Rust Server: Procedural Rail Network Setup

This guide walks you through enabling the procedural rail network on your Rust server, which adds functional train tracks, tunnels, and stations to the generated map. You’ll need access to your server’s configuration files and a way to restart the server. The process involves editing the server’s configuration to enable the rail network and then verifying it appears correctly in-game.

What You’ll Need

• Access to your server’s file system (FTP, file manager, or console).
• Your server’s server.cfg file (or equivalent configuration file, depending on your hosting provider).
• A way to restart your Rust server (control panel or command line).
• Basic familiarity with editing text files.

Step-by-Step

1. Locate your server configuration file. This is typically named server.cfg and is found in the root directory of your server installation. If you’re using a hosting panel, look for a “Configuration Files” or “Server Settings” section.
2. Open the configuration file in a plain text editor (like Notepad, TextEdit, or a code editor). Avoid using word processors like Microsoft Word, as they may introduce formatting issues.
3. Find or add the line for procedural maps. Look for a line that starts with server.seed and server.worldsize. If they don’t exist, you’ll need to add them. The rail network only appears on procedural maps, not on the default map.
4. Enable the rail network. Add the following line to your configuration file: server.railnetwork 1. If the line already exists, change the value to 1 (or true, depending on the format). This setting tells the server to generate the rail network when the map is created.
5. Save the configuration file after making changes.
6. Restart your server. Use your control panel or command line to restart the server. The rail network will be generated as part of the map generation process. Note that if you already have a saved world, the rail network will only appear if you generate a new world (wipe the map).
7. Verify the rail network. Once the server is back online, join the game and look for train tracks, tunnels, and stations. You can also use the noclip command (if you have admin privileges) to fly around and spot them. Alternatively, check the server console for any errors related to rail generation.

Common Mistakes

• Editing the wrong file: Some hosting providers use a different file name or location. Double-check your host’s documentation.
• Using the wrong map type: The rail network only generates on procedural maps. If you’re using a custom map or the default map, the setting will have no effect.
• Not restarting the server: Changes to the configuration file only take effect after a restart. Also, if you have an existing world, you must wipe it (delete the save files) for the rail network to appear.
• Setting the value incorrectly: Some configurations expect true instead of 1, or vice versa. Check your server’s documentation or try both.
• Typos in the line: Ensure you type server.railnetwork exactly, with no spaces or extra characters.

Tips

• Use a larger map size: Rail networks are more extensive and interesting on larger maps (e.g., 4000 or 5000). On small maps, the tracks may be too short to be useful.
• Adjust rail density: Some server plugins or configs allow you to adjust the density of the rail network. If you want more tracks, look for settings like railnetwork.density (if available).
• Check for mod conflicts: If you use plugins that modify map generation (like custom monument plugins), they may interfere with rail generation. Test with a vanilla setup first.
• Backup your config: Before making changes, save a copy of your original configuration file. This makes it easy to revert if something goes wrong.
• Use the train system: Once the rail network is active, players can build train cars and ride them. This adds a fun transportation element to your server.

Troubleshooting

• Rail network not appearing: First, confirm you’re on a procedural map. Then check that the line server.railnetwork 1 is present and correctly spelled. If you still don’t see tracks, try generating a new world by wiping the map. If the issue persists, check the server console for errors during startup.
• Server fails to start: If your server crashes or fails to start after adding the setting, remove the line and try again. It’s possible your server version doesn’t support this setting (unlikely for current versions). Check that your server is updated to the latest Rust version.
• Tracks generate but are broken: Sometimes the rail network can have gaps or floating tracks due to terrain generation. This is a known issue with the game’s procedural generation. You can’t fix it directly, but you can try changing the seed or world size to get a better layout.
• Rail network works but no trains: The rail network itself is just the tracks. To use trains, players need to craft a train car (using the workbench) and place it on the tracks. Make sure your server has the required blueprints enabled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the rail network work on custom maps?

No, the procedural rail network is only generated on procedural maps. Custom maps (like those from map editors) don’t support this feature unless the map creator explicitly includes train tracks.

Will enabling the rail network affect performance?

The rail network adds a moderate amount of entities (tracks, stations, tunnels) to the map, which can slightly increase memory and CPU usage. On most servers, the impact is minimal, but on low-end hardware, you might notice a small performance hit.

Can I disable the rail network after it’s generated?

Yes, you can set server.railnetwork 0 and restart the server. However, the existing rail network will remain in the world until you generate a new map. The setting only affects map generation, not the current world.

How do I change the seed to get a different rail layout?

Change the server.seed value in your configuration file. Each seed produces a different map, and therefore a different rail network layout. You’ll need to wipe the map to apply the new seed.

Are there any plugins that enhance the rail network?

Yes, there are community plugins that add features like train stations with vendors, automatic train spawns, or improved train physics. Search for “Rust train plugins” on popular plugin repositories. Always test plugins on a test server first.

Why are the train tracks not connected to each other?

This can happen due to terrain generation issues. The game tries to place tracks along the terrain, but steep cliffs or water bodies can cause breaks. Try a different seed or world size to get a more connected network.

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