Server Not Starting Print

If your Rust server fails to start or keeps stopping right after launch, this guide will help you find and fix the issue. Follow each step carefully using your FinnishHost Game Panel to get your server running again.

Step 1: Check the Web Console

After clicking Start, open the Web Console immediately and look for error messages such as:

Failed to initialize Steam
Couldn't load level file
Error: Missing file or invalid command line
Server failed to start (Invalid map seed)

These logs will usually tell you exactly what went wrong — missing files, bad parameters, or corrupt maps.

Step 2: Verify Startup Parameters

Open the Commandline Manager or Startup Parameters in your panel. Make sure your launch options include valid entries similar to this:

+server.level "Procedural Map" +server.seed 12345 +server.worldsize 3500 +server.hostname "My Rust Server"

• Always include server.level, server.seed, and server.worldsize.
• Remove any duplicate + or - entries that could cause conflicts.

Step 3: Check Map Settings

If you are using a custom map, make sure it’s uploaded to the correct directory:

/server/my_server_identity/

And update your launch options to match:

+server.level "CustomMapName"

If the custom map is missing or corrupted, Rust will fail to start — try switching back to “Procedural Map” to confirm.

Step 4: Verify Oxide/uMod Installation (If Installed)

When uMod/Oxide becomes outdated after a Rust update, the server may refuse to launch. To fix this:

1. Stop the server.
2. Reinstall or update Oxide using the Mod Manager in your panel.
3. Start the server again.

If it still won’t start, temporarily uninstall Oxide to confirm if the issue is plugin-related.

Step 5: Check for Broken or Outdated Plugins

Faulty plugins can prevent startup. To test:

1. Stop the server.
2. Rename the /oxide/plugins/ folder to /oxide/plugins_backup/.
3. Start the server again.

If the server starts successfully, one of your plugins is broken or outdated. Add them back one at a time to find the culprit.

Step 6: Update Server Files

Rust updates frequently, and outdated builds can stop servers from booting. Click Update Server Files in your panel to verify and download the latest version from SteamCMD. Then restart the server.

Step 7: Clear Map Cache and Save Data

If your server crashes during world loading, your save data might be corrupt. To reset it safely:

1. Stop the server.
2. Open File Manager.
3. Go to /server/my_server_identity/.
4. Delete files ending in .sav and .map.
5. Restart the server to generate a fresh world.

Step 8: Reinstall (Last Resort)

If the issue persists after all steps above, reinstall the server:

1. Stop the server.
2. Click Reinstall in the Game Panel.
3. Choose whether to wipe files or keep existing configs.

This will reinstall the latest version of Rust and fix any missing or corrupted core files.

Notes

We provide support for startup, configuration, and hosting issues only. We don’t provide support for custom maps, third-party plugins, or modified Oxide builds. Always make backups before updating, wiping, or reinstalling your server.