# How to Connect to Your Rust Server

Congratulations on setting up your very own Rust server with PingPlayers! Now that you have your server up and running, it's time to dive into the game. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of connecting to your Rust server using the IP:Port and the server name you specified during setup.

Step 1: Launch Rust

Before you can connect to your server, you need to start the game. Simply open your Steam client and launch Rust from your games library.

Step 2: Open the Main Menu

Once the game has loaded, you’ll be taken to the main menu. From here, look for the button that says "Play Game." Click on it to proceed to the next menu.

Step 3: Select 'Join Server'

In the new menu, you will see a variety of options. Look for the option labeled "Community" and click on it. This will show the server browser for non-sponsored servers, where you can search for servers to join by using the server name. If it's a modded server, you'll need to look for it in the "Modded" category instead. You can always favourite a particular or set of particular servers and find them quickly in the "Favourited" category.

Step 4: Use the 'Connect' Command

Because you have the IP address and port of your server, you can directly connect to it using the connect command. Follow these steps:

1. Press the F1 key on your keyboard to open the developer console.
2. In the console that appears, type the following command:
```
connect [YourServerIP]:[PortNumber]
```
Replace `[YourServerIP]` with your actual IP address and `[PortNumber]` with the port number that was assigned to your server. For example, if your server IP is `123.45.67.89` and the port number is `28015`, you would type:
```
connect 123.45.67.89:28015
```

3. Press Enter to execute the command.

If you enter everything correctly, you will be connected to your server!

Step 5: Confirm Connection

Once connected, you should see your Rust server’s environment. You can check the bottom left corner of your screen to verify that you have joined your server and see the server name displayed.

Common Problems

Despite following steps correctly, you might encounter a few common issues when trying to join your Rust server. Here’s a rundown of some of them along with potential fixes:

1. Server Not Showing Up: If your server isn’t showing up in the server list, don’t panic. One common reason for this is if the server is empty. Rust servers often don’t list themselves if there are no players online. Below the "Search Servers.." text box to insert your server name, by scrolling down, you'll find an option called "Player Slots" and enable "Show Empty". It'll show the server in the appropriate category with its name. Entering the connect command as mentioned in Step 4 will bypass this issue as it will directly connect to it.

2. Connection Timeout: If you receive a "Connection Timeout" message, check if your server is online via the PingPlayers dashboard. If it's offline or crashed, you may need to restart it.

3. Incorrect IP/Port: Double-check your server's IP address and port number. Any typo can prevent you from connecting. Ensure you have the right details from your PingPlayers account.

4. Firewall or Network Restrictions: Sometimes, local firewalls or network routers may block the connection to your server. You might need to allow Rust through your firewall or consult with your internet provider if you believe your network settings are the cause.

5. Server Configuration Issues: If after connecting, the server behaves unexpectedly, you may need to review its settings via your PingPlayers dashboard to ensure everything is set up correctly.

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By following these steps, you should be able to connect to your Rust server seamlessly. If you have any further questions or issues, feel free to reach out to PingPlayers support for assistance. Enjoy your gaming experience, and welcome to your very own Rust world!