Uploading a Custom Rust Map to Your Server

Overview

Rust is built around exploration, loot routes, monuments, and terrain that can make or break the flow of a server. Random worlds are useful, but some server owners prefer a custom map so they can control the biomes, monument layout, and overall difficulty.

A custom world can be sparse and brutal, packed with points of interest, or carefully designed for a specific community. To use one, you need a valid `.map` file, a direct download link, and a small server config change.

Get a Custom Map File

Custom Rust maps can come from free map sites, paid creators, or your own RustEdit project. Before continuing, make sure the file ends in `.map`. Other file types will not load as a Rust world, no matter how politely the server is asked.

Upload the Map to File Hosting

Rust needs a direct URL it can download when the server starts. Dropbox is a common option, but any reliable file host with a direct download link can work.

1. Upload your `.map` file to Dropbox.
2. Open the share options and generate a link.

1. Change the end of the link from `?dl=0` to `?dl=1`.
2. Copy the edited link somewhere safe. You will need it for the server config.

Prepare the Server

The RustEdit Oxide extension is required for loading RustEdit custom maps.

1. Download the RustEdit Oxide extension.
2. Open your server panel and stop the Rust server.
3. Confirm that uMod support is enabled.
4. Open your FTP client and log in.
5. Go to `RustDedicated_Data`, then open the `Managed` folder.
6. Upload `Oxide.Ext.RustEdit.dll` into that folder.

Set the Custom World URL

After the extension is uploaded, the server needs to be pointed at your map download link.

1. Return to the main FTP directory.
2. Open `/server/[WorldName]/`.
3. To wipe the existing world, delete everything except the `cfg` folder if it exists.
4. If there is no `cfg` folder, create one and open it.
5. Find or create `server.cfg`, then edit it.
6. Add this line on a new line:

```text server.levelurl "[url]" ```

Replace `[url]` with the Dropbox direct download link you edited earlier. Keep the quotation marks around the URL.

Save the file, then restart the server. The server should download and load the custom map during startup.

Final Notes

Once configured, your Rust server should run the selected custom world instead of generating a random map. This is useful for servers that want consistent landmarks, planned PvP zones, or a map that stays familiar after wipes.