Last Updated on 6 August, 2024
Rust, the post apocalyptic survival game, has challenged players worldwide with its harsh environment, where a wrong decision can mean death.
When considering playing the challenging, yet rewarding game with friends, one may consider joining a private server. These servers are usually catered to players of a specific group, offering customization and increased server performance that public servers cannot match.
In this post we will explore the advantages of privately hosted servers and will also discuss other hosting options and the challenges you may run into with all server types and some common solutions.
Advantages of Private Hosted Servers
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Dedicated Resources
One benefit of a Private server is that the hosting company has dedicated the allocation of resources to your server. This is unlike public servers where resources have to be divided up between big amounts of players.
With the dedicated allocation of all agreed resources from your host provider, performance on your server and therefore your game will improve, reducing lag, creating a streamlined experience.
You and those who join the private server will enjoy a stable connection, whereas it may be more common to have interruptions and lag spikes on crowded public servers. This stability is crucial in a game like Rust, where actions need to be executed without delay and a split-second decision can determine your survival. This is something often lacking in public servers.
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Custom Community Rules
Private server hosting allows you to create your own community rules. Customization on this level ensures that you are able to create an environment synced with your style of play.
This freedom, on a private server, allows you to enforce your own rules such as no-griefing policies, building codes or to encourage role play elements for players.
In another instance, you may want to set the server up in such a way so that there are designated zones for PvP, allowing players to participate if they want to, or if they would be more focused on cooperating with their teammates.
All of these changes you are able to make when hosting a private server fosters a more engaging and enjoyable experience for you and your friends.
This sense of community is often lacking on public servers, where anonymity can lead to toxic behavior and a less enjoyable experience.
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Freedom to Experiment
One other advantage of using a Rust server host to privately host servers is the ability to add mods and plugins that allow players to experiment with different game mechanics.
For example, you may choose to add mods that add new items and quality of life improvements. This experimentation allows you to refine your gameplay to your liking which can apply to cooperative and competitive game modes alike.
With a little experimentation, you can include the custom elements that are best suited for you and your friends, making the best experience unique to your server.
Other Hosting Options
While private hosted servers offer numerous advantages, it’s essential to consider other hosting options to understand the full spectrum of possibilities.
It is also important to note that Rust, Ark: Survival Evolved, Minecraft and most other games also feature these server options as well as the ability to host private servers through a host provider.
Minecraft, as a side note, also has the option of free server hosting besides the methods mentioned below.
- Public Servers: These types of servers are usually run by the game developers or community members and are open to all players, leading to large player counts across these servers.
With these open servers comes a caveat. Large numbers of players are difficult to manage, which is why lag, trolling and cheating are prevalent, this in turn detracts from the overall positive experience.
- Official Servers: Official servers offer the standard experience for all games, Rust included. This means that these servers offer balanced gameplay, frequent updates and player moderation.
These kinds of servers are usually more stable than public servers in terms of connectivity, but they lack the customization and community driven events and sense of community that private servers offer.
Challenges of Hosting
Hosting a server has many benefits, but it also has its share of challenges. Understanding these challenges and how to overcome them will be crucial when making an informed decision about server hosting.
- Initial Setup Costs: There is an initial cost when finding a provider and renting the server space to host your Rust server. However, the server comes equipped with the necessary hardware and tech support to assist with setup and maintenance.
While this can seem like an expense, it is definitely outweighed by the benefits of a stable, customizable game for you and your friends in the long run.
- Regular Backups: Backing up the server regularly is essential to preventing your data from being lost, and in turn, ensuring the server remains stable.
With a host provider, these backups are automated and scheduled, making this process more manageable.
- Potential for Server Downtime: With all online services, privately hosted servers need to do maintenance, updates or fix technical issues and will therefore have downtime.
Therefore it is crucial to find a reputable host provider with a good track record and uptime guarantees and tech support that will minimize disruptions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, private hosted servers offer a wealth of advantages for Rust players, from dedicated resources and custom community rules to the freedom to experiment with new strategies.
While other hosting options like public and official servers have their merits, they often fall short in providing the level of control and customization that private servers offer.
By investing in a private server, you can create a tailored Rust experience that suits your play style and fosters a positive community.
Whether you’re looking to enhance performance, implement unique game rules, or experiment with new ideas, a private hosted server provides the perfect platform to elevate your Rust gameplay.
So why not take the plunge and set up a private server for you and your friends? The investment in time and resources will be well worth the countless hours of enhanced gameplay and unforgettable experiences you’ll share.
Embrace the possibilities and unlock the full potential of Rust with a private hosted server.
