Optimal Server Population Settings for Rust

Introduction

A healthy server population is crucial for long-term server success. Too few players leads to boredom, while too many can cause performance issues and overcrowding. This guide will help you find the right balance through proper configuration.

Prerequisites

• Admin access to your Rust server
• Basic understanding of server commands
• Access to server configuration files
• RCON tool or server console access

Method: Population Configuration

1. Determining Map Size

Map size directly impacts player density and server performance.

1. Standard Size Guidelines:

   • Small (2500-3000): 50-75 players
   • Medium (3500-4000): 75-150 players
   • Large (4500): 150-200 players
   • Extra Large (5000-6000): 200+ players

2. Set Map Size
   Use the following command:

   server.worldsize <size>
   

   Common configurations:

   # Small community server (50 players)
   server.worldsize 2800
   
   # Medium population (100 players)
   server.worldsize 3500
   
   # High population (200 players)
   server.worldsize 4500
   

3. Adjust Monument Count
   Scale monuments with your map size:

   monumentpopulation <multiplier>
   

   Examples:

   # Default distribution
   monumentpopulation 1
   
   # Increased monuments
   monumentpopulation 1.25
   
   # Reduced monuments
   monumentpopulation 0.75
   

2. Queue Management

1. Set Max Players

   server.maxplayers <number>
   

   Recommended settings:

   # Small community
   server.maxplayers 50
   
   # Medium population
   server.maxplayers 100
   
   # High population
   server.maxplayers 200
   

2. Configure Queue Settings

   server.queueEnabled <true/false>
   server.queueSize <number>
   

   Example configuration:

   server.queueEnabled true
   server.queueSize 20
   

3. Resource Scaling

1. Adjust Resource Spawn Rates
   Scale resources with population:

   spawn.fill_tick_max_players <number>
   spawn.fill_tick_max_rate <number>
   

   Example for 100 players:

   spawn.fill_tick_max_players 100
   spawn.fill_tick_max_rate 8
   

2. Node Spawn Configuration

   spawn.min_rate <number>
   spawn.max_rate <number>
   

   Balanced settings:

   spawn.min_rate 0.5
   spawn.max_rate 2
   

4. Performance Optimization

1. Entity Limits
   Adjust based on population:

   server.entityLimit <number>
   

   Guidelines:

   • 50 players: 200,000
   • 100 players: 300,000
   • 200 players: 400,000

2. Network Settings

   server.tickrate <number>
   server.updatebatch <number>
   

   Recommended configuration:

   server.tickrate 30
   server.updatebatch 256
   

Best Practices

1. Population Balance

• Aim for 50-70% of max slots filled during peak hours
• Monitor player density (players per square km)
• Consider time zones when setting max population

2. Resource Distribution

• Scale resources with actual player count, not max slots
• Ensure even distribution across the map
• Monitor gathering rates vs population

3. Performance Monitoring

• Track server performance metrics
• Adjust settings if FPS drops below 60
• Monitor RAM usage and network stability

4. Queue Management

• Set queue size to ~10% of max slots
• Implement VIP slots if needed
• Monitor queue times during peak hours

Common Issues and Solutions

1. Low Population

• Reduce map size
• Increase resource rates
• Add more monuments

2. Overcrowding

• Increase map size
• Reduce resource density
• Add queue system

3. Performance Problems

• Reduce entity limits
• Lower tickrate temporarily
• Increase map size

Conclusion

Finding the right population balance is crucial for server success. Start with these recommended settings and adjust based on your community's feedback and server performance metrics. Regular monitoring and adjustment of these settings will help maintain a healthy, active server population.

Additional Tips

1. Population Monitoring Tools

   • Use Battlemetrics for tracking
   • Monitor daily/weekly trends
   • Track peak hours

2. Community Feedback

   • Create feedback channels
   • Monitor player complaints
   • Track reasons for leaving

3. Regular Maintenance

   • Weekly performance checks
   • Monthly setting reviews
   • Regular configuration backups

Remember to test any changes during low-population hours and always back up your configuration before making significant adjustments.