Selecting the best Rust server hosting provider can feel overwhelming with so many options available. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the key factors to keep in mind when evaluating different Rust hosting providers.
What Should You Look For
When looking for the best Rust server provider, there are many key factors to consider but listed below are some of the main ones to look out for:
- Quality Hardware
- High Performance
- High Up-time
- DDoS Protection
- Easy to Setup
- 24/7 Support
- Easy Plugin Installation
- Affordable Pricing
A lot of providers will have some of the features listed above, but for it to be called the best, it should include all of them.
Hardware & Performance
The hardware your server runs on is the backbone of its performance, regardless of the game. Different hosts use varying levels of hardware, ranging from top-tier machines to mid-range options. This makes choosing the best hardware for your budget critical to ensure optimal server performance.
CPUs: The CPU is the heart of your server's performance. The better the CPU, the smoother and more lag-free your server will run. At Pine Hosting, we use high-performance Ryzen CPUs, while many budget hosts rely on older-generation processors to cut costs. Although these budget options can still work, older hardware may struggle to manage modern games, especially when mods or multiple players are involved.
Hard Drives vs. SSDs: Storage type is another key factor to consider. We use the latest M.2 SSDs, which offer significantly faster read and write speeds, making them ideal for gaming servers. In contrast, some providers still rely on traditional Hard Drives (HDDs), which can lead to slower file speeds and longer server read times. For the best experience, always opt for a server with SSD storage.
RAM: RAM requirements vary depending on your server's needs. More players, plugins, and mods demand more memory. The server's generation also plays a role—most hosts use DDR4 or DDR5 RAM, which provides better performance. However, some still use older DDR2 or DDR3, which are slower and can significantly limit server performance, especially in newer games. Understanding this is why at Pine Hosting, our standard server comes equipped with 192 GB of high-speed DDR5 RAM, ensuring top-notch performance for even the most demanding setups.
DDoS Protection & Networking
DDoS protection is essential for maintaining a smooth-running server. It helps block attacks from malicious users, such as disgruntled players, allowing you to focus on enjoying your server without worrying about disruptive downtime.
There are several types of DDoS protection that different hosts offer, but in my experience, the best options for Rust servers are:
- CosmicGuard
- Path.net
- Cloudflare Magic Transit
At Pine Hosting, we currently use CosmicGuard to safeguard our servers. Cosmic offers an anaycasted network setup that allows us to handle multi-terabit-sized attacks and optimize routing across all locations. This results in superior DDoS filtering and improved ping for all players.
Beyond DDoS protection, having a strong, stable network connection is equally important for keeping your server online. A slower connection can cause server lag, leading to "rubber banding", where players seem to move forward but are suddenly teleported back to a previous location. This can disrupt gameplay and lead to frustration among your players.
To minimize lag and provide the best experience, it's crucial to choose the right server location. The ideal location is determined by where your player base is primarily located, as placing the server closer to them will result in lower ping and fewer connection issues like "rubber banding."
Easy Setup
Most hosts use an automated server setup system that can get your server online within minutes. However, ease of use shouldn't stop there—other aspects, like determining how much RAM your Rust server needs or easily installing plugins, should also be straightforward.
Here at Pine Hosting, we’ve addressed all of that with our Rust Server RAM Calculator and our easy-to-use server panel.
Another challenge is installing plugins. Instead of dealing with manual installations and file management, you can simply click a button to install them using our Easy-to-Use plugin page. We also have a comprehensive guide covering how to install Rust server plugins.
Support and Features
While competitive pricing and high-quality hardware are essential, a hosting provider without a strong support system can leave you stranded when issues arise. If your server encounters problems that require backend fixes, you’ll need prompt and reliable assistance—otherwise, your server’s downtime could last longer than necessary. It's not enough for a host to simply set up your server; they should also be available to help troubleshoot and resolve any issues that may come up. In fact, a dependable support system is one of the most critical features any hosting provider should offer.
At Pine Hosting, we pride ourselves on delivering top-tier support. And while we may sound biased, you don’t have to take our word for it—check out our reviews on TrustPilot and Google Reviews to see what our customers have to say.
The Best Rust Server Hosting
After explaining the most important aspects to look for when choosing the best Rust server hosting provider, it's now time to explain why we are the best choice and why you should select us for your next Rust server.
We go above and beyond to ensure that your experience with us is the best it can be. We achieve this through our modern infrastructure, advanced game panel, powerful hardware, premium network and DDoS protection, easy-to-install plugins, straightforward server configuration, and much more. We strive to provide our customers with the best hosting experience, which is why our prices are so competitive and our support team is available 24/7. While it may seem bold for us to call ourselves the best, we believe that, based on our criteria, we meet and exceed all expectations. If you'd like to give us a try, you can order a Rust server today and be up and running in no time! If you're not satisfied, we offer a 48-hour money-back guarantee, so there is virtually no risk in trying out our servers.
