Last Updated on January 13, 2024

Do you love the challenge of surviving Rust? 

As one of the most brutal and unforgiving apocalypse multiplayer games, you have to be a serious player just to last a day. Many gamers do not realize the advantage they can obtain by hosting Rust on a private server. When they do, they never miss a thing and can invite friends to play in a world they construct. 

Sound fun? Then read below to find out about the four top-rated Rust server hosting options.

What is the best rust server hosting?

Of all the game server providers available for Rust, we’ve narrowed it down to the top four best options:

1. Ark Servers – Best Rust Server Hosting Deal

Best Rust Server Hosting

When you host Rust through Ark Servers, you gain access to plenty of settings, which are easily accessible through the control panel. You receive full documentation for all settings, and users report they are easy to configure.

In addition, server hosts can choose Oxide or UMOD mods. Mods install with one click.

Setup is a big advantage. It takes the average gamer just one minute. Online reviews of the configuration process indicate a user-friendly process to set up your Rust world.

Ark Servers supports hosting for PCs and Macs but no other gaming systems. Those who wish to play via Xbox or Ps4 servers are out of luck.

Ark Servers offers an eight-hour trial at no charge because they are highly confident in their product, in which no credit card is required. You only enter payment information if you decide to sign up, and they provide you with a 24-hour money-back guarantee.

The server receives automatic upgrades, so there is little maintenance, and you’ll also be able to backup your game files automatically. Because this is Rust, where you are likely to suffer ambush at any time, the instant roll-back process, if your avatar is killed, is a big plus.

Life as an administrator can get time consuming. Ark Servers makes the process easier by allowing you to automate many key activities. For example, you can schedule announcements, so they can go out whether you are online or not.

Users report that the fast network results in low ping times. Denial of Service (DOS) protection comes standard.

The company also has a customer support email and forum.

Overall, Ark offers the best Rust server hosting experience, earning an average rating of excellent on TrustPilot.

2. Shockbyte

Shockbyte offers a lower-cost service than most competitors, with tiered plans that start at $9.99 per month. Fortunately, the reduced cost does not mean a cheap product experience. The hardware packs plenty of power, and users report a solid gaming experience. Shockbyte has been offering gaming servers since 2013, with over 100,000 gamers signing up as server hosts since then.

Customers report that Shockbyte’s customer service is second to none. As soon as you subscribe, Shockbyte sends your login credentials via email, and support is available during the setup process.

The Oxide mod option is available for installing multiple plugins. It requires just one click.

Shockbyte’s Rust server hosting experience includes the following:

  • Access files through FTP
  • Automatic mod installations
  • Configuration editing
  • Plugin customization
  • No cost subdomains
  • Server consoles
  • Global servers
  • Multicraft CP
  • Automated updates and backups

Shockbyte also puts its money where its mouth is by guaranteeing 100% uptime and low latency. In addition, the company allows you to upgrade/downgrade your plan at any point.

3. HostHavoc

With HostHavoc, you will unleash havoc on your Rust enemies. This host maintains a strong infrastructure housed in cutting-edge data centers. You can rely on the links while in Rust mortal combat. You won’t have to worry about other teams raiding you while you are away, either. Lastly, HostHavoc ensures you have 99.9% uptime.

HostHavoc is huge, operating from 11 data centers around the globe. It utilizes safe networks with DDoS protection included with your subscription and additional security through two-step authentication.

For those with technical savvy, a self-directed option provides FTP accessibility. In addition, administrators have the ability to configure their server launch command line. Games are hosted on servers through a TCAdmin v2 control panel.

Users report many advantages of the HostHavoc system, including the following:

  • Consistent control panel
  • Ease of use
  • Excellent reliability
  • Custom templates for each game
  • Instant setup
  • 24/7 support
  • Three-day money-back guarantee

HostHavoc has several Rust server hosting packages, and its plans start at $14/month for 30 slots.

4. ScalaCube

ScalaCube offers 100% uptime, low latency, and the speed needed to stay alive in Rust. When your enemies are all around, speed is often the difference between winning and losing.

With ScalaCube, gamers gain access to a user-friendly control panel designed for the Rust server. Their administrative privileges allow them to complete many key tasks, including the following:

  • Server configuration
  • Settings modification
  • Start, restart, shut down
  • Change options
  • Updates
  • Set passwords
  • Ban players (based on name or IP address)
  • Rescind player bans
  • Change player data

ScalaCube Rust server hosting also provides complete FTP accessibility, a no-cost domain, and Oxide support. In addition, gamers enjoy the advantage of SSD drivers to help outmaneuver their opponents.

The company has servers in North America, the UK, and continental Europe.

ScalaCube subscriptions start at $16/month for up to 100 players.

How Much Does It Cost to Host a Rust Server?

Hosting a Rust server is relatively inexpensive. Packages as low as $9.99 per month are available, and subscriptions under $20 per month are common. As with most products, the price depends on which company you choose and what features you want. For example, if you need more slots, the price will be higher.

Can You Host Your Own Rust Server?

Yes, you can host your own Rust server, but you need a strong technical understanding to do so successfully. To host a server, you’ll need a machine with sufficient specifications and to download and install SteamCMD and the server. Next, you’ll run the server and the batch file script.

This can take a significant amount of time, and your system may crash unexpectedly. In addition, hosting the server takes up a great deal of your computing space. For these reasons, most people get the best Rust server hosting through one of the above companies, with Ark being the strongest option.

Can I Host a Rust Server for Free?

If you host your own Rust server, it is practically free of charge. The question is how much time and computer space you must invest. For those with substantial computing power and technical know-how, it may be worthwhile. Most people, however, do better by hosting through a subscription.

Further Reading on SMBillion: Looking to create your own private server for other games as well? Check out our list of top FiveM, Valheim and Ark hosting providers.