Why Isn’t My Rust Server Showing Up

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by

Vector Linux
in

Have you ever experienced the frustration of setting up your own Rust server, only to find that it’s not showing up in the server list? I know exactly how you feel. As a fellow Rust enthusiast and server owner, I’ve encountered this issue multiple times and spent countless hours troubleshooting. In this article, I will share my insights and guide you through the process of troubleshooting why your Rust server isn’t showing up.

1. Firewall Settings

The first thing you should check is your firewall settings. Sometimes, the firewall can block the necessary ports for your Rust server to communicate with the outside world. Ensure that ports 28015 and 28016 are open and allowed in both your computer’s firewall and your router’s firewall settings. If you’re unsure how to do this, a quick Google search for your specific firewall software or router model will provide you with detailed instructions.

2. Port Forwarding

Another common reason why your Rust server isn’t showing up is due to incorrect port forwarding settings. Port forwarding allows external connections to reach your server by forwarding traffic from your router to your computer. To ensure that port forwarding is set up correctly:

  1. Access your router’s settings by typing its IP address into a web browser.
  2. Locate the “Port Forwarding” or “Virtual Server” section.
  3. Add a new rule for Rust, specifying the internal and external ports (usually 28015 and 28016) and the local IP address of your computer running the server.
  4. Save the settings and restart your router.

3. NAT-PMP/UPnP

If you’re using a consumer-grade router, it might support NAT-PMP (Network Address Translation Port Mapping Protocol) or UPnP (Universal Plug and Play). These protocols can automatically handle the port forwarding for your Rust server. To enable NAT-PMP or UPnP:

  1. Access your router’s settings and locate the NAT-PMP or UPnP section.
  2. Enable the respective protocol.
  3. Save the settings and restart your router.

4. Server Configuration

The next step is to ensure that your server configuration is accurate. Check the server.cfg file in your Rust server’s directory and make sure that the servername and port settings are correct. Additionally, verify that the server.hostname value is set to a name that stands out in the server list.

5. Modded Servers

If you’re running a modded Rust server, it’s possible that the mods you’ve installed are causing compatibility issues. Try disabling all mods temporarily and see if your server shows up in the list. If it does, re-enable your mods one by one to identify the culprit. Consult the mod’s documentation for any specific configuration requirements or known compatibility issues.

Conclusion

Ensuring that your Rust server shows up in the server list can be a challenging and frustrating task. However, by following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve most common issues. Remember to check your firewall settings, properly set up port forwarding, enable NAT-PMP or UPnP if available, verify your server configuration, and assess the compatibility of any mods you’ve installed. With a bit of patience and persistence, you’ll soon have your Rust server proudly displayed in the server list for all to join and enjoy!