Run a custom Rust map on your server: host the .map file on Dropbox, install uMod (Oxide) and Rust Edit, then paste the direct download link into Custom Map URL in server.cfg.
Custom maps, made in RustEdit or bought from a map maker, give your server its own monuments, terrain and layout. You need the map's .map file and a few minutes in the game panel.
Add a custom Rust map to your server
- Upload the
.mapfile to Dropbox and get a shared link. - Stop the server, go to the Mod Manager and install uMod(Oxide) and Rust Edit.
- Then go to Configuration Files and use the Config Editor on
server.cfg. - Look for Custom Map Settings and tick the checkbox.
- Copy your Dropbox link into Custom Map URL and change the
?dl=0on the end of the link to?dl=1. - Click Save & Exit and Start your server.
Why ?dl=1? A link ending in ?dl=0 opens a Dropbox preview page, while ?dl=1 makes it a direct download, which is what the server needs to fetch the map. Newer Dropbox links have extra parts such as &rlkey=... before the end: keep those and only change the dl=0 part to dl=1.
The server and every player download the map from that link, so keep the file in Dropbox for as long as the map is in use. If you delete or move it, the server can't load the map after its next restart.
Custom Rust map questions
Why do I need uMod (Oxide) and Rust Edit for a custom Rust map?
Many custom maps use RustEdit features (for example working electrics or NPC spawners in custom monuments) that need the Rust Edit extension, which runs on top of uMod (Oxide). Install both from the Mod Manager before you set the map, as shown in step 2.
Do I have to wipe for a new map?
A new map is a new world, so bases and items from the old map don't carry over. Most owners switch maps on wipe day. See how to update and wipe your Rust server on the monthly forced wipe.
How do I go back to the normal procedural map?
Stop the server, open server.cfg with the Config Editor, untick Custom Map Settings, then press Save & Exit and start the server again.
Want your own Rust server? GTX Rust servers come with a game panel, a one-click Mod Manager for uMod (Oxide) and custom map support: see Rust server hosting.
Related guides
Any questions, or need a hand with your map? Our support team is available 24/7: Open a support ticket.
