Getting Started
Welcome to Rust Empires, a unique Rust experience where survival meets strategy. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a fearless warrior, or a leader looking to build an empire, this guide will help you navigate the essentials.
Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about gameplay, rules, and key features that make Rust Empires different. Learn how to claim land, form clans, trade, and survive in a world shaped by diplomacy and war.
Ready to begin? Follow the steps below and start forging your legacy.
Starter Questions
Rust Empires is a roleplay-friendly community that blends casual, structured PvP with engaging PvE elements like hubs, dungeons, and quests. This isn’t a vanilla Rust server—expect a dynamic world where survival meets storytelling, strategy, and social interaction.
There’s something for everyone here:
- Visit a city and meet new people.
- Create an RP character and craft immersive scenarios.
- Form a clan, claim land, and build your empire.
- Complete quests to earn RP and spend it in the /shop.
- Enjoy solo play with your own personal land claim.
- Explore dungeons and battle challenging NPCs.
- Participate in community and staff-run events—or start your own.
With so many possibilities and a great community to support you, your story in Rust Empires is yours to create.
The first thing you should do is press M or type /map to open the claims map. This will help you understand where it’s safe to build and where land has already been claimed.
Safe Building Zones
- Frontiers (Green Zones) – The safest areas for new players. You typically spawn here and can build freely as long as the land is unclaimed.
- Cities – Designated safe zones with structured areas for community living.
Claiming Land
- Solo Players – Can claim land in light blue zones.
- Groups (2+ Players) – Can claim land in grey zones.
Important Rules
✔ Always check /map before building to ensure you’re within frontier limits and not on someone’s land.
✔ Building on unclaimed or occupied land leaves you vulnerable to raids.
✔ If a spot has a marker, name, or unique color, it has already been claimed.
Make sure to choose your land wisely to establish a safe and secure base!
While Rust Empires does not offer direct teleports to player homes, there are several ways to navigate the world efficiently.
Fast Travel Options
- Portals – Marked as train icons on the /map or found in cities (city icons). These allow for quick travel across key locations.
- Minicopters & Vehicles – Purchase transportation to move around faster:
- Type
/copterto buy a minicopter. - Type
/buyto see additional vehicle options.
- Type
Plan your travels wisely and take advantage of these options to explore the world with ease!
Unlike traditional Rust servers, Rust Empires does not allow unrestricted PvP. Randomly attacking or KOS (Kill on Sight) outside designated areas is strictly prohibited and may result in punishment or removal to maintain a fair and enjoyable experience for all players.
Where is PvP Allowed?
- Dark Domes – These marked areas on the /map are designated PvP zones.
- No Man’s Land – During special events, temporary PvP zones may be created and clearly marked.
For additional exceptions and detailed PvP rules, please refer to our Rules Page. Always check the /map before engaging in combat to avoid violations!
Raiding in Rust Empires is not unrestricted like on other servers. Instead, it follows a structured system to ensure fair play.
How Raiding Works
- You must be whitelisted – After spending some time on the server, visit the Rules Page to read the Eviction Rules and access the Raid Whitelist Application.
- Where Raiding is Allowed –
- Unclaimed Land – You can evict players from unclaimed areas.
- Your Own Land – You can evict unwanted players from land you own.
- Special Zones – Check /map and read the map key for sections marked as unclaimable/raidable.
For full details, make sure to review the Eviction Rules before engaging in raids.
If you need assistance, follow these steps to reach an admin:
- Ask in-game – Try requesting help from an admin directly in chat.
- Use Discord – If no one responds in-game, head to our Discord and post in #staff-help-and-questions, tagging @staff or @admins.
- Be patient – Rust Empires is a volunteer-run project, so responses may take time. Don’t worry—your items will be returned.
- Follow up if needed – If you don’t get a response right away, politely tag @admins again later. Staff handle many requests, and a reminder helps ensure your issue gets resolved.
We appreciate your patience and will do our best to assist you as soon as possible!
Some players may not technically break the rules—or may avoid getting caught—but still create a negative experience for others. If you encounter someone who is disruptive to the community, you can submit a report for admin review.
How It Works
- Use the report form to document the issue.
- If a player receives multiple complaints, admins will review their behavior and server data.
- If necessary, action will be taken, including possible bans.
Providing Evidence
The more screenshots, chat logs, or recordings you include, the stronger your report will be. Help us keep Rust Empires a positive and enjoyable place for everyone!
Our staff are volunteers, and while we work hard to keep Rust Empires a great place to play, we can’t monitor every player at all times. Sometimes, problematic behavior goes unnoticed simply because no one reports it.
Why Some Players Don’t Get Banned
- Lack of Reports – If no one speaks up, admins may not be aware of an issue.
- Insufficient Evidence – We require solid proof before taking action to ensure fairness. This protects you as well—false reports won’t lead to bans without proper evidence.
How You Can Help
- Use the Toxic Player Report – If you encounter an issue, submit a report so we can investigate.
- Encourage Others to Report – If multiple people have had issues with the same player, make sure they also report it.
By working together, we can maintain a fair and positive community for everyone!
Command List
Getting Started
-
/info– Brings up the welcome UI, which provides a brief summary of the server rules. -
/link– Displays information on how to link your Discord account with your Steam account, granting access to the Discord kit and other related benefits.
-
/map– View the in-game claims map. You can bind it to the M key by typingbind m LMUI_Control mapin the F1 console. -
/amc_info– Displays information about the claim you are currently standing in. Use this to verify if a base is within your claim, especially for evictions. -
/kit– Displays the kits available to you in the server. -
/advert– Sends an advertisement to the entire server (use responsibly, as abuse can lead to a loss of advertisement privileges). /toxic– Records the next 2 minutes to capture trolling behavior. Please notify staff if you use this command./h close– Closes the top-right menu./h open– Reopens the top-right menu.
/r message– Reply to a private message you’ve received./pm name "message"– Send a private message to a player (replace “name” with the player’s name)./c message– Talk in clan chat (messages will be visible only to clan members)./e message– Send an alliance-wide message (visible to all members of your alliance)./clan help– Displays a list of useful commands for making and managing a clan./cinfo clanname– Lists the members of a clan and shows the last date a member was online./clan ally– Form an alliance with another clan./cinfo (clan name)– View information about other clans./clan promote (player IGN)– Promote a member to a higher rank.
Clan Ranks:
- Member – A base-level clan member with no special permissions.
- Moderator – Can use
/removeon other clan builds and manage clan invites/kicks. - Council – A second-in-command with moderator permissions and the ability to form alliances.
/q– Opens the Quest dialog to view your current quests, no matter where you are./qlist– Opens the Quest UI specifically for dungeons and hunting NPCs./shop– Opens the RP shop where you can spend your earned RP points/dollars./transfer– Opens the Transfer Menu to send RP to other players.
/authed– Displays the list of players authorized on a building (must be facing the building)./owner– Shows the name of the player who placed a specific building block or deployable (must be looking at it)./remove– Activates the remover tool, which allows you to remove placed items (intended for fixing mistakes, not for hiding loot or reclaiming a lost base)./limits– Check your current limits on deployables.
/banish playername/id reason– Banish a player from your land claim(s), with an optional reason./banishclan clantag reason– Banish an entire clan from your land claim(s), with an optional reason./evict reason– Evict a player from land you own, while standing in front of a door, with an optional reason./bounty– Displays options for putting a bounty on another player./bounties– View available bounties (if you are a registered bounty hunter).
/copter– Displays commands related to purchasing and managing a minicopter./scrapheli– Displays commands and pricing for purchasing and managing a scrap helicopter./buy– Displays prices for buying various vehicles like row boats, RHIB, cars, hot air balloons, horses, work carts, or subs./license– Lists commands related to buying, spawning, recalling, or killing a boat, hot air balloon, work cart, or sub./kill– Destroys your boat, hot air balloon, sub, horse, or copter.
Basic Rules
Rust Empires operates with a unique ruleset designed to create a structured, engaging, and fair gameplay experience. While we have a full set of rules, the following are the most important to help you get started.
To stay informed about evictions, banishments, and server updates, make sure to link your Discord with your Steam account. Doing so also grants access to a special starter kit!
- To link, PM one of our bots with
/dc join- RE1 Players: ‘Rust Empires Alerts’
- RE2 Players: ‘Rust Empires 2 Alerts’
- You will receive a code to enter in-game to complete the process.
All players are expected to follow our full ruleset, so be sure to review them to ensure a smooth experience on Rust Empires!
General Info
- Make sure to use /dc link in-game so you get notifications if you are going to be evicted/raided.
- Being inactive for four days means you can get evicted (note: on RE2, it is five days, not four).
Player Conduct
- We are a friendly server. Don’t be a dick, no griefing, no drama/racism/hate groups/etc, no cheating/exploiting/hacking, no despawning loot.
- No forcing RP such as robbery/kidnapping, etc.
- Do not promote other servers or other discords.
- Player names must be in English characters.
General Rules
- Sleepers can be killed if they are within looting distance.
- Twig can be broken so make sure to upgrade your items.
- Players are allowed to steal from a base as long as they don’t damage/break anything so be sure to lock your boxes and doors.
- If you build on unclaimed land or clan land, you are at risk of being raided or evicted. Frontier/cities are safest areas to build.
- No breaking locked boxes or decaying bases outside of legal raids (see info below).
- Code raiding is not allowed. If you get a code or key, do not use it. This includes insiding clans.
- If you want to have a friendly fight with your friends, it needs to be on private land away from other players/frontiers/cities.
- No dropping supply signals or luring helicopters in frontiers or cities.
- Only tagged clan members are allowed to have access to clan base/compound and loot.
KOS/PvP Rules
- PVP/RDM/KOS (kill on sight) is only allowed inside of the domes that are scattered around the map.
- Oil rig: Any minicopters off the coast or any boats passed wreckage piles can be shot at. If you are water farming, skip the area near the rig to avoid confusion.
- There is a four person roam limit for PVP locations.
- Outside of the domes, warning shots are not allowed but if you are attacked you can defend.
- Helicopter crash and airdrop is PVP once dome appears (or once airdrop hits ground). If any part of the dome touches a frontier or city, it is not a PVP spot. Loot becomes free for all.
- If you get shot near the dome border, it is your fault. If you don’t want to PVP, do not go near PVP zones. Do not attempt to cheese the dome border to get protection.
- If a player leaves a PVP area, they are no longer allowed to return fire. The person in the PVP zone can continue to shoot until 30 seconds have passed since the last direct hit. Once they leave the PVP zone, they can’t chase and fight. People who leave the PVP zone cannot return to that particular PVP zone (or attached ones) for 5 minutes.
Raiding/Stealing/Defending
- Raiding is only allowed in KOS zones, unclaimed land (check discord to verify it isn’t claimed), during war, or during evictions. Ask an admin before raiding a base on a border line.
- If someone is in your (or friends) base or compound, you can defend if you catch them. If you catch someone in the act of looting a friendly corpse/vehicle/box you can kill them.
- If you are caught stealing, you cannot return fire. You must flee the area.
- Evictions allow people to raid inactive players/groups or people who live on their land. See our full rules for more info.
Build Restrictions
- Planters are limited to 12 for a clan and 6 for a solo.
- Frontier building limitations ⧉. .
- No traps or turrets outside. No SAM sites outside of KOS zones. See full rules for more information.
- TC needs to be accessible via doors or hatch.
- No trap bases are allowed outside the KOS Zones
- The Removal tool is for fixing mistakes only. Cannot be used to get back into a base you lost.
F.A.Q.
General Information
Where can I find the rules?
The full list of rules and other useful information can be found:
- Rust Empires Website: https://rustempires.com/
- Rust Empires Discord: https://discord.gg/qVBnEqJ
What happens if I don’t follow the rules?
Our admin and mod team have various tools to monitor and enforce server rules. Consequences for breaking rules range from a verbal warning to a permanent ban. In serious cases, we may also file Steam/EAC reports where applicable.
What can I do on Rust Empires?
Rust Empires is a unique, structured Rust experience with many possibilities. Some things you can do include:
- Build your dream base without Vanilla limitations.
- Set up a shop to sell goods.
- Explore “No Man’s Land” and Blue/Red-key monuments for PvP action.
- Join or create a clan and engage in politics or shared goals.
- Make friends and socialize in-game.
- Participate in server events (Car Races, Boat Races, Zombie Hunts, Purges, and more).
- Play out your non-disruptive RP fantasy (no weird stuff).
However, disruptive behavior—such as trolling, excessive screaming, or hitting players with your starting rock—will result in in-game punishment. Follow the rules to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Do I have to Roleplay (RP)?
Roleplay is encouraged but not mandatory. Other players are not required to participate in your RP, especially if it involves hostile interactions. However, it’s generally a good idea to keep your real-life identity separate, which is a form of roleplay in itself.
Where can I build?
New players can build immediately in frontier areas or seek out a city to settle in. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Towns & Cities: Some allow private building, while others operate on a rental/shared model. Check with the town’s ruling clan in-game or on Discord.
- Clan Settlements: If you’re quick to make friends, joining a clan may be a good option. Check the #recruitment section in Discord to find a clan or recruit members for your own.
- Unclaimed Land & No Man’s Land: You can build here, but expect to defend it—these areas are open to raiding.
Always check the map and avoid building in claimed land unless you have permission from the owning clan.
Wipes & Schedule
Was this server just wiped? When is the next wipe?
The server wipe schedule is published in the #server-schedule channel on our Discord.
📌 Check here: Rust Empires Discord
What time does the server wipe on wipe day?
The exact wipe time depends on multiple factors, primarily:
- When Facepunch and Oxide release their updates.
- The availability of our admin team for non-release wipes.
🕒 Typical Wipe Time (Not Guaranteed):
- Scheduled Thursdays, usually between 12 PM – 7 PM EST (17:00–23:00 UTC).
- Expect possible delays if Facepunch releases a broken update (which happens frequently).
Do I keep my blueprints after a wipe?
🔹 Blueprints wipe monthly. Check the server schedule in Discord for the next BP wipe date.
What is The Purge?
The Purge is an event that occurs the day before a wipe, starting at 8 PM EST and lasting until the server shuts down for the wipe (usually between 4 PM – 8 PM EST the next day).
During the Purge:
✅ All rules on PvP, raiding, and materials usage are lifted.
✅ Players can attack, raid, and cause chaos using normal game mechanics.
However, the following rules STILL apply:
❌ No griefing or trolling beyond normal raiding.
❌ No racist/sexist language or imagery.
❌ No exploits, hacks, or cheating.
❌ No excessive toxicity—don’t be a dick.
⏰ All times are in Eastern Standard/Daylight Time (EST/EDT).
Server Features
Can I message someone privately in-game?
Yes! Use the /pm command to send a private message and /r to reply.
📌 Command Usage:
/pm <name> <message>– Sends a private message to a player./r <message>– Replies to the last person who sent you a PM.
🔹 Example:
To message a player named “Waffle House”, type:/pm "Waffle House" Top of the morning to you, good sir! May I have some tasty waffles?
To reply:/r Why yes, you can have as many waffles as you can shove down your throat!
🛑 Reminder: Server rules apply to all private messages, both in-game and on Discord.
Advertisements & Announcements
Can I advertise in-game?
Yes! Use the /advert command to announce events, shop openings, or other in-game activities.
📌 Command Usage:
/advert "<message>"– Sends an announcement.
🔹 Examples:
"Gun Shop Now Open in Frontier!""Gladiator Event at 8 PM EST in WaffleTown!"
⚠ Please follow these guidelines:
- Keep messages concise (there’s a character limit).
- Do not spam – limit yourself to one ad every 15 minutes.
- You can also post in the #community-announcements channel on Discord.
Map & Zone Locations
How can I find the various zones (Claimed Land, Cities, Frontier)?
Use the /map command in-game to see the different zones.
🔹 For convenience, bind the map to your “M” key:
- Press F1 to open the console.
- Enter:
bind m LMUI_Control map - Press Enter/Return to confirm.
- Test by pressing M to open the map.
Base Management
Can I remove something in/on my base without destroying it?
Yes! Use the /remove command to remove objects you placed in your base.
📌 Command Usage:
/remove– Activates remove mode for 30 seconds.
⚠ Important Notes:
- You must have placed the object yourself to remove it.
- The /remove command has a cooldown:
- Personal cooldown: 60 seconds before reusing it.
- Global cooldown: At times, it may trigger a server-wide throttle of up to 5 minutes before another player can use it.
Clans
How can I find a clan to join?
- Check the #recruitment channel in Discord for recruitment announcements.
- Players may also announce clan recruitment in-game, especially early in the wipe cycle.
Creating & Managing a Clan
How do I start a clan?
Use the following command in chat:
/clan create "tagname" "description"
🔹 Example:/clan create "WAFFLES" "The Waffle House Clan"
Joining & Leaving a Clan
How do I join a clan?
After receiving an invite, use:
/clan join "tagname"
🔹 Example:/clan join "WAFFLES"
How do I leave a clan?
/clan leave
Clan Communication
How do I talk to my clan members privately in-game?
Use the /c command:
/c <message>
🔹 Example:/c Meet at the outpost in 10 minutes.
Clan Management
To see all clan commands, use:
/clanhelp
How do I invite someone to my clan? (Clan Moderator or Owner only)
/clan invite "playername"
How do I promote a clan member? (Owners only)
/clan promote "playername"
📌 Ranks Available:
- Moderator
- Council
How do I kick a clan member?
/clan kick "playername"
War & Raiding
Can I declare war on another clan? Can I raid a base?
Yes, but there are strict rules regarding war and raiding.
📌 Key Rules:
- No war or raiding for the first 48 hours after a wipe (including twig structures).
- See full details in the War Rules section on Discord.
Land Claims
How can my clan claim land in-game?
Land claiming follows specific Claim Rules. See Discord for the full process and requirements.
Rule Changes & Suggestions
I don’t like a rule and want it changed!
- Some (not all) rules are subject to community votes.
- Thoughtfully post your idea or concern in the #suggestions channel on Discord.
- Whining will not be considered. 😤
Player Reports & Disputes
What should I do if I’ve been illegally KOS’ed, raided, or affected by rule-breaking behavior?
📌 Step 1: Gather Evidence
Before reporting, collect as much evidence as possible:
- Screenshots
- Videos (if available)
- Witnesses (if applicable)
- Time & Approximate Location
- Name of the Suspected Player (if known)
Reporting Process (In Order of Preference)
1️⃣ Request assistance in in-game chat once.
🔹 Example: "Admins – I’d like to report a KOS please."
🔹 If an admin is available, they will reach out using their preferred method.
2️⃣ If no response within 3 minutes, request assistance again in in-game chat.
3️⃣ If no response, report via Discord:
- Tag @admins in the appropriate channel and explain the situation.
- Join the Admin Waiting Room voice channel in Discord (if possible).
4️⃣ If no assistance after 15 minutes, email your report to:
📧 rust.empires.online@gmail.com
- Include all available evidence.
- You will receive assistance when an admin is available.
📌 Note:
- Admins are not always immediately available in-game and may be handling other tasks.
- Spamming chat or harassing admins for assistance will result in a warning and potential further action.
Other Assistance Requests
For non-KOS issues (e.g., vending machine placement, game bugs), use:
📌 Discord Channel: <#staff-help-and-questions>
⚠️ Do NOT use in-game chat for non-urgent issues to prevent chat spam.
What if a troll is causing havoc and no admins/mods are online?
If no staff members are available, try the following:
1️⃣ Disable in-game voice chat
- Adjust volume settings in Rust (
Escape Key > Gear Icon > Audio Settings > Voice Volume = 0). - Use Discord for voice communication.
- General 1 & General 2 voice channels are open to all players.
2️⃣ Ignore the troll
- Do NOT engage them—trolls thrive on attention and disruption.
3️⃣ Report in Discord
- Post a brief summary in the general channel.
- If an admin is available, they may log in to address the issue.
Ban Appeals & Escalations
Can I be unbanned?
- Submit an appeal form [here].
- Allow up to 2 weeks for a response before following up.
I’ve exhausted all options with Admins & Mods. Who can I escalate to?
- Email the server owners:
📧 rust.empires.online@gmail.com - Allow up to 1 week for a response before following up.
Miscellaneous
How Do You Guys Draw Those Awesome Signs?!?
There are three ways to create high-quality sign art in-game:
1️⃣ The Manual Way (Slow Method)
- Use Rustangelo (available on Steam) to draw signs manually.
- This method takes longer but allows for hand-drawn creativity.
2️⃣ The /sil Command (Fast & High-Quality)
- Available exclusively to donors as a thank-you for supporting the community.
- Allows for faster and higher-quality image overlays on signs and picture frames.
3️⃣ Ask for Help from a Mod or Donor
- Many experienced players and mods can help paint signs for you.
- Use the #sign-art channel on Discord to request assistance.
- Be patient—it may take some time for someone to help!
How Do I Become a Donor? And What Perks Do I Get?
💎 Donor Perks & Benefits
- A full list of donor perks can be found [here] (insert link).
🔗 How to Donate
- Support the community and gain perks by becoming a donor via:
👉 Rust Empires Patreon
Thank you for supporting the server! 🎉