Custom Map Configuration in Rust

Introduction

Creating a well-balanced custom map is crucial for server success. This guide covers map generation, monument placement, and resource distribution to create an optimal playing experience.

Prerequisites

• Access to server console/RCON
• Admin privileges
• Basic understanding of Rust map concepts
• Access to server configuration files

Method: Map Configuration

1. Map Size & Seed Settings

1. Map Size Options:

   # Recommended sizes by player count:
   3000 : 50-100 players
   3500 : 100-150 players
   4000 : 150-200 players
   4500 : 200-250 players
   

2. Set Map Size:

   server.worldsize 4000
   

3. Set Map Seed:

   server.seed 12345
   

   Note: Identical seeds generate identical maps if other parameters match.

2. Monument Configuration

1. Basic Monument Settings:

   # Adjust monument count
   monumentpopulation 1
   
   # Minimum distance between monuments
   server.monument_mindistance 500
   

2. Monument Distribution:

   # Default spawnable monuments:
   airfield
   bandit_town
   desert_military_base
   excavator
   giant_excavator_pit
   harbor_1
   harbor_2
   junkyard
   launch_site
   military_tunnel
   mining_outpost
   oil_rig_small
   oil_rig_large
   power_plant
   satellite_dish
   sewer_branch
   train_tunnel_entrance
   train_yard
   underwater_lab
   water_treatment_plant
   

3. Control Specific Monuments:

   # Disable specific monuments
   server.printedmonuments false
   server.monuments_allowempty true
   
   # Example monument filter
   server.monuments "airfield,launch_site,train_yard"
   

3. Terrain Configuration

1. Basic Terrain Settings:

   # Adjust terrain scale
   terrain.scale 1
   
   # Modify terrain height
   terrain.height 1
   

2. Biome Distribution:

   # Default biome ratios
   biome.arctic 0.25
   biome.temperate 0.5
   biome.desert 0.25
   

3. Water Level Settings:

   # Adjust water level (default: 1)
   water.level 1
   

4. Resource Distribution

1. Node Spawning:

   # Resource spawn rate
   spawn.min_rate 0.5
   spawn.max_rate 2
   
   # Resource spawn density
   spawn.min_density 0.5
   spawn.max_density 2
   

2. Resource Type Settings:

   # Node type ratios
   spawn.ratio.metal_ore 1
   spawn.ratio.stone_ore 1.5
   spawn.ratio.sulfur_ore 0.75
   

3. Animal Spawning:

   # Animal population settings
   spawn.animal_density 1
   spawn.animal_ratio 1
   

Best Practices

1. Map Balance

• Keep high-tier monuments spread out
• Balance resource distribution
• Consider transportation routes
• Plan for natural choke points

2. Performance Optimization

• Avoid excessive monument density
• Balance entity count
• Consider map size vs player count
• Monitor server performance

3. Player Experience

• Plan for multiple play styles
• Create natural PvP zones
• Balance farming areas
• Consider base locations

4. Resource Distribution

• Create resource hotspots
• Balance node types
• Plan for player movement
• Consider clan territories

Advanced Configuration

1. Custom Map Layouts

1. Using Custom Height Maps:

   # Load custom height map
   terrain.load "custommap.raw"
   
   # Set custom map parameters
   terrain.customize true
   

2. Topology Settings:

   # Adjust topology
   topology.enabled true
   topology.min_biome_size 250
   

2. Advanced Monument Placement

1. Monument Clustering:

   # Control monument grouping
   server.monument_cluster_radius 500
   server.monument_cluster_size 3
   

2. Custom Monument Settings:

   # Force specific monument layouts
   server.monument_positions "launch_site,5000,5000;airfield,2500,2500"
   

Common Issues and Solutions

1. Performance Problems

• Reduce monument count
• Adjust spawn rates
• Balance entity counts
• Optimize map size

2. Resource Imbalance

• Adjust spawn ratios
• Modify node density
• Balance resource zones
• Review player feedback

3. Monument Issues

• Check minimum distances
• Verify placement rules
• Monitor player access
• Balance tier distribution

Testing and Verification

1. Map Testing Process

1. Generate test map
2. Verify monument placement
3. Check resource distribution
4. Test player spawns

2. Performance Testing

1. Monitor server FPS
2. Check entity counts
3. Verify spawn rates
4. Test with player load

3. Documentation

1. Record configuration
2. Document changes
3. Track performance
4. Log player feedback

Additional Tips

1. Seasonal Considerations

• Plan for wipe cycles
• Consider event spaces
• Adjust for population changes
• Plan update compatibility

2. Community Input

• Gather player feedback
• Monitor popular areas
• Track common complaints
• Adjust based on playstyles

3. Maintenance

• Regular performance checks
• Update configurations
• Monitor resource balance
• Track player patterns

Remember to always backup your configuration before making changes and test new settings on a separate test server first.