Rust RCON: what it is and how to connect
RCON is the remote console: it lets you type server commands without being in the game. Turn it on with these start settings:
+rcon.port 28016 +rcon.password "YOUR_PASSWORD" +rcon.web 1Then connect any RCON tool with your server's address, the RCON port and that password.
Or let Claude Code set it up
Turn on RCON for my Rust server. It runs on this Linux machine.
1. Find how the server is started (a systemd service or a start script) and show me the start command.
2. Make a long random password. Keep it only in a settings file that just the server's user can read. Never show it in the chat.
3. Add +rcon.port 28016, +rcon.password with that password, and +rcon.web 1 to the start command.
4. Restart the server.
5. Check RCON answers: open a websocket to ws://127.0.0.1:28016/PASSWORD, send {"Identifier": 1, "Message": "serverinfo", "Name": "WebRcon"}, and show me the reply.What is the default RCON port?
You choose it. Most servers use 28016, one above the game port 28015, as in Facepunch's own example.
Where do I find my RCON password?
You set it yourself with rcon.password in your start settings. On G-Portal it is in Basic Settings, next to Activate RCON-Web. On other hosts, look for RCON in the server's settings.
What does rcon.web do?
It picks the kind of RCON. Leave it on: every current tool uses web RCON, and the game marks the old kind as deprecated.
Is it safe to open the RCON port?
Anyone who can reach the port can try passwords. Use a long password, and if your tools run on the same machine, set rcon.ip to 127.0.0.1 so RCON never leaves it.
+rcon.ip 127.0.0.1Which RCON tools are there?
RustAdmin is a free desktop app; its always-on online version costs 10 euros a month for one server. BattleMetrics RCON runs in the browser and is paid. Rust On Top's admin console is free and keeps the password on your machine.
Coming soon: Rust On Top's admin console keeps your RCON password encrypted, and only admins can type commands.
See the consoleChecked on 7 October 2026 against Rust's October update, on our own server.