1. Community
  2. Game Support
  3. Rust
This server requires EAC
Posted 3 months ago
#1

I play on my own rust server, that I host on my own machine, but after the Deep Sea update I can't join it. I tried reinstalling Rust, reinstalling the server, and I really don't know what to do now. I made sure that when I launch Rust I have EAC installed and working. The error I keep getting is: Server requires EasyAntiCheat

Posted 3 months ago
#2

Google Gemini Says ... 

That "Server requires EasyAntiCheat" error when hosting locally is a classic post-update headache. Since you've already tried the big reinstalls, the issue is likely a mismatch in how your server is communicating its security status to your client.
 
Here is how to fix it:
 
1. Force EAC Repair on the Client 
Even if it "looks" like it's working, the update might have corrupted the specific link EAC uses to verify your local server connection.
  • Go to your Rust installation folder (via Steam Library > Right-click Rust > Manage > Browse local files).
  • Open the EasyAntiCheat folder and run EasyAntiCheat_Setup.exe as an Administrator.
  • Select Rust from the dropdown and click Repair Service. 
 
2. Verify Server Config Settings 
Updates sometimes reset or change how the server.cfg file is read. Ensure your server is explicitly told to use EAC. 
  • Navigate to your server directory: \server\my_server_identity\cfg\.
  • Open server.cfg (or create it if missing) and ensure these lines are present:
    • server.secure 1
    • server.eac 1
  • Pro Tip: If you just want to play alone and don't care about EAC, you can set these to 0 on the server, but you must then launch Rust using RustClient.exe directly to bypass the EAC check on your end. 
 
3. Clear the EAC Cache 
Sometimes the client holds onto old "certificates" from the pre-update version.
  • Delete the Certificates folder located inside your game's EasyAntiCheat directory.
  • Verify your game files on Steam immediately after to re-download the fresh versions. 
 
4. Check for "Forbidden" Background Apps 
EAC became more aggressive with recent updates. Ensure apps like AutoHotKey, certain RGB controllers (like LightingService.exe), or aggressive Antivirus programs aren't running in the background, as they can trigger a silent "untrusted" status that prevents joining secured servers. 
Are you using any plugins (like Oxide/uMod) on your local server, or is it a completely vanilla setup?
Posted 2 months ago
#3

I tried repairing EAC already, server.eac isn't a valid command and I tried it before posting this. Clearing the cache didn't help. I don't have any programs like rgb controllers or anything. I did try to start the server without oxide and it gave me the same error.