How to Connect to a Rust Server via FTP
Last modified on Jan 18, 2023 in rust
Overview
Hosting Rust servers can be an easy way to set up a world to play with others, but for some owners the default gameplay isn’t enough. This leads them to explore ways to configure and customize their server, making the game unique for every player. Whether it’s plugins or worlds, owners use File Transfer Protocol (FTP) to upload and edit their files on the panel. The process is technical and could be complicated for users, especially since there are external programs to hook into your server compared to the web-based method. It can easily become overwhelming and confusing for some owners, as there are limitations and benefits for both FTP options that differ from each other. For example, using an application to make the connection allows for larger file transfers. Due to the possible challenges and range of information, we’ll review how to make an FTP connection to your Rust server in this Apex Hosting tutorial.
Rust FTP Connection
Establishing FTP connections requires crucial information to work, such as the host’s address, port, client’s username, and password. These details are assigned to every Rust server, which could change depending on the situation. For example, if you switch server locations then the address would switch. Keep this in mind, as using wrong information to make the connection results in failure. As for the FTP methods to do this, there are two: the online panel and an external program. The first is by far the easiest to access and navigate since there are no prior downloads or required details to login, besides your password for security reasons. Alternatively, using an application to make an FTP connection allows for faster upload speed, large file transfers, and a direct line from your computer to the server. This is certainly the best option when connecting to your Rust server via the protocol, as it has more benefits than the online version. Although, we’ll get into the specifics for each method down below to give you more of an idea.
Online Panel
The web-based FTP area is the most popular choice for server configurations, as it easily allows you to login on the panel. Unfortunately, not every file is viewable due to limitations, but configurable ones can be smoothly done with our web-editor. Although, you wouldn’t be able to upload or download really large files. This can pose some problems, especially if Rust plugins and worlds take a long time to transfer to the server. Regardless of these downsides, most of the time there are no problems. This is due to our panel’s design and that most files aren’t typically large. With this said, let’s find out how to connect to your Rust server through this method.
- Head towards your Apex server panel and click FTP File Access near the top left corner.
- Use your password to log into this area, then all your server files will be displayed.
- From here, you can press Edit to the right of specific files to view or configure them.
Otherwise, download them by clicking their filename unless it doesn’t allow you due to file size issues.
External Program
As previously mentioned, an external FTP program allows for faster download and upload speeds, plus larger file sizes. There are two good applications to try, FileZilla and Cyberduck, which work by using your server details to make a connection. Due to the benefits of using these or other programs, it’s the suggested method for accessing your files. Although, it can be a bit tricky at first to get connected since it involves your server information. Let’s explore how to make this successful FTP connection to your Rust server.
- Download an external FTP program, such as FileZilla, then open it.
- Once opened, navigate towards your server panel and click FTP File Access.
- Copy the
FTP Address,Port,Username, and your password. - Return to the downloaded program and enter the login details accordingly.
- Afterward, press Quickconnect or similar buttons to make the connection.
- If successful, you may now view, upload, download, and edit all your server files.
Important Files
Once you have connected to the FTP area for your Rust server, you will immidiately notice several files present. Each will have a different use, however some of these directories will be more beneficial than others. Whether your goal is to add plugins, modify your world, adjust configurations, or more, all of this is possible. This is excellent for manually wiping specific world data, adding a custom map found online, or creating admin groups. While the number of folders can be overwhelming at first, the most notable ones include:
The world data is an integral part of a Rust server, which is where all of the structures, random generation, and player information is stored. By accessing the /server/ folder, you can find any of your Rust worlds and modify them accordingly. Whether you aim to download, upload, or wipe a world, the files can be modified here. The .map and .sav files are used for your world, while the .db files are player data.
If the Enable uMod Support option is enabled on the panel, the Oxide folder will contain several subfolders that can be used to modify the server even further, primarily through adding plugins. Using each respective folder, you can adjust plugin configs, data, language, view logs, and add the plugins themselves. Additionally, the oxide.config.json can be modified to change the groups and behavior of uMod as a whole.
Common Issues
Unable to FTP Connect
If you’re unable to establish a successful connection to your FTP server, then it’s likely that the Address is incorrect. This is due to the common problem of using the server’s IP address, rather than the FTP variant. However, if this isn’t the case, then double-check the Port and Username. The latter tends to have numbers after your account’s name, which is commonly missed. The last popular misconception is that your password is the server panel’s one, meaning there isn’t another type to use. Confirm all this information is correct to successfully connect.
Files Stopped Uploading
Failed file transfers happen when there’s a problem with the file size. For instance, if you’re trying to upload a 1GB file through the web-based FTP panel, then it may stop uploading. This is caused by the indirect method for accessing the files, but an external program is a direct way. Using this would allow larger uploads with faster speed, so the only time it fails is if you have connectivity issues. Otherwise, it’d be the server’s machine having slight problems with file transfers. With that being said, redo the process on multiple programs if the online panel fails.
Missing Data
Similar to failed file transfers, uploading large amounts of data could lead to problems. Missing files happen when a large upload encounters a hiccup during its processing. In other words, keep the transfers reasonable and not too high in memory. However, in rare cases the files would upload without problems, but lack content. This means the file’s size would be zero, with no settings or text in it. The best way to transfer these kinds of files is through a program with stable connections, but zipping them might help reduce risk while uploading. Applications such as WinRAR or 7zip compresses data into one singular file, making missed data less likely to happen.
Useful Links
Additional FTP Information
FileZilla Download
How to Add Plugins to Rust Servers
Uploading Custom Worlds on a Rust Server
