How to change game mode on a Rust server

Add +server.gamemode softcore to the server's launch options to run softcore. Use vanilla or hardcore for the other modes.

server.gamemode

Sets the game mode the server runs, such as vanilla, softcore or hardcore.

+server.gamemode <mode>

Examples

+server.gamemode softcore

Run the Softcore mode.

+server.gamemode hardcore

Run the Hardcore mode.

Arguments

modeRequired: Short name of the game mode, for example vanilla, softcore or hardcore.

What it does

A game mode applies its own rule set on top of the normal settings, for example Softcore's reclaim and Hardcore's reduced map and UI. Set it on the launch line so it applies from the first start of a wipe; switching modes on a running world is not recommended.

The game's own description: Short name of the game mode to activate on this server (e.g. 'softcore', 'hardcore'); applies convar overrides defined by that game mode's prefab

Good to know

Leave it empty for the standard game.

Run it on your server

Type it in the server console or send it over RCON; admins can also use the F1 console in game. To keep a setting, run server.writecfg after changing it, or put it on the launch line as +name value.

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game server.

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