Rust is a popular multiplayer survival game that has captured the hearts of millions of gamers around the world. With its engaging gameplay, unique mechanics, and active community, it's no surprise that many players are looking to start their own Rust server. Whether you're interested in vanilla, modded, PVP, or PVE servers, choosing the right Rust server hosting provider is crucial for ensuring a lag-free and enjoyable gaming experience for both you and your players. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the best Rust server hosting options for those looking to start their first game server.
Best Rust Server Host Roundup
Out of all the servers below, we can make some recommendations based on different user needs:
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Best overall Rust server hosting provider: Game Host Bros (Cosmic Guard DDoS with A2S caching for better server visibility)
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Best premium option: Game Server Kings (Also features Cosmic Guard DDoS with A2S caching)
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Best budget option: ShockByte
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Best for server locations: Streamline Servers
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Best for advanced users: Tempest Hosting
These recommendations are based on a combination of factors, including server performance, pricing, customer support, control panel usability, customizability, and server locations. Keep in mind that each user's needs may vary, so we encourage you to consider all aspects of each provider before making a decision.
Want to learn more about each provider? Keep reading for detailed reviews and buying advice.
What to Look for in a Rust Server Host
Before diving into our detailed reviews, here's what matters most when choosing a Rust server hosting provider:
Server Performance
High-performance servers ensure smooth gameplay with minimal lag. Look for providers offering powerful CPUs, ample RAM, and SSD storage.
DDoS Protection
Essential for protecting your server from attacks that can crash it or make it unresponsive. Quality providers offer advanced DDoS mitigation. The best providers use Cosmic Guard DDoS protection with A2S caching (anycast), which not only protects your server but also helps it appear higher in Rust's server browser.
Control Panel Features
A good control panel should offer easy server management, one-click Oxide/uMod installation, file access, backup options, and player management tools.
Server Locations
Choose locations close to your player base for lower ping times. Global server networks provide flexibility for international communities.
Pricing & Support
Balance features with cost, and ensure the provider offers responsive customer support when you need help.
In-depth review of Rust server hosting providers
Now let's examine each provider in detail, evaluating them across all these key factors:
Game Host Bros
Game Host Bros provides budget-friendly game server hosting for popular games.
Pros:
- Powerful Hardware
- Unlimited Players
- Easy setup
- Good for beginners
Cons:
- Limited locations
GameserverKings
GameserverKings provides powerful gaming DDoS protection (CosmicGuard) with great prices and thousands of happy customers.
Pros:
- 24/7 support offered
- Extremely powerful DDoS mitigation
- Good pricing
- Great uptime
- Excellent support team
Cons:
- Recent reviews are mixed
- Limited server locations
GMC Hosting
GMC Hosting provides reliable and high-performance Rust server hosting with a dedicated support team. They offer powerful servers with SSD storage and a wide range of server locations.
Pros:
- High-performance servers with powerful hardware and SSD storage
- User-friendly control panel for easy server management
- Wide range of server locations to choose from
- 24/7 dedicated customer support
- DDoS protection for server security
Cons:
- Pricing may be slightly higher compared to some competitors
- Limited mod support compared to other providers
- Control panel interface could be more modern
PingPerfect
PingPerfect provides game server hosting with a wide variety of supported games.
Pros:
- Wide game selection
- Decent pricing
- Good control panel
Cons:
- Mixed support reviews
- Performance varies by location
Host Havoc
Host Havoc provides premium game hosting with excellent hardware and customer support.
Pros:
- Premium hardware
- Excellent support
- Low latency
Cons:
- Higher pricing
- Limited budget options
GTX Gaming
GTX Gaming offers game server hosting with strong UK and EU presence.
Pros:
- Strong EU presence
- Good performance
- Established provider
Cons:
- Limited US locations
- Interface could be modernized
EU Game Host
EU Game Host specializes in game server hosting with a focus on European locations and gaming-optimized hardware.
Pros:
- Gaming-optimized
- Good EU coverage
- Specialized support
Cons:
- Limited global locations
- Higher pricing
Shockbyte
Shockbyte offers affordable game server hosting with a focus on Minecraft and other popular games.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Good uptime
- Multiple game support
Cons:
- Basic control panel
- Support can be slow during peak times
ScalaCube
ScalaCube provides reliable game server hosting with a user-friendly control panel.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Good uptime
- Multiple game support
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Support response time varies
Streamline Servers
Streamline Servers specializes in game server hosting with optimized hardware and networking for gaming.
Pros:
- Gaming-optimized
- Good performance
- Specialized support
Cons:
- Higher pricing
- Limited general VPS options
Tempest Hosting
Tempest Hosting provides premium game server hosting with high-end hardware and excellent support.
Pros:
- Premium hardware
- Excellent support
- Gaming-focused features
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- Limited budget options
Survival Servers
Survival Servers specializes in survival game hosting with optimized performance.
Pros:
- Survival game focus
- Good performance
- Mod support
Cons:
- Limited game variety
- Higher pricing for some games
BisectHosting
BisectHosting delivers premium Minecraft hosting with excellent performance and support.
Pros:
- Excellent performance
- 24/7 expert support
- Modpack support
Cons:
- Higher pricing
- Mainly Minecraft focused
Nodecraft
Nodecraft is a well-known hosting provider that offers a range of servers for various games. They provide servers with low latency and high uptime, ensuring a smooth gaming experience.
Pros:
- Low latency and DDoS protection
- Intuitive and user-friendly control panel
- Various add-ons and configuration options
- Experienced hosting provider for various games
- Good server performance
Cons:
- Customer support can be slow at times
- Limited server locations compared to some other providers
- Pricing can be higher than competitors
Frequently Asked Questions
How important is server performance for a Rust server?
Server performance is critical for a Rust server. A high-performance server ensures smooth gameplay, minimal lag, and a better overall experience for players. Poor server performance can lead to frustrating gameplay, player dropouts, and ultimately, a failed server.
What is DDoS protection, and why is it important for Rust server hosting?
DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) protection safeguards your server from malicious attacks that can overwhelm it with traffic, causing it to crash or become unresponsive. For Rust servers, DDoS protection is essential as it ensures uninterrupted gameplay and protects your investment in the server.
What is the difference between a dedicated server and a shared server for Rust hosting?
- Shared servers: Multiple game servers run on the same physical machine, sharing resources. More affordable but potentially less stable.
- Dedicated servers: Your server has exclusive access to all machine resources. More expensive but offers better performance and stability.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Rust server hosting provider is an important decision that can make or break your server's success. Based on our comprehensive analysis:
- For overall performance and features: Game Host Bros delivers exceptional performance, reliability, and value for money with Cosmic Guard DDoS protection.
- For premium hosting: Game Server Kings offers top-tier performance with the same Cosmic Guard DDoS protection and A2S caching benefits.
- For budget-conscious users: ShockByte provides excellent value without sacrificing essential features.
- For advanced users: Tempest Hosting offers powerful hardware and extensive customization options.
- For global reach: Streamline Servers has the most extensive server location network.
Remember to consider your specific needs, budget, and target player base when making your decision. Most providers offer money-back guarantees or trial periods, so don't hesitate to test a service before committing long-term.
Whether you're starting a small server for friends or building a large community, the providers listed here offer reliable solutions for every need and budget. Happy hosting!