Map size has the biggest effect on Rust’s memory use, then plugins, then players. These are starting points for a vanilla server with a small group:
| Map size | RAM to start with |
|---|---|
| 1000 to 2000 | 8 GB |
| 3000 | 8 to 10 GB |
| 4000 (the default) | 10 to 12 GB |
| 5000 to 6000 | 12 to 16 GB |
What adds to it
- Plugins: most use 50 to 200 MB each. A typical set of 10 to 20 plugins adds 1 to 3 GB.
- Players: roughly 50 to 100 MB per player online, more on busy servers with big bases.
- Time since wipe: memory grows as players build. Usage near the end of a wipe cycle is the number to plan for.
- Custom maps with many prefabs use more than a procedural map of the same size.
Watch the memory graph on the Console tab in the panel late in a wipe. If it sits at your limit or the server crashes, move to a bigger plan (upgrades) or pick a smaller map on the next wipe.
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