Rust displays your server’s hostname in the server browser. Change it by setting the server.hostname convar in one of three places: the startup command, the server’s server.cfg, or the live console/RCON session.
Godlike.Host offers hosted Rust servers with its own game panel, SFTP access and free DDoS protection, if you would rather not host it yourself.
For a name that returns after every restart, use the startup configuration or server.cfg. A console or RCON change is immediate, but its persistence across restarts is not reliably established. Because sources disagree about which startup setting takes precedence, define the hostname in one location only.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Recommended Free Tools
What the Rust hostname controls
The hostname is the server name players see while browsing Rust servers. It is controlled by the server.hostname convar; it is separate from the server description, world seed, map name, and administrator identity.
You can change the value while the server is running, or define it before startup. The correct syntax depends on where you enter it:
#1 Best Overall
- BLUE LIGHT BLOCKING GLASSES: Our blue light glasses for women boast UV400 protection, blocking harmful blue rays from computer screens. With these bluelight glasses women, you can enjoy gaming, reading, or watching TV with no worries of eye strain.
- EYE RELIEF: Our blue light glasses are engineered to reduce blurry vision or strain caused by prolonged screen time. These womens blue light glasses aid in better sleep by preventing blue light from disrupting your natural sleep cycle, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night's sleep, making them the perfect christmas present.
- COMFORTABLE: Crafted from durable material, our trendy blue light glasses for woman or blue light glasses men ensure long-lasting comfort. The high-transmittance lenses accessories, gamer gifts for men, help keep your eyes relaxed. Perfect stocking stuffers, gifts for gamers men, christmas gifts for men, halloween costumes.
- LIGHTWEIGHT: These clear blue light glasses feature a lightweight frame, meaning they’ll stay comfy for long-term wear. Perfect as blue blockers glasses for women or mens blue light glasses, these non-prescription fake glasses for men can be worn throughout the day. The blue light blocking glasses women feature polycarbonate HD lenses, which are anti-reflective and restore true color.
- WORRY-FREE PURCHASE: If you experience any issues, our support team is ready to assist you quickly. These are the perfect costume glasses for cosplay dressing up.
- Startup command:
+server.hostname "Your Server Name" server.cfg:server.hostname "Your Server Name"without the leading plus sign- Live console or RCON:
server.hostname "New Name"
Use quotation marks whenever the name contains spaces. Keep the final name concise and easy to read in a crowded server list.
Which method should you use?
| Method | Where you enter it | When it takes effect | Restart required | Persistence | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launch parameter | Startup script, service definition, or hosting-panel launch field | At the next start | No additional restart beyond applying the edited startup command | Designed to be reapplied on every start | Self-hosted servers and panels that expose the launch command |
server.cfg |
The configuration file in the active server identity’s cfg folder |
At the next start | Yes | Designed to persist | A central file for server settings |
| Live console or RCON | Server console or an authenticated RCON client | Immediately | No for the live display | Confirm on your build; persistence across restarts is unconfirmed | Testing a name or making a temporary change |
If you administer the machine yourself, server.cfg is usually easiest to audit. If a service manager or control panel regenerates the command line, the launch parameter may be the only setting that survives its deployment process. Do not put different hostnames in both places while diagnosing a problem.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Before you edit anything
- Identify the active server instance. Rust servers can run with different identities, and each identity can have its own configuration directory.
- Save a backup. Copy the startup script or existing configuration file before editing it. A plain-text backup lets you restore the previous value quickly.
- Check your access method. You need permission to edit the launch command or files, or valid console/RCON credentials for a live change.
- Know your deployment model. A self-hosted service may use a shell script or system service; a managed host may present a startup-arguments box and a file manager instead.
- Use one source of truth. Remove or comment out an old hostname before adding a new one elsewhere.
Method 1: Set the hostname on the launch command
A launch parameter is read when Rust starts. Add the parameter to the same command that starts the server, after the executable and alongside your other +server. settings.
- Stop the Rust server or open the service’s startup configuration without launching a second instance.
- Locate the complete startup command. Depending on the installation, it may be a shell or batch script, a system-service entry, or a hosting-panel field labeled startup arguments.
- Add this argument, replacing the text inside the quotes:
+server.hostname "Your Server Name" - Keep the leading
+. It tells the launch process to apply the convar during startup. - Quote names containing spaces. For example:
+server.hostname "North America | Vanilla | No Wipe" - Save the command and start the server again.
- Open the server browser and search for the exact name. If you can connect through RCON, query the current value there as an additional check.
Do not add a second hostname argument with a different value. When both a command-line value and a server.cfg value exist, published guidance conflicts: the official Rust wiki is summarized as giving server.cfg priority, while a more recent hosting test reported the launch line winning. Treat that precedence as unresolved for your build and define the convar in only one place.
Rank #2
- WINDEX GAMING WIPES: effortlessly clean all your gaming gear and gaming electronics in one easy step with our new Windex Gaming Wipes
- AMMONIA FREE: our ammonia-free formula is safe to use on all of your favorite gaming equipment like consoles, headsets, controllers, screens, keyboards, and more
- PRE-MOISTENED WIPES: each wipe instantly removes dust, dirt, and stubborn smudges and fingerprints leaving a streak-free shine
- ANTI-STATIC: great for cleaning and wiping down your gaming gear and electronics leaving behind no visible residue
- COMPACT RESEALABLE PACKAGE: store your pack of Windex Gaming Wipes anywhere in your home for whenever a quick and easy wipedown is needed
Method 2: Set the hostname in server.cfg
The configuration-file form is almost the same command, but it does not use the launch-line plus sign. Put the setting on its own line:
server.hostname "Your Server Name"Find the active configuration directory
The official wiki places the file under the running server identity, in a path such as rust/server/server.identity/cfg/. A separate guide uses server/main/cfg/ when the identity is named main. The exact directory therefore depends on the identity and build. An older Experimental-era discussion mentioned a root-level cfg folder; do not use that historical location unless it is the path used by your current installation.
Look for the directory that belongs to the identity passed to your server’s startup configuration. If your panel exposes a “Files,” “Configuration,” or “Server identity” view, use that identity rather than searching for an unrelated cfg folder elsewhere on the machine.
Create or edit the file
- Stop the server, or follow your host’s documented safe-edit procedure.
- Open the active identity’s
cfgdirectory. - Open
server.cfg. Community notes indicate that Rust does not necessarily create this file automatically, so create a plain-text file with exactly that filename if it is missing. - Add the hostname on its own line, with no leading
+:server.hostname "Your Server Name" - Save the file as plain text. Check that your editor did not append a second extension such as
.txt. - Start or restart the server. Configuration-file edits are read on restart; they are not a live change.
- Verify the displayed name in the browser or by checking the running console.
Keep one hostname declaration in the file. If you are migrating from a launch argument, remove the old argument or remove the file entry, rather than leaving two competing values.
Rank #3
- Ergonomic & Adjustable Design: Fight "text neck" and improve your posture. Designed for comfort, it offers an adjustable height (7.1in-8.5in) (1.4in adjustable range) and angle (5°-85°) Please note: cell phone stand is only 9 inches tall—the length of a standard pencil
- Without blocking subtitles Perfect for office desk Tiktok Face Time Zoom video—this is the ultimate kitchen desk essential for phones! Perfect viewing experience while reducing neck back strain, A must-have for gamers streamers desk, and anyone who values both style and support!
- Sleek & Stable Design fits Otterbox Case: Say goodbye to bent cables, tangles, and tip-overs! LISEN’s stylish adjustable desk phone holder features a built-in charging hole and smart cable management, keeping your phone secure and your workspace clutter-free cool gadgets for men
- ANTI-SLIP DESIGN free hands: The under 10.00 items easy gadgets back and the bottom of this kitchen essentials for women are fully covered by anti-skid silicone, which LISEN stand up desk decor can provide maximum protection device from any scratches and slides
- Your Perfect Viewing Companion:If your product arrives damaged or breaks within 365 days, reach out to LISEN for a quick and hassle-free solution. Struggling with assembly, like tightening the screw? We’ve got your back! Your experience matters to us. (Product including: phone Holder stand*1, screw*1, hexagon screwdriver*1, specification*1)
Method 3: Change it through the live console or RCON
A console or authenticated RCON client can set the value while the process is running. Enter:
server.hostname "New Name"- Connect to the server’s local console or RCON endpoint with an account that can run server commands.
- Send the command exactly as shown, replacing
New Name. - Watch for the new value to be echoed or otherwise acknowledged. One documented source reports that the console echoes the new value on success.
- Refresh the server browser or reconnect to confirm that clients can see the change.
- After the next restart, check the name again. A live command’s persistence is not confirmed across all builds and deployments.
Use this method to test a proposed name or make an urgent correction. If the name must survive a restart, copy the confirmed value into the launch configuration or server.cfg and restart deliberately.
Panel-managed servers
Control panels commonly expose one or more of the same underlying mechanisms: a startup-arguments field, a file editor for server.cfg, and a console window. The labels differ, but the Rust syntax does not.
- If the panel has a startup-arguments field, add
+server.hostname "Your Server Name"and perform the panel’s restart action. - If it provides a file manager, locate the active identity’s
cfgdirectory and addserver.hostname "Your Server Name"toserver.cfg, then restart. - If it provides only a console, use
server.hostname "New Name"and treat the change as temporary until verified after a restart. - Some panels regenerate startup commands when you reinstall or change an installation profile. Recheck the saved argument after such an operation.
Do not assume that a panel’s general “server name” field maps to Rust’s hostname. Confirm that it writes the server.hostname convar or use the explicit command in the panel’s startup or console interface.
Rank #4
- Easy Installation: Our gaming lights have been designed to enhance your entertainment experience. Simply position the led light bar next to your TV or game console to create a game room environment with ease. They come with USB power and a 60 inch cord for direct mounting and mobility
- Audio Syncing & Extensive Mode: The built-in high-sensitivity music sensor allows you to sync the TV led lights to your favorite music. Lights react and move to the beat of music, film and game audio, creating an incredible immersive sound and light experience – and all without the need for an additional hub. You can choose from 64+ patterns, including strobe, illusion, jump, energy, gradient, running, chasing, fluttering mode etc. Each mode can be applied to different scenes
- 64+ Chasing IC+RGB & W Effect: The independent control design of IC+RGB and white all-in-one multifunctional rgbw led bar lights monitor backlight allows you to easily switch the led lights for desk between IC+RGB and white to enjoy a variety of lighting effects, you can choose white lighting mode with high brightness for better illumination when working, etc. Choose IC+RGB lighting mode when you need to create an entertaining atmosphere for the light show, 16 million colours of Color changing rgb light bar let you dance to the beat and create a dynamic party atmosphere
- Dynamic and Dimmable Lights: 1%-full brightness free brightness adjustment gives you the flexibility to adjust dimmable led light bar for room decorations or a variety of occasions
- USB Powered: USB light bars for room can be powered by powernank, usb charger, TV, Monitor, laptop PC mainframe, making behind TV led lighting bar easy to install in any location.TV led lights are powered by the TV usb interface / PC mainframe, can be turned on/off synchronously with TV / PC
Why the name is not changing
The command was entered in the wrong format
A leading + belongs on a launch command, not inside server.cfg or a live console. Conversely, omitting the + from a startup argument can prevent the launch process from applying the setting. Spaces require quotation marks in all three contexts.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The server was not restarted after a file edit
Saving server.cfg does not reload it automatically. Stop and start the server, then check the browser after it has finished loading.
You edited the wrong identity or build directory
Compare the identity named by your startup configuration with the directory you edited. A valid-looking server.cfg in another identity will have no effect on the running instance. Also check that the file is named exactly server.cfg and is not server.cfg.txt.
A second setting is overriding your value
Search the launch command and the active configuration file for every occurrence of server.hostname. Because available sources disagree about command-line versus file precedence, remove duplicates instead of trying to predict which one wins.
Best Value
- Compatible with Wide Screens - To ensure compatibility with the dual monitor mount, your each monitor must meet three conditions at the same time: First, computer screens size range: 13 to 32 inches. Second, screen weight range: 4.4 to 19.8 lbs. Third, the back of the monitor screen must have VESA mounting holes with a pitch of 75x75mm or 100x100mm.
- Regarding the compatibility with desks - Your desk must meet three conditions at the same time: First, desk material: Only wooden desks are recommended, plastic or glass desks cannot be used. Second, desk thickness range: 0.59" - 3.54". Third, the bottom of the desk should not have any cross beams or panels, as this will interfere with installation. We recommend carefully checking that your desk and monitors meets all above conditions before purchasing.
- Dual C-Clamp Hold - Worried your dual monitors might wobble or slip? Our upgraded base uses a larger platform plus a dual C-clamp structure to lock the dual monitor arm firmly to your desk. Each arm safely keeps your screens steady while you type, click and game—no shaking, no sliding, just a clean and secure setup you can trust every day. It also provides Grommet Mounting installation choice, both options ensure stable and secure fixation for your 0.59" - 3.54" desk.
- Full-Motion Adjustment For Comfortable View - Pull the screen closer when you’re deep in a spreadsheet, push it back to watch videos, or rotate to portrait for coding — moving everything smoothly with just one hand. The monitor stand offers +85°/-50° tilt, ±90° swivel and 360° rotation. Raise your monitor up to 15.75″ to support a healthy sitting posture. Whether you’re working from home, gaming through the night, or switching between video calls and documents, getting the screens to your natural line of sight helps relieve neck, shoulder and back strain so you can stay focused longer with less fatigue.
- Keep Your Desk Organized: By lifting both screens off the desktop, this dual monitor stand opens up valuable space for your keyboard, notebook, docking station or a simple, clutter-free work area. Built-in cable management guides wires along the arms, keeping cords out of sight and out of the way. Enjoy a tidy, modern workstation that looks as good as it feels to use.
The browser is showing stale information
Allow time for the server list to refresh, search by the new full name, and reconnect your client if necessary. Verify the value from the running console or RCON rather than relying only on a cached browser result.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The live value disappeared after a restart
This indicates that the console/RCON change was not persisted by the deployment. Put the value in the startup command or active server.cfg, restart, and verify again.
Name length and character choices
A hosting provider advises keeping the hostname under 40 characters and avoiding special characters for reliable display. That is vendor guidance, not a published Facepunch rule, so treat it as a compatibility recommendation rather than a hard engine limit.
- Put the server’s identifying information first; long suffixes may be truncated in a browser column.
- Use ordinary letters, numbers, spaces, hyphens, and vertical bars when possible.
- Avoid unusual symbols if players report garbled text or if a panel rewrites the value.
- Test the exact spelling, capitalization, and spacing you want players to search for.
Changing the hostname does not rename the server identity, alter saved worlds, reset a map, or change the description. Those are separate settings and should be edited independently.
A reliable verification checklist
- Confirm that the intended value appears in exactly one persistent location: the launch command or
server.cfg. - Restart the server if you changed a file or startup argument.
- Check the startup or console output for the hostname being applied.
- Query the live console/RCON value when available.
- Search the Rust browser using a distinctive part of the name and wait for the listing to refresh.
- Restart once more during a maintenance window to prove that the name survives a full process restart.
Rust’s convar behavior can change between game-server builds. If a current build behaves differently from the steps above, consult the current Facepunch Rust wiki and your host’s documentation, then keep the configuration in one clearly identified location.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesQuick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
