Rust Crash or Crashing when joining a server

Are you encountering difficulties while exploring the virtual world of Rust? Perhaps you're eager to demolish trees, obliterate rocks, conquer bases, and loot unsuspecting players, but alas, your attempts to join the Rust server are met with frustrating crashes. There's nothing more disheartening than being unable to participate from the start, especially when combined with the annoyance of lag.

I can relate to your predicament, as I've experienced this issue myself. However, fear not! I've compiled a list of five solutions that helped me overcome the problem of Rust crashing when attempting to join a server. Let's delve into these remedies:

• Step 1) Outdated Graphics Drivers: One potential cause of the crashing issue is outdated graphics drivers. Fortunately, updating them is a relatively simple fix that may even enhance the performance of your other games. Follow these steps to update your drivers:

• For Nvidia users:

  • Install the Nvidia GeForce Experience application, if you haven't already.
  • After installation, open the application and create an account or log in.
  • Navigate to the Drivers tab and select "Check for Updates."

• For AMD users:

  • Download and install the AMD Auto Detect and Install tool from their website.
  • Launch the application after installation and click "Install."
  • Once the tool detects your graphics card, it will prompt you to select a version.
  • Choose the Recommended Version and click "Install."

• Step 2) Increase Your Virtual Memory Limit: Although this solution requires a system restart, it's a commonly effective method for resolving Rust crashes. Follow these steps to adjust your virtual memory limit:

  • Open your file manager and right-click on "This PC."
  • Proceed to the top right corner and access the "Advanced system settings."
  • Under the "Performance" section, click on "Settings."
  • In the new window, select "Advanced" at the top.
  • Click on "Change" under the Virtual memory section.
  • Uncheck the option that says "Automatically manage paging file size for all drives."
  • Choose your drive and select "Custom size."
  • Observe the "Currently allocated" amount, add 2048 to it, and input the resulting number into both the "Initial size" and "Maximum size" fields.
  • Click "Set," followed by "OK" twice, and finally "Apply."
  • Restart your Windows system and attempt to run Rust again.

• Step 3) Run Rust in DirectX 9: Although running Rust in DirectX 9 may slightly impact performance, the difference is usually negligible for most players. To give it a shot:

  • Launch Steam and navigate to your library, then locate Rust.
  • Right-click on Rust and select "Properties."
  • In the properties window, choose "Set Launch Options."
  • Type "-dx9" (without quotation marks) in the designated field.
  • Attempt to launch Rust once more.

• Step 4) Opt Out of Steam Beta Participation: Sometimes, users unintentionally join Steam's beta program, which can result in unstable build installations. To opt out, follow these steps:

  • Start Steam and click on "Steam" in the top left corner.
  • Navigate to "Settings."
  • If you are participating in Steam Beta, click on "CHANGE."
  • In the drop-down menu, select "NONE - Opt out of all beta programs."
  • Click "OK" and restart Steam.

• Step 5) Verify Game Files: It's possible that your game files have become corrupted, causing the crashes. Verifying the files can help identify and resolve any issues. Here's how to proceed:

  • Find Rust in your Steam Library.
  • Right-click on Rust and select "Properties."
  • Go to the "Local Files" tab.
  • Click the "Verify Integrity of Game Files" button.
  • Steam will check your game files for any problems and fix them if necessary.

If none of the above solutions resolve the crashing issue, it's plausible that your PC may not meet the minimum requirements to run Rust. To ensure optimal performance, refer to Rust's recommended specifications as listed on the Steam page.

Remember, the minimum requirements serve as a starting point, while the recommended specs provide an optimal experience. If, despite all efforts, Rust continues to crash when joining a server, then you may need to contact Facepunch Support!