited player slots, the sky’s the limit. That aside, Apex Hosting guarantees its servers are always online, giving you the stability you need to enjoy playing Rust online.
4. ShockByte
- Supports up to 300 player slots
- Global server locations and 100% uptime
- Low latency and instant server setup
- Support for custom maps and plugins
- Get started now »
RUST
RATING
ShockByte is home to more than 500,000 gaming servers. It works best for a small gaming community of 40 to 300 players. Of course, the specific number of players you can add depends on the hosting server you sign up for.
Setting up your Rust server with ShockByte is fast and easy. Once you’re ready to launch, this host offers a lag-free gaming experience and a 100% uptime guarantee. Other notable features include Oxide and Rust+ support, global server locations (North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific), and automatic backups.
5. ScalaCube
- DDoS protection and fast solid-state drives
- Instant server setup
- Full FTP access and easy configuration
- Oxide support and a free domain
- Get started now »
RUST
RATING
ScalaCube hosts some of the biggest online games, including Minecraft, Ark, and Rust. Its scalable hosting plans provide you with peace of mind knowing you can upgrade your resources with a few clicks of a button.
Its standout feature is the ability to scale your storage capacity vertically without incurring additional costs. That aside, it also passes the Rust gaming server test. Here, you’ll find all the essential features you need to get started with this online game. These include Oxide support, DDoS protection, automated backups, no-lag experience, and overall powerful infrastructure.
6. HostHavoc
- Globally distributed servers
- 24/7 support and flexible billing cycles
- Oxide/uMod plugin manager
- Full FTP access and DDoS protection
- Get started now »
RUST
RATING
HostHavoc’s Rust servers can accommodate between 30 and 400 players. But the real game changer is that this host owns and operates its hardware. These include Xeon and AMD Ryzen CPUs built for faster processing of server requests, DDR4 and DDR5 memory for enhanced speeds and performance, and NVMe SDD storage for more efficiency.
Because it stores its backups offsite, you won’t have to worry about starting all over again in case of a malware attack or a technical issue, which is also unheard of thanks to its robust security systems. You can restore your previous working version of the game from a remote backup server location and view logs to track or troubleshoot issues. Also, if you want to play Rust on your server and throw in a blog or host a website, HostHavoc can do all that under one roof.
7. ServerBlend
- One-click installations with Oxide/uMod
- Up to unlimited player slots
- 7-day money-back guarantee
- DDoS protection and specialized tech support
- Get started now »
RUST
RATING
ServerBlend is a powerful Rust server host not just by definition but also by specifications. This premium host has top-of-the-line server infrastructure that guarantees excellent performance in the most important areas.
The setup process takes just a few minutes, and if you ever need help getting started, the staff at ServerBlend gives customer service a whole new meaning. They’ll go above and beyond, including joining your server, to ensure everything runs smoothly. The seven-day money-back guarantee also gives you more than enough legroom to test the server and its features before deciding whether it’s what you’re looking for.
8. PingPerfect
- Discounts on quarterly, semi-annual, and annual plans
- Instant setup and NVMe SSDs
- Global server locations and DDoS protection
- Intuitive game panel for easy configuration
- Get started now »
RUST
RATING
Most Rust server hosts I’ve reviewed so far offer money-back guarantees. PingPerfect, on the other hand, has a different approach, perfect for a doubtful Debbie. The 48-hour free trial allows you to take this host on a test drive and decide whether it meets (or exceeds) your expectations.
PingPerfect’s game-switching technology allows you to repurpose your existing server for a different game. Say you’re currently running a Rust server. With game switching, if you want to host a different game, like Minecraft or ARK: Survival Evolved, you can do so using the same server resources. That said, PingPerfect also guarantees the fastest hardware, 24/7 support, global server locations, DDoS protection, and free web hosting as the cherry on top.
9. GTXGaming
- Rust servers for PC users
- Support for Oxide/uMod and automatic updates
- Automatic server backups
- Global server coverage and support for game switching
- Get started now »
RUST
RATING
GTXGaming has feature-rich servers located in some of the biggest cities in the world, starting right here in the United States (Charlotte, Dallas, Portland, and New York) to locations such as Sydney, Singapore, Quebec, Paris, and Frankfurt. It also features an easy server migration and installation process backed by its team of customer support specialists.
The base plan can accommodate 50 player slots, but you can scale vertically up to 400 slots. The only downside about this host is that you’ll need to pay extra for priority support. That doesn’t mean the standard support isn’t worth it; it’s only available on a first-come, first-served basis.
10. Survival Servers
- Servers equipped with fast NVMe SSDs
- Mod support with the latest versions
- Location switching and instant server setup
- Easy installs for mods and plugins
- Get started now »
RUST
RATING
Hosting your Rust server at Survival Servers almost feels like buying an iPhone from your local Apple store, not an online marketplace like OfferUp, Facebook, or Craigslist. That’s because this host offers a specialized approach to survival game hosting.
It hosts more than three dozen survival servers, including the likes of ARK, Dune, Minecraft, God of War, and yours truly, Rust. Having a web host that specializes in survival game server hosting guarantees better performance, knowledgeable support, and a great gaming experience overall. That’s what you get at Survival Servers.
11. BisectHosting
- Multiple server locations and automatic updates
- Discounts on annual plans
- Support for mods and instant setup
- 24/7 support and a custom control panel
- Get started now »
RUST
RATING
BisectHosting comes equipped with some of the key features you would expect from a premium gaming server host. I’m talking about instant server setup from the control panel, 24/7 support, DDoS protection, mod support, and automated updates. Besides the basics, this host boasts multiple server locations around the globe.
BisectHosting has 20 servers at different strategic locations in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Oceania, and Australia. This works best if you want to reach a wider gaming community without experiencing lagging or downtime.
12. Sparked Host
- Enterprise hardware and up to unlimited player slots
- Automatic backups and personal customer support
- NVMe SSD storage and DDoS protection
- Globally distributed server locations
- Get started now »
RUST
RATING
Rust gaming servers at Sparked Host cost a few dollars more than the industry standard for about 40 players. But don’t get me wrong; you get what you pay for. Take, for example, its base plan dubbed “Cloth.” It comes with at least eight gigabytes of memory and 100 gigabytes of NVMe SSD storage. That’s about four times the average specifications required to run this game.
As your gaming community grows, so will the need for more resources. This host can accommodate up to 110 player slots on its powerful servers with zero lag. The “less is more” kind of approach means you’ll have fewer players on your server but with more high-end resources to provide the ultimate gaming experience.
13. Fozzy
- 3-day money-back guarantee
- Choose from 20 to 200 player slots
- Global server locations for improved performance
- Automatic setup and easy management
- Get started now »
RUST
RATING
Fozzy has powerful infrastructure and resources powered by Dell, one of the world’s most popular tech companies. For perspective, its servers run on 16 CPU cores, 128 gigabytes of memory, and 900 gigabytes of NVMe SSD storage. Even better, if you’re skeptical about the server’s performance, you can take it on a quick test drive by logging into its public server.
You’ll notice that Fozzy’s pricing is much higher than that of other hosts we’ve reviewed, and yet it offers a smaller number of player slots, starting from 20 to 200, depending on your plan. That’s not necessarily bad if you care about having a stable gaming environment (you should). Fewer players and more powerful hardware mean better performance.
What Is Rust Server Hosting?
Rust server hosting is like renting a dedicated online space to run a server for this multiplayer game. Or, if you know a thing or two about real estate, having a dedicated Rust server is like renting a virtual plot of land where you and your friends (or even strangers) can play the game, build bases, and survive together.
What’s cool about having your own Rust server is the control it gives you. You can set your own rules, choose who gets to play, what they can or cannot access on the server, and customize the game settings to your liking. In addition, you don’t have to worry about the technicalities of game server management — survival is all you need to worry about.
How Much Does a Rust Server Cost?
Rust servers don’t come with a fixed price; the cost depends on the hosting provider you choose, the server’s location, and how beefy you want your server to be in terms of performance.
Typically, you’re looking at less than $20 a month for a basic setup. This would suit one player slot or a small group of players because it offers limited resources.
If you’re aiming for something more robust (maybe you’ve got a larger crowd to play with) or you’re looking for advanced features like higher performance, better protection against lag, more storage, or custom mods, you should expect to pay more.
Can I Get Rust Server Hosting for Free?
You can get free Rust hosts, but don’t be too excited. Remember, cheap is expensive (i.e., downtime, lagging, and poor security), and sometimes, free is even worse.
A good example is AxentHost; it offers Rust servers that are free forever, but you’ll have to deal with ads and unstable performance. That ruins the whole point of having a gaming server in the first place.
Rust server hosting — or any other game, for that matter — usually requires powerful resources. These resources are not cheap to acquire or maintain. That’s why most reliable hosts offer paid services.
A free trial or money-back guarantee is the closest you can come to a free Rust server. PingPerfect, for example, offers a 48-hour free trial, while ServerBlend gives you a seven-day money-back guarantee.
Is It Profitable to Host a Rust Server?
Hosting a Rust server for profit is a mixed bag. On the one hand, if you manage to create a popular server with a strong, dedicated player base, there’s potential to make some money through donations, selling in-game items or perks, or running paid ads.
But the journey to making your first dollar won’t be a walk in the park. First off, there’s stiff competition. You’re up against a ton of other servers, each trying to attract players with their own unique flavors and offers.
Secondly, keeping players engaged and happy takes a lot of time and effort. It won’t just happen overnight. You need to constantly update the server, manage and build the community, handle technical issues, and more. And let’s not forget the costs involved in running the server — you’ll likely spend a lot of money out of pocket the first few months or years before you even get anything in return.
The bottom line is that while it’s possible to make some money with a Rust server, this isn’t a get-rich-quick type of business. Rather than focus on profits, put your energy on your passion for the game while building an online community. That way, as your server grows, the windows of opportunities will begin to open.
How Do I Choose a Rust Server?
The Rust server you choose will influence your entire gaming experience.
Here are some key steps to follow:
- Determine your preferred play style (PvP vs PvE, relaxed vs hardcore).
- Consider the server population for the desired level of activity and competition.
- Check the wipe schedule to match your preference for gameplay longevity.
- Review server rules and mods to ensure they align with your play style.
- Pick a server geographically close to you for lower latency.
- Look for a server with a supportive community and active admins.
Once you’ve considered the fundamental aspects above, other factors, such as pricing, will come into play. You should be able to afford the server without compromising the quality of the gameplay.
A Good Host Is a Must to Play Rust Online
Restricting Rust to your personal computer doesn’t do this game justice. You need it hosted somewhere in a remote server or the cloud to maximize its potential.
But with so many gaming hosting providers filled with rust and dust, I hope this guide helps you choose the perfect Rust server host.
Before we call it a day, here are some other Rust game server providers you should know about:
GameServer King: Hosts between 60 and 200 players and offers top-notch customer support, including live chat.
Pine Hosting: Great for scheduling tasks on the gaming server.
Nitrous Network: Best for UK-based gamers (although it also has data centers in the United States, Germany, The Netherlands, and Canada).
Happy gaming!
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