Rust Server: server.cfg vs. serverauto.cfg

When configuring your Rust server, you’ll encounter two important files: server.cfg and serverauto.cfg. Although similar in name, these files serve different purposes and load differently. Knowing when to use each will help you manage your server settings efficiently.

🔧 Overview of Configuration Files

Here’s a quick breakdown of each file:

File Name	Loaded Automatically?	Execution Method
server.cfg	❌ No (manual load required)	Long-term configurations; server name, description, tags, plugin settings, custom commands.
serverauto.cfg	✅ Yes, automatically at server startup	Essential settings that must load at every startup

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📝 Detailed Explanation

server.cfg

The server.cfg file does not load automatically when your server starts. Instead, you must manually execute it with an in-game or RCON command each time you want to apply these settings:

server.readcfg

It’s ideal for storing settings like:

• Server hostname and description
• Rates (such as tick rate and player limits)
• Plugin configurations or special settings you may occasionally adjust

Recommended for:

• Long-term settings
• Settings that rarely change
• Special character support in the server name or description

Example Usage:

server.hostname "GGServers | The Best Rust Server!"
server.description "Welcome to GGServers Rust Server!\nHigh-performance hardware\nDDoS Protection\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"
server.tags "monthly,pve,roleplay"

⚠️ Important: You must run server.readcfg via console (F1) or RCON to load these settings after editing.

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serverauto.cfg

This file automatically loads every time your Rust server starts. This makes it the ideal location for critical settings you need consistently enforced.

Example of settings typically added here:

• World seed (server.seed)
• Map size (server.worldsize)
• Difficulty (server.pve)
• Automatic server protection settings

Example Usage:

server.seed 123456
server.worldsize 3500
server.pve false

⚠️ Important:
Do NOT manually edit the serverauto.cfg file through your panel, as it resets automatically if modified incorrectly.

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🚩 When to Use Each File (Quick Summary)

File	Recommended Use	When Does it Load?
server.cfg	Custom server names/descriptions, long-term or special configs	Manual: Execute using server.readcfg
serverauto.cfg	Essential settings (map seed, map size, PvE/PvP mode)	Automatic: Every time the server restarts

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🚩 Recommended Best Practices

• Use serverauto.cfg for settings, you want to ensure always loads automatically.
• Use server.cfg for occasional or manually-loaded settings, especially ones needing special characters.

Important:
Do NOT add settings to serverauto.cfg manually unless absolutely necessary, as unintended edits can reset after server updates.

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✅ Practical Examples

Here’s how a basic server.cfg might look:

server.hostname "GGServers.com | High-Quality Rust Hosting"
server.description "Fast, reliable Rust servers powered by GGServers.com\nHosted on Ryzen CPUs\nJoin our Discord for support!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"
server.tags "monthly,pve,roleplay"

For automatic critical settings, your serverauto.cfg typically includes:

server.seed 123456789
server.worldsize 3500
server.maxplayers 150
server.pve false

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❗ Notes & Best Practices

• Rust currently duplicates the server description due to an ongoing bug; adding multiple \n at the end minimizes the visual issue.
• Only 4 tags are displayed publicly in Rust’s server browser.
• Avoid using multiple tags from the same category (e.g., don’t use weekly and monthly simultaneously).

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Difference Between server.cfg and serverauto.cfg

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide which configuration file to use:

🔧 server.cfg

• Does NOT load automatically.
  (You must run server.readcfg manually to apply settings.)
• Use for settings like server name, description, and other options that rarely change.

Example:
server.hostname "My Rust Server" server.description "Welcome to my Rust server!"

⚙️ serverauto.cfg

• Loads automatically whenever your server starts.
• Use it for essential settings such as:
• Map size (server.worldsize)
• Map seed (server.seed)
• PvE mode (server.pve)

Since it runs automatically and takes priority, most server owners prefer using this file.

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✅ Quick Tips:

• Use serverauto.cfg for critical, always-needed settings.
• Use server.cfg for custom or long-term settings that rarely change.

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🛠️ Still Need Help?

If you’re unsure about configuring your Rust server or need additional help, please reach out to our support team.

👉 Submit a Support Ticket