Fix: Rust Crashing When Joining Server

2018’s Rust is one of the well-known multiplayer-only survival video games by Facepunch Studios that has received plenty of positive reviews on Steam. In this title, players will have to survive to the last from all odds and manage shelter as well as food from the island’s wildlife which may seem easy but can be quite difficult to keep going with your teammates. Meanwhile, several Rust players are facing the Crashing issue When Joining the Server.

Now, if you’re also one of the victims to encounter such an issue then make sure to follow this troubleshooting guide to resolve it. Multiple reports claim that the Rust game is crashing at startup and while trying to join the server online. Well, the sad part is that it’s a multiplayer-only video game. If you’re encountering the server connectivity issue, then there is no other way to get into the gameplay unless you fix the issue manually.

Why is Rust Crashing While Joining the Server?

Talking about the crashing issue while joining the game server, it seems that there are several possible reasons applicable, such as the incompatibility of PC configuration, an outdated graphics driver, an outdated Windows version, an outdated networking driver, an outdated DirectX version, an outdated game version, etc. Whereas missing or corrupted game files, issues with the overlay apps, unnecessary background tasks, and more can be a reason.

Additionally, issues with the startup apps, antivirus or security blocking issues, performance-related issues, conflicts with the virtual memory, and more can also trigger crashes while getting into the matchmaking process.

Fix: Rust Crashing When Joining the Server

Luckily, here we’ve shared a couple of potential workarounds for you that should come in handy. So, without wasting any more time, let’s get into it.

1. Check System Requirements

First, you should check for the system requirements below that will be necessary to run the Rust game properly on your Windows computer. An incompatible system configuration won’t run the game smoothly and might trigger several issues in most scenarios.

Minimum System Requirements:

Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 8.1 64bit
Processor: Intel Core i7-3770 / AMD FX-9590 or better
Memory: 10 GB RAM
Graphics: GTX 670 2GB / AMD R9 280 better
DirectX: Version 11
Network: Broadband Internet connection
Storage: 20 GB available space
Additional Notes: SSD is highly recommended or expect longer than average load times

Recommended System Requirements:

Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 10 64bit
Processor: Intel Core i7-4690K / AMD Ryzen 5 1600
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: GTX 980 / AMD R9 Fury
DirectX: Version 12
Network: Broadband Internet connection
Storage: 20 GB available space
Additional Notes: SSD is highly recommended

2. Run the Rust game as an Administrator

You should also run the Rust game executable file as an administrator on the system to allow the User Account Control (UAC) access. It basically prevents the application to run properly if the required permissions are not granted. You can follow the steps below to grant permission.

Right-click on the Rust application on your PC.
Select Properties > Click on the Compatibility tab.

Make sure to click on the Run this program as an administrator checkbox to select it.
Once done, click on Apply > Then select OK to save changes.

Make sure to do the same steps for the Steam client also. It’ll help the Steam launcher to run the game without any interruption from UAC.

3. Update Graphics Drivers

You should always check and update the graphics driver to the latest version to avoid potential bugs, glitches, and incompatibility issues. An outdated GPU driver might trigger program launching issues which are required graphics resources to run smoothly on the Windows system. You can follow the steps below to do so:

Press the Win+X keys to open the Quick Link Menu.
Click on Device Manager from the list.
Double-click on the Display adapters category to expand the list.

Device Manager Update Display Adapter

Now, right-click on the dedicated graphics card name.
Select Update driver > Choose Search automatically for drivers.
If an update is available, it’ll automatically download and install the latest version.
Wait for it to complete > reboot your computer to apply changes.

Alternatively, you can manually download the latest graphics driver version and install it on the PC via the official website. Make sure to download the graphics driver file respective to your graphics card model and manufacturer. Nvidia graphics card users can update the GeForce Experience app via the Nvidia official site and AMD graphics card users can visit the AMD website for the same. At the same time, Intel graphics users can visit here.

4. Use a Dedicated Graphics Card

The chances are high that you’re not using the dedicated external graphics card on your system to run the Rust game and that’s why the game is finding issues with launching or connecting to the servers. Make sure to follow the steps below to use the dedicated graphics card on your Windows machine (if any). If in case, you’re a laptop then there is no need to follow this method.

For Nvidia GPU:

Right-click on the desktop blank screen > Click on NVIDIA Control Panel.
Click on 3D settings > Select Manage 3D settings in the left pane.
Select the Program Settings tab.
Choose Rust from the drop-down list.
Now, select a High-performance NVIDIA processor.
Save changes and reboot the PC to apply changes.

For AMD GPU:

Right-click on the Desktop blank screen > Select AMD Radeon Settings from the context menu.
Now, click on System > Select Switchable Graphics.
Make sure to save changes and reboot the PC to apply changes.

5. Update Rust

If you haven’t updated your Rust game for a while and having some issues with launching or connecting to the servers then make sure to follow the steps below to update the game patch version to the latest version. An outdated game version might trigger multiple conflicts that we can’t deny.

Open the Steam client > Go to Library.
Click on Rust from the left pane > It’ll automatically search for the available update.
If there is an update available, click on Update.
Wait for some time to install the update.
Once done, exit the Steam launcher, and reboot the PC.

6. Verify and Repair Game Files

Sometimes issues with the corrupted or missing game files on the PC might trouble you a lot with the game launching and connecting to the servers. Verifying and repairing the installed game files on the system is recommended by following the steps below to fix several issues.

Launch the Steam client > Click on Library.
Right-click on Rust from the list of installed games.
Click on Properties > Go to Local Files.

Click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.
You’ll have to wait for the process until it gets completed.
Once done, reboot your PC to apply changes.

7. Close Background Running Tasks

Well, you should know that a couple of unnecessary background running tasks or programs on the system might consume a lot o system resources such as CPU/Memory usage that can reduce system performances. Therefore, you can always check for unnecessary background tasks and close them by following the steps below to free up some system resources.

Press the Ctrl+Shift+Esc keys to open the Task Manager.
Click on the Processes tab > Click on a particular task consuming higher resources.
Now, click on End Task to close the same.
Do the same steps for each unnecessary task one by one.
Once done, restart your PC to apply changes.

8. Update Windows

An outdated system version can always cause issues with the program launching, system performance, connectivity with the online services, and more. You can follow the steps below to easily check for the Windows update manually and install the latest version.

Press the Win+I keys to open the Windows Settings menu.
Click on Update & Security > Click on Windows Update.
Select Check for updates > If an update is available, select Download and Install.
Wait for the process to complete and reboot the PC to apply changes.

9. Reinstall DirectX (Latest)

In some cases, missing or an outdated DirectX version can also occur multiple issues with the game launching and connecting to the servers. You should reinstall the DirectX version on your computer from the official Microsoft website. Just download and install the package from the installer wizard. Remember that you’ll require DirectX 12 or above to run the Rust game properly.

10. Disable Windows Firewall or Antivirus Program

Sometimes your antivirus program or firewall protection on the Windows system can prevent the game files from connecting to the ongoing servers and might prevent the application from launching correctly. It’s highly recommended to disable the security protection temporarily and then check for the issue again.

Click on the Start Menu > Type firewall.
Select Windows Defender Firewall from the search result.
Now, click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off from the left pane.

A new page will open > Select the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) option for both the Private & Public Network Settings.

Once selected, click on OK to save changes.
Finally, restart your computer.

Next, you’ll need to disable the Windows Security protection on the PC. To do so:

Press the Win+I keys to open the Windows Settings menu.
Click on Update & Security > Click on Windows Security from the left pane.

Now, click on the Open Windows Security button.
Go to Virus & threat protection > Click on Manage settings.

You’ll have to turn off the Real-time protection option.
When prompted, click on Yes to proceed further.

Note: You can also turn off cloud-delivered protection and Tamper protection from Windows Defender if you want.

11. Set High Performance in Power Options

The chances are high that somehow your machine isn’t performing well due to the balanced power management option. The balanced power management option basically prevents extra consumption of power and offers a balanced performance in day-to-day usage. But if you’re a hardcore gamer and don’t want to compromise with the performance then you can follow the steps below to set the Power Options to High-Performance mode.

Click on the Start Menu > Type Control Panel and open it from the search result.
Go to Hardware and Sound > Select Power Options.
Click on High Performance to select it.
Ensure to reboot the PC to apply changes.

12. Perform a Clean Boot

Some of the apps and their services may start automatically while booting the system right away. In that case, those apps or services will definitely gonna use a lot of internet connection as well as system resources. If you’re also feeling the same, make sure to perform a clean boot on your computer to check for the issue. To do that:

Press the Win+R keys to open the Run dialog box.
Type msconfig and hit Enter to open System Configuration.
Go to the Services tab > Select the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox.

Click on Disable all > Click on Apply and then OK to save changes.
Now, go to the Startup tab > Click on Open Task Manager.
Go to the Startup tab in the Task Manager.
Click on the particular task that has a higher startup impact.
Once selected, click on Disable to turn them off from the startup process.
Do the same steps for each program that has a higher startup impact.
Once done, ensure to reboot your PC to apply changes.

13. Try Disabling Overlay Apps

The chances are high that some overlay applications might trigger game launching issues or performance issues whatsoever. You should turn them off to fix the issue by following the steps below:

Disable Steam Overlay:

Open the Steam client > Go to Library.
Right-click on Rust > Click on Properties.
Click on Enable Steam Overlay while in-game under the GENERAL tab to uncheck it.

Disable Discord Overlay:

Launch the Discord app > Click on the gear icon at the bottom.
Click on Overlay under App Settings > Turn on the Enable in-game overlay.
Click on the Games tab > Select Rust.
Finally, turn off the Enable in-game overlay toggle.
Make sure to reboot your PC to apply changes.

Disable Xbox Game Bar:

Press the Win+I keys to open Windows Settings.
Click on Gaming > Go to Game Bar > Turn Off Record game clips, screenshots, and broadcasts using the Game bar option.

If in case, you’re unable to find the Xbox Game Bar option, search for it from the Windows Settings menu.

Disable Nvidia GeForce Experience Overlay:

Launch the Nvidia GeForce Experience app > Go to Settings.
Click on the General tab > Disable the In-Game Overlay option.
Finally, restart the PC to apply changes and relaunch the game.

Also, do keep in mind that you should disable some other overlay apps like MSI Afterburner, Rivatuner, RGB software, or any other third-party overlay apps that run in the background always.

14. Opt-Out of Steam Beta

According to some affected Steam users, registering for the Steam Beta program may cause conflicts or server connectivity issues. You should opt out of the Steam Beta program by following the steps below to check if that helps or not. To do so:

Open your Steam client > Click on Steam from the top left corner.
Now, click on Settings from the list > Select the Account menu from the left side.
Click on the Change button under Beta participation.
Select None – Opt-out of all beta programs from the drop-down list.
Once done, reboot the Steam client.

15. Set CPU Affinity via Task Manager

You can try setting up the CPU Affinity via Task Manager if your processor runs a 6-12 core architecture. Set the CPU Affinity by following the steps below accordingly to reduce frame drops or stutters in the game.

Press the Ctrl+Shift+Esc keys to open Task Manager.
Now, click on the Details tab > Right-click on the Rust process.
Click on Set Affinity > Manually tickmark the CPU cores to use as CPU 0, 1, 2, 3.
Click on OK to save changes.
You should also reboot the PC to apply changes.

16. Increase Virtual Memory

If none of the methods worked for you, ensure to increase the virtual memory manually on the PC by following the steps below to confirm whether the virtual RAM works well with the Rust game.

Open Control Panel from the Windows Start menu > Go to System.
Click on Advanced system settings > Go to the Advanced tab.
Open Settings under Performance > Click on the Advanced tab.
Click on Change under Virtual memory.
Now, click on Disable next to the Automatically manage paging file size for all drivers option.
Then you’ll need to select a Custom size > Type in a higher value of your actual RAM size in both initial and maximum sizes. [For example, if you’ve 8GB RAM then input 12000 MB]

Note: Kindly enter the RAM value in MB size. 1GB means 1024MB in storage. So, do accordingly, and use C: drive where Windows is installed.

Click on OK to save changes and restart your PC.
Once done, you can reboot the PC to apply changes.

That’s it, guys. We assume this guide was helpful to you. For further queries, you can comment below.