How much RAM does a Rust server need?

The map size decides most of how much RAM a Rust server needs: the bigger the World Size, the more memory it takes. Our plans start at 8 GB for a 3000 map and up to 40 players, with 12 GB for a 4000 map and around 80 players and 16 GB for a 6000 map and up to 150. Player count and plugins add to the map's share. Getting started with Rust covers joining and wipes, and the Rust plans page has current plans and prices.

How much RAM does a Rust server need?

Our Rust plans start at 8 GB and are sized by map:

If you are between two sizes, run a long plugin list, or find the server running short of memory late in a wipe, take the bigger plan.

How many players can a 12 GB Rust server hold?

Stone Base, the 12 GB plan, is sized for a 4000 map and an established community of around 80 players. Wood Base holds up to 40 on a 3000 map, and Metal Base up to 150 on a 6000 map. Each figure goes with the map size beside it in the table above.

Why does map size matter more than player count?

The bigger the World Size, the more memory the server needs, and that decides most of the figure. Player count and plugins add to it.

To move to a bigger map, check your plan has the RAM for it first, then change it at a wipe:

1. Take a backup in the Backups tab. A wipe can't be undone.
2. In the Startup tab, change World Seed to a new number and World Size to the map you want.
3. Restart the server. It generates a brand-new map on the way up, and the first boot takes a few minutes.

A new size generates a new map, so players lose their bases. Change it only at a map wipe.

What makes a Rust server use more memory over time?

Memory use creeps up over a long run, so a server late in a wipe can be heavier than it was on day one. A long plugin list adds to it as well. A regular restart keeps it in check, even on a big plan:

1. Open More in the left rail, choose Schedules and press New schedule.
2. Pick Daily restart and press Next.
3. Keep Every day and set a time, for example 7:00 AM. The Time zone starts on your server's location.
4. Press Create schedule.

What are the signs your Rust server needs more RAM?

• The RAM Usage card sits near the top on the Console tab, with stutters or crashes. It turns amber at 70% of your plan's allowance and red at 90%.
• The server runs short of memory late in a wipe, after it was fine at the start.
• Trouble on a busy wipe day, which the 16 GB plan is sized to stay up through.

If the RAM has room but players still lag, the cause is more likely CPU load: large bases, piles of deployables and heavy Oxide or Carbon plugins. A map wipe clears the deployables, and removing plugins you don't use frees CPU on every tick. If only one player lags, compare their ping with the normal range (30 to 60 ms is normal, under 30 ms feels crisp) before upgrading. Why is my server lagging? walks through the graphs step by step.

How to allocate more RAM to your Rust server

1. Take a backup in the Backups tab.
2. Open Billing (/dashboard/billing). The Plan and game card in the server's Settings tab opens the same window.
3. On the server's subscription, choose Actions, then Change plan.
4. Pick the bigger plan.
5. Select Continue. The Review step shows today's charge, prorated for the days left in the billing period. Enter your account password and select Switch to followed by the plan's name.
6. Select Restart now, or restart later. The new RAM takes effect when the server starts.