Question 1

Can I migrate an existing server from another host?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The standard approach is to download your server files from your current host (via FTP or their file manager), then upload them to your Zeros Host server using the File Manager or SFTP. For Minecraft: download your world folder(s) and plugins directory, upload them to the same paths on the new server. If you were running a specific server JAR version, match it in the Version Manager. For GMod: download your garrysmod/addons/, garrysmod/cfg/, and garrysmod/data/ folders and upload them. For Rust: download your server/<identity>/ folder contents. If your server is large (10+ GB), the upload may take some time. Start a paid plan rather than a trial for a migration, because trials run for a limited time and large uploads may not complete within the window.

Question 2

How do I use the Console page to run commands?

Accepted Answer

The Console page shows your server's live output: startup logs, player connections, errors, and anything your server prints. The input box at the bottom sends commands directly to the server process, just like typing in a local terminal. For Minecraft: enter commands without the leading slash (e.g. say Hello not /say Hello). For GMod: enter Lua or server console commands (e.g. status, sv_cheats 1). For Rust: standard Rust console commands (e.g. server.save, oxide.reload PluginName). The Console page keeps a scrollable history of recent output. Use the search box to filter for specific strings, useful when looking for a specific error in a long startup log. The download button exports the current console output as a text file.

Question 3

How do I manage ports and extra allocations on my server?

Accepted Answer

Every server has a primary port assigned at creation. Some server types need additional ports. For example, a Minecraft server running Geyser needs a second UDP port for Bedrock connections, and a Rust server exposes both a game port and an RCON port. To view your current allocations, open the Network page in the panel sidebar. All assigned ports are listed with their IP and port number. The primary port is marked: this is the one shown to players for connecting. To add an extra port, click "Create allocation". If spare ports are available on your server node, a new port is assigned immediately. The allocation appears in the list and you can use it in your server configuration. To remove an allocation you no longer need, click the delete icon next to it. You cannot remove the primary port. If no spare ports are available (the button is greyed out or returns an error), contact support. Port availability depends on the current load on your node.

Question 4

My server config changes are not saving between restarts

Accepted Answer

If config changes are not persisting, the most likely cause is the game overwriting your file on shutdown. For Minecraft: use the Server Properties page in the panel instead of editing server.properties directly; the panel writes the file at the right time in the shutdown sequence. Editing the file while the server is running risks the server overwriting your changes on shutdown. For GMod: edit server.cfg while the server is stopped, or use the panel's configuration pages where available. The server writes some config on shutdown, which can overwrite manual changes if the timing is wrong. For Rust: edit server.cfg while stopped. Rust also writes server settings on shutdown, so changes made while running may be overwritten. If the File Manager returns an error when saving, check you have not reached your plan's storage limit; the Dashboard shows current disk usage.

Question 5

How do I set up my Rust server for the first time?

Accepted Answer

The panel downloads the Rust Dedicated Server files automatically on your first start; this takes 10-20 minutes, so do not be concerned if the console shows no activity at first. Once downloaded: open the Startup page and review the variables. The important ones are server.hostname (the name shown in the server list), server.maxplayers (max concurrent players), server.worldsize (map size in metres; larger maps use more RAM), server.seed (determines your procedural map layout), and server.description (shown on your server details page). Start the server from the Console page and wait for "Server startup complete" to confirm it is ready. One thing worth knowing before you change anything: changing world seed or world size wipes the map on the next restart. Player data such as blueprints is stored separately and is not affected by a map wipe.

Question 6

How do I install Oxide plugins on my Rust server?

Accepted Answer

Oxide (also known as uMod) is the modding framework for Rust. It adds commands, gameplay mechanics, and admin tools through community-made plugins. Installing Oxide itself: open the Startup page, find the "Install Oxide" / Oxide Version variable, enable it, and restart. Confirm it installed by looking for an "Oxide version X.X.X" line in the console after restart. Adding a plugin: download the plugin file (usually a .cs file) from umod.org, open File Manager, navigate to oxide/plugins/, and upload it. Unlike GMod addons or Minecraft plugins, Oxide plugins load automatically with no restart required. Configuring a plugin: after it loads for the first time, a config file is created automatically in oxide/config/. Edit that file to change its behaviour, then run oxide.reload PluginName in the console to apply the change without a full restart. Only install plugins from umod.org or a developer's official source. Rust plugins are server-side code, and a malicious one can genuinely damage your server.

Question 7

How do I use RCON with my Rust server?

Accepted Answer

RCON (Remote Console) lets you send admin commands to your server without keeping the panel console open in a browser tab. Setting it up: open the Startup page, set the RCON Password variable to something strong, note the RCON port (28016 by default for WebRCON), and restart. Connecting: a popular free client is RustAdmin (rustadmin.com). Install it, go to Settings, and enter your server IP, the RCON port, and your RCON password, then click Connect. Useful commands once connected: say "message" broadcasts to all players. kick "PlayerName" "Reason" and ban "PlayerName" "Reason" remove a player. env.time 12 sets the in-game time. server.save forces an immediate save. oxide.reload PluginName reloads a specific plugin. Keep your RCON port and password private. Anyone with RCON access has full control of your server, including the ability to kick, ban, and spawn items.

Rust help