How do you make a Rust PvE server?
The simplest way is to run the server on Oxide or Carbon and install the TruePVE plugin – it blocks combat between players, and you set the rules (PvP zones, building protection, traps) in its config. The other route is Rust's built-in PvE mode (server.pve), which also works on Vanilla but can't be customised.
server.pve (built in) |
TruePVE (plugin) | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Vanilla, Oxide, Carbon | Oxide or Carbon |
| Setup | One line in a config file | A catalog plugin, one click |
| Settings | On or off only | Rulesets: who can damage what |
| PvP zones | No | Yes, together with Zone Manager |
| Good for | A simple no-combat server for friends | PvE community servers |
The built-in PvE mode: server.pve
Rust has a server.pve server variable – with server.pve true players can't hurt each other, and damage dealt to another player is reflected back to the attacker. It's the fastest option, but it's just on or off: you can't set PvP zones or rules for buildings, traps or vehicles.
On Spot.gg you set it in the server's config file:
- On the Files tab, open the
server/spot/cfgfolder. - Open
server.cfg, or create it with Create file if it isn't there. - Add the line
server.pve trueand save the file. - Restart the server – Rust reads
server.cfgon startup.
On your own server the file is server/<identity>/cfg/server.cfg, where <identity> is the +server.identity value from your start script.
TruePVE – PvE with your own rules
TruePVE is the most popular Rust PvE plugin: by default it blocks damage between players and to other players' buildings, and its config decides who can damage what. Installing it on Spot.gg:
- Set the engine to Oxide or Carbon: Information → Modify → Change engine (the map and progress stay).
- Go to Addons → Available to install, search for True PVE and click Install.
- The plugin loads without a restart and creates its config file in
oxide/config(Oxide) orcarbon/configs(Carbon). - To change the rules, edit that file on the Files tab and reload the plugin with
oxide.reload TruePVE(Oxide) orc.reload TruePVE(Carbon).
TruePVE rules are rulesets along the lines of "players can't hurt players", "players can't damage other players' buildings", "NPCs and animals can hurt players". The plugin's uMod page documents the exact syntax and the entity groups.
PvP zones on a PvE server
Many PvE servers have areas where fighting is allowed, around selected monuments for example. That's what Zone Manager is for: you create a zone, and in the TruePVE config you map it to a different ruleset that allows PvP.
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.
What do players do on a PvE server? Content plugins
Without PvP players get bored faster, so PvE servers add NPC challenges, events and quality-of-life features. Plugins you'll find in the Rust plugin catalog and install on the Addons tab:
| Plugin | What it adds |
|---|---|
| Raidable Bases | NPC bases full of loot to raid – raiding without raiding players |
| Dangerous Treasures | Treasure chests guarded by hazards |
| Automated Events | Events (helicopter, airdrops, cargo ship) on your own schedule |
| Better Loot | Custom loot tables for crates |
| Backpacks | Backpacks with extra inventory space |
| Zone Manager | Zones with their own rules (PvP, no building and so on) |
Gameplay-changing plugins mean the server belongs in the Modded tab of the server browser – Facepunch's rules require that of servers that change core gameplay. More on installing and configuring plugins in how to install Rust plugins.
PvE server settings on Spot.gg
Add "PvE" to the server name, spell out the rules in the description and match the map size to your player count – the rest is on the Configuration tab.
- Server name – players look for PvE servers by name, so add something like
[PvE]. - Description – the rules (is raiding allowed, are there PvP zones, when you wipe) and a Discord link.
- Map size – on PvE servers players build big bases and nobody tears them down, so the map fills up faster. For a bigger community, go for a bigger map. More in Rust map size and seed.
- Wipes – PvE servers often wipe only at the monthly force wipe so players have time to build. See the Rust wipe guide.
- RAM – big bases mean lots of entities on the map, and every plugin uses memory too. When the server starts running short, add RAM in the panel.
Common PvE server problems
| Symptom | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Players can still hurt each other | The server runs Vanilla without server.pve, TruePVE didn't load, or the server wasn't restarted after editing server.cfg |
Check the Console, restart the server |
| TruePVE won't load after a settings change | An error in the JSON file | Fix the file and run oxide.reload TruePVE / c.reload TruePVE |
| Traps or turrets ignore NPCs or hit players | TruePVE rules for traps and turrets | Adjust the rules in the plugin's config |
| No Addons tab | The server runs Vanilla | Switch the engine to Oxide or Carbon |
FAQ
Does Rust have an official PvE mode?
Yes, the server.pve server variable. With it on, players can't hurt each other, but the mode can't be customised, which is why most PvE servers use the TruePVE plugin.
Can you raid on a PvE server?
It depends on the server's rules. With TruePVE's defaults players can't damage other players' buildings; raiding is usually replaced with NPC bases from the Raidable Bases plugin.
Can a PvE server run on Vanilla?
Yes, with the built-in server.pve mode set in server.cfg. Plugins such as TruePVE need the Oxide or Carbon engine.
Can I have PvP zones on a PvE server?
Yes, with TruePVE and Zone Manager: create a zone and map it to a ruleset that allows PvP.
Do players have to install anything to play on a PvE server?
No. The PvE mode and the plugins run on the server only, and players join with the normal Rust client.