How To Update A Rust Server

To update a Rust server, stop the server, run steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 258550 validate +quit to download the new build, then update Oxide (uMod) to the matching version and restart. On a hosting control panel, use the Update or Reinstall option instead, and check that your plugins still load.

This guide is for Rust server owners running a self-hosted Windows or Linux server, or one on a control panel. It covers the update commands, updating Oxide, and fixing a server that breaks or won’t show in the server list after a Rust update.

How to Update a Rust Server (Quick Steps)

1. Access the Apollo Panel.

2. Stop the server

3. Back up your files.

4. Head over to the Settings tab.

5. Hit Reinstall Server without deleting the files.

6. Start the server.

(If Using A Dedicated Server) Update With SteamCMD (Windows and Linux)

Windows

1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell.

2. Go to the folder where SteamCMD is installed.

3. Run the following command, changing the folder to where your Rust server is installed:

steamcmd +force_install_dir "C:\rustserver" +login anonymous +app_update 258550 validate +quit

1. Wait for it to finish.

Linux

1. Log in as the user that runs your Rust server.

2. Run the following command, changing the folder to your install path:

steamcmd +force_install_dir /home/steam/rust_server/ +login anonymous +app_update 258550 validate +quit

1. Wait for the download to finish.

Update Oxide to Match the New Build

1. Go to the uMod website and download the latest Oxide Rust build.

2. Extract the zip file.

3. Copy the files into your Rust server’s root folder to overwrite.

If Oxide hasn’t released a build for the newest Rust version yet, your plugins may not load until it does. Wait for the update instead of forcing it.

Restart and Check the Console and Log

1. Start your server.

2. As the server starts, you should see Oxide loading, followed by your plugins.

3. Look for red errors or plugin names marked as failed.

4. If something looks wrong, open the log. If you start the server with `-logFile "output.txt"`, the main log is in that file, and Oxide’s plugin logs are in `oxide/logs`.

5. Type `status` in the console to confirm the server is running.

6. Join the game, find your server in the list, and test your plugins.

Automating Rust Server Updates (Using The Batch File)

On Windows, a batch file lets you update with one click so you don’t have to type the command every time.

1. Open Notepad and paste in the following, changing both folder paths:

@echo off
echo Updating Rust server...
"C:\steamcmd\steamcmd.exe" +force_install_dir "C:\rustserver" +login anonymous +app_update 258550 validate +quit
echo Update finished. Update Oxide, then start the server.
pause

1. Choose File > Save As, set the file type to All Files, and name it `update.bat`.

2. Stop the server, then double-click `update.bat` to run it.

3. When it finishes, install the latest Oxide and start the server.

Updated on: 26/10/2026