How does a Rust map work?
A Rust procedural map is generated from the size (server.worldsize) and the seed (server.seed) – the same two values give the same terrain, rivers, roads and monuments. The server generates it on its first start and after every map wipe.
- Size is the length of the map's side in metres – a 3000 map is a 3 × 3 km square. A bigger map means more room and usually more monuments, but also longer generation and higher RAM use.
- Seed is the number that decides the island's layout. A different seed at the same size gives a completely different map.
That makes maps easy to share: give someone the size and seed, and any server generates the same island (on the same game version – updates to the map generator can change it).
Which Rust map size should you pick?
A 3000 map is plenty for a group of friends, 3500–4000 suits a community of 20–50 players, and big servers go for 4500 and up. A map that's too big for a few people means empty areas nobody visits; one that's too small for a crowd means no room for bases and constant run-ins.
| Size | Good for | Recommended RAM |
|---|---|---|
| 1000–2500 | Testing, events, very small groups | 8 GB |
| 3000 | Friends, small servers (the default on Spot.gg) | 8 GB |
| 3500–4000 | Communities of 20–50 players | 10–12 GB |
| 4500–6000 | Big servers with lots of players and buildings | 16 GB or more |
Memory doesn't depend on the map alone: it grows with the number of buildings, entities, players and plugins. On a PvE server, where nobody tears down other people's bases, the map fills up faster – more in how to make a Rust PvE server. Rust servers on Spot.gg start at 8 GB RAM, and you can add memory in the panel when you need it.
How do you find a good Rust seed?
The easiest way is to browse maps on RustMaps, which previews the island for a given size and seed – then enter the one you like in your server settings. What to look at:
- Monuments – whether the ones your players like are there (Launch Site, Oil Rig, Outpost and so on) and whether they're bunched up in one corner.
- Land vs water – some seeds give lots of water and small islands, others one big landmass.
- Building spots – flat areas, mountains, caves and riversides are where bases go.
- The size in the preview – a seed looks completely different at another size, so check it at exactly the size you'll use.
On Spot.gg the panel picks a random seed on install, so every new server gets a different map. If you don't like yours, just enter another one.
How do you change the map size and seed on Spot.gg?
On the Configuration tab, change Map size or Map seed, save and restart the server – Rust generates a new map. Step by step:
- Open the server panel and the Configuration tab.
- Enter a Map size (1000 to 6000) or a Map seed (a positive number).
- Click the save button next to the field.
- Restart the server. It generates the map with the new values on startup – follow the progress on the Console tab. Players can join once generation is done.
Watch out: a new size or seed is effectively a map wipe – buildings, boxes and everything players left on the map stay behind on the old map. Blueprints carry over, as they're stored separately. Change the map at wipe time and let your players know. If you want to reset blueprints at the same time, wipe from Information → Modify → Wipe – see the Rust wipe guide.
A Rust server on Spot.gg (8 GB RAM, 20 GB disk) costs from $12.23 / month, and the first 24 hours are free, no card needed.
How do you set the map on your own server?
Set the size and seed with the +server.worldsize and +server.seed launch parameters in your RustDedicated start script. For example:
RustDedicated.exe -batchmode +server.level "Procedural Map" +server.worldsize 3500 +server.seed 123456 ...
After changing the values and restarting, the server generates a new map. The full self-hosted setup is in how to make a Rust server.
Custom maps in Rust
A custom map is a .map file made in an editor (most often RustEdit) that the server downloads from the URL set in server.levelurl – instead of generating a map from a seed. These maps have their own monuments, islands and terrain the generator can't produce.
On Spot.gg a Rust server always generates a procedural map from the settings on the Configuration tab – the panel doesn't have a custom map setting yet. If you want a specific layout, pick a seed and size with a preview on RustMaps.
FAQ
What's the best map size in Rust?
It depends on the player count: 3000 for friends, 3500–4000 for a community of 20–50, 4500 and up for big servers. A bigger map needs more RAM and takes longer to generate.
Does changing the seed delete player progress?
For buildings and boxes, yes – the server generates a new map, so it's effectively a map wipe. Blueprints carry over.
Where can I see what a seed looks like?
On RustMaps – enter the size and seed and you'll see a preview of the island with its monuments.
Can I upload a custom map on Spot.gg?
Not yet – the server generates a procedural map from the size and seed set on the Configuration tab.
How long does map generation take?
On the first start and after a map change, usually a few minutes; bigger maps take longer. The server only lets players in once the map is generated.