I'm encountering a strange networking issue specifically with the game Rust, and I'm running out of ideas on how to fix it. I'd love any advice from those familiar with routing, traffic shaping, DPI, or game networking.
The problem only affects me while playing on EU servers.
Here's what's happening: after about 5 to 15 minutes of playing, the game world freezes – all players, NPCs, and objects stop moving while I can still move around. I don't get disconnected, and my ping is always low and stable. Eventually, the game catches up after some time. Sometimes, reconnecting gives a quick fix.
Some important notes:
- This issue only happens on EU Rust servers; I had no problems on US servers during an entire monthly wipe.
- My ping to EU servers is stable (20-60 ms).
- ICMP tests look good.
- Other online games are fine, and local Rust servers work perfectly.
- It seems like the UDP snapshot traffic from the server just stops momentarily, even though the connection remains active.
What I've already tried includes:
- Clean installations of Windows (versions 10 and 11).
- Different routers and ISPs.
- Various IP configurations and port-related adjustments.
- MTU tuning and QoS tests.
- Disabling all NIC offloading features and testing different network drivers.
- Direct PPPoE without a router.
- Even changing physical locations hasn't helped!
- I've also used different VPNs but most are blocked or lead to instant disconnects.
- Traceroute and MTR show packet loss and latency spikes only toward certain EU paths.
Interestingly, friends in different cities and ISPs within the same country don't have this issue in Rust. This leads me to suspect it could be a regional routing problem or something like traffic shaping affecting specific segments.
I have a few questions:
1. Has anyone else experienced similar issues with Rust where the UDP snapshot traffic is throttled without a disconnect?
2. Could this possibly be due to congestion or traffic policing at a regional IX?
3. Are there known systems that deprioritize UDP traffic for games like Rust?
4. What other advanced diagnostics would you suggest beyond MTR and Wireshark to identify the issue?
Any guidance would be hugely appreciated! Thanks in advance.
3 Answers
You might want to reach out directly to Rust support despite their previous responses. Keep documenting your issue with details; they might eventually escalate it to someone who understands the networking end better. Also, try checking forums regularly for updates or similar issues other players might be facing.
Have you considered trying a different computer altogether? Like heading to a friend's place and logging into your account there, or bringing another PC into your network to see if it replicates the issue? It might help pinpoint whether it’s your setup or something else.
I’d suggest testing a VPN connection first. It might slow things down a bit, but it could offer some stability. If the issue continues, it likely points back to your home network or local wiring.
Unfortunately, it looks like VPNs are initially blocked for users, so I can’t test that theory right now.
I did ask a friend to log in with my account, and it worked perfectly for him. I even tested my laptop, but the problem persists as long as I’m on my network.