> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.namehero.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# How To Connect To Your Rust Server

Connecting to your **Rust** server is an essential step to dive into the action-packed, survival multiplayer game. Whether you’re a new server owner or just joining a friend's server, understanding how to properly connect ensures a smooth start to your gameplay experience. This guide will walk you through the process of connecting to your Rust server.

**Step 1:** Go to your [NameHero Client Area](https://www.namehero.com/clientarea.php) and copy the IP Address / Port. This is 1 method to be able to connect to the server.  
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Optional: Head over to the **Advanced Game Panel** by clicking the blue button as seen in the screenshot within the NameHero Client Area. Here you can also get the server IP / Port as well as change the server name so it will show in the community browser.

[![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/d97c2471e26fa800/a789a028-438f-43ca-b870-433c76_ismho0.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/1068028509/888c972ad937c9bd71257f76/image.png?expires=1728570600&signature=b89924b5e30c1aa16d3237e19516f68fb51bb5806e3d04e6c5ead8434cdde6aa&req=dSAhHsl8lYRfUPMW1HO4zeomLG3LPGiAQXe8POg7AvEao8Zcfb5EcFQpyNWf%0APR267bJtFuyMRXiQ%2Fd4%3D%0A)

**Step 2:** Once in the **Advanced Game Panel**, head over to the **Startup** tab on the left to be able to change your server name under the variables. Please make sure to restart your server after changing to take effect.  
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[![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/2dce897afb43e400/39d3f662-2714-42ed-b5ee-7a5819_1mpz29n.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/1175317584/2637790ab597b2a13925d6a9/image.png?expires=1728570600&signature=f56b0480b2a501366a2604c7305a6f62f486494a41bbe3e2df942749eadae83c&req=dSEgE8p%2FmoRXXfMW1HO4zecFvjUns8n87%2FlD4lJjlM5WlWQwmRCaYJspJR5B%0Aex64lmkLwahyOwrNSX0%3D%0A)

**Step 3:** Now that you have your server IP / Port and server name changed, we can now connect to the server in game.

## Option 1: Direct Connect

When you are in rust, you can connect to the server via direct connect with the server IP & Port. You will want to open the console with F1. Once open, you will type the command **client.connect** *IP&PORT* and hit enter. This will directly connect you to the server.  
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[![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/aa8703c34d2c2800/01d794f7-7d61-4f11-a000-fdf17a_12k1q2o.png)](https://namehero.intercom-attachments-1.com/i/o/1175328528/d667f8a8efd48c3f02917175/image.png?expires=1728570600&signature=1b3b5baf623f57565c0d0979300ae2c1d5ae64987357dbd4fce75a46eae12353&req=dSEgE8p8lYRdUfMW1HO4zZiayINcr9qFkoStBPXv%2BuWupa65%2Fl8lMDpdsUro%0ApQQtr%2FddrpucSVb37e8%3D%0A)

## Option 2: Server Browser

The next option is the server browser. This will be dependent on if the server is vanilla or modded but the same concept. Select **Play Game**, then **Community** (Modded if Oxide server) and make sure to have the **show empty** and **show full** filters selected under player slots. Then search the name of the server you have created and it will show up on the right side. Please allow a few minutes for rust to be able to search through all public servers.  
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[![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/1fd4cf1d78a13500/aaae3819-03ce-42dc-ba6b-74798e_1ljfphb.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/1175326112/0a5af5a0db9c978935cb893e/rust.png?expires=1728570600&signature=c3def5fff8c1dd5cc0b1763b0d7090d624ae4c645f6ae847197efa06219bf217&req=dSEgE8p8m4BeW%2FMW1HO4zQcA5Tdzh7h05eWtQJHv5LTmA8tHIR4huVDwOX92%0AMI9RpwP%2BxI%2BVFaCAERI%3D%0A)

Once you see your server in the list. Just click to connect!

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