GameSentry runs your Rust server through RCON, the remote console every Rust server has. Once the server is added, GameSentry stays connected day and night. Chat, kills, joins, F7 reports and server stats are recorded even when no staff member has GameSentry open, and automation keeps running in the background.
Rust RCON password setup
Your server needs an RCON port and an RCON password. Most hosts show both in their control panel. If you start the server yourself, set them on the startup line:
- +rcon.port 28016 sets the RCON port. It is usually the game port plus one, so 28015 becomes 28016.
- +rcon.password "YourPassword" sets the password. Pick a long one.
- +rcon.web 1 turns on web RCON, which is what GameSentry uses. It is on by default, so only change it if your startup line says +rcon.web 0.
Rust web RCON can't receive a password with spaces, accented letters or the characters # % \ " < > ^ ` { | }. GameSentry tells you when you save the server. Pick another password and set it as rcon.password on your server too.
Connect it to GameSentry
- 1
In your organization, add the server and pick it from the list.
- 2
When asked how to verify ownership, choose RCON.
- 3
Enter the RCON port and the RCON password. The password is stored encrypted and never shown again.
- 4
Select Complete. GameSentry tests the connection straight away and tells you if the details are wrong.
You can change the port or password later in the server's Settings. They are tested again before they are saved.
What happens over time
- If the server restarts or the connection drops, GameSentry reconnects on its own, usually within a minute.
- If you deactivate a server, GameSentry disconnects and stops recording it.
- Reports, chat and kills sent while GameSentry was disconnected are not recorded, so a working connection matters.
RCON not connecting
| Problem | What to check |
|---|
| Connection refused | RCON is enabled on the server and you entered the RCON port, not the game port |
| Wrong password | The password matches the server's startup settings exactly, including capital letters |
| Times out | The RCON port is open for incoming TCP in your host's firewall or control panel |
| Fails with a correct password | The password has no spaces, accented letters or # % \ " < > ^ ` { | }, and +rcon.web is not set to 0 |
| Local address | GameSentry connects over the internet, so use the server's public IP. Addresses such as 127.0.0.1 or 192.168.x.x cannot be reached |
| Shows offline while running | The server may have restarted, the password changed, or the host moved the IP or port |
Some hosts only allow RCON after you turn it on in their control panel. Check there first if every attempt times out.
Everything GameSentry does for Rust servers is on one page: Rust admin tool and web RCON panel.
