Stuck in an endless "Waiting for RCON to come up..." loop in your Orbit Command console? Your server starts but the panel never marks it "Online" — no web console, no commands, players might connect but you're locked out. Super annoying for wipes or mod tweaks!
This hits hard, but it's a simple config fix (RCON = Remote Console for panel control). Guide for beginners — 5 mins to raid-ready.
Why "Waiting for RCON..." Happens
- No RCON port allocated: Rust needs a 2nd port (game + RCON TCP).
- Missing/weak RCON password: Default "CHANGEME" fails or empty.
- Server booting slow: Custom maps/mods/Oxide take time (wait first!).
- Mismatch in oxide.config: RCON port wrong after edits.
Quick Check: Console shows loop? Server logs above might say "RCON started" — if not, config issue.
Step 1: Log In & Stop the Server
- Orbit Command (orbit.lunarracks.com) > Your Rust server.
- Console tab > Red Stop. Wait for Offline.
Tip: Fresh wipe? Back up first (see our backup guide).
Step 2: Allocate RCON Port
- Startup tab (top bar).
- Scroll to Port Allocations (bottom).
- Click + Allocate Port > Pick TCP type > Assign to server.
- Note the new port (e.g., 28016).
Step 3: Set RCON Variables
- Still in Startup > Variables section (env vars).
- Find/set these:
- RCON_PORT: Paste your new port (e.g., 28016).
- RCON_PASSWORD: Strong password (generate: 12+ chars, letters/numbers/symbols). Not CHANGEME/empty!
- RCON_WEB (if shown): Set to
1(enables web RCON).
- Click Save (top).
Pro Tip: Startup command auto-uses +rcon.port {{RCON_PORT}} +rcon.password "{{RCON_PASSWORD}}" +rcon.web 1.
Step 4: Restart & Wait
- Console > Green Start.
- Watch logs: Look for "RCON started" (1-5 mins, longer for big maps).
- Panel turns Online? Victory! Test connection.
Still Stuck? Troubleshooting Table
| Issue | Fix |
| Loops forever | Wait about 10 minutes (booting). Check logs for map errors - delete bad custom map in Files. |
| "RCON bind failed" | Wrong port type (must be TCP). Re-allocate/delete old. |
| Password error | Reset RCON_PASSWORD - restart. Edit oxide.config manually (Files > oxide.config.json > "port":yourport). |
| Custom map/mod hang | Files > Delete map file > Restart procedural. Or +rcon.ip "127.0.0.1" in startup args. |
| No variables? | Wrong egg? Reinstall rust |
| Port conflict | Allocate fresh port - avoid main game port. |
Bonus: Prevent Future Loops
- Auto-wipe schedules: Include RCON check.
- Oxide/Carbon: Verify mods in console post-start.
- Test: Send /say hello via web console once online.
Quick Recap (Cheat Sheet)
| Step | Action |
| 1 | Stop server |
| 2 | Startup > Allocate TCP port for RCON |
| 3 | Variables: RCON_PORT=newport, RCON_PASSWORD=strong -> Save |
| 4 | Start -> Wait for "Online" |
Need Help?
- Logs screenshot?
- Take a screenshot and open a ticket: https://my.lunarracks.com/submitticket.php
- Take a screenshot and open our live chat
RCON rescued! Console commands flow, players raid - server slaying again.
