Some users have reported they are getting SSL errors when trying to connect for the first time after a wipe. This happens when their computer is trying to download the Rust map file. This seems to be caused by their computer either being blocked (due to country restrictions) or by outdated SSL certificates on their computer. Here are a couple of things you can try:
Option ONE:
Please note, HNC Rust will not provide help/support for this option. You can follow these steps at your own risk. HNC Rust makes NO warranties or guarantees of safeness or effectiveness.
- Before starting, make sure your Windows is up-to-date with all current patches from Windows Update.
- Make sure you have the correct root cert installed. As of July 2025, the current root cert needed is the GTS Root R4. You can find it listed on the GTS PKI page under Root CAs or directly here.
- You will need to download the certificate file and install it into your Windows trusted root store. You can follow the directions on Microsoft’s page to install a trusted root cert at https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/skype-sdk/sdn/articles/installing-the-trusted-root-certificate. You only need to follow the steps in the section “Installing a trusted root certificate” and can ignore the section on adding the certificate snap-in.
- If Windows reports the certificate is already installed, you do not need to reinstall it as this will not help the issue.
- After installing, you should restart your computer.
Option TWO:
If you prefer not to install the above cert, or you are still getting the error after installing the cert, you can download the current map file below. You will need to place this map in your Rust’s maps folder. By default, this is C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Rust\maps
If you are not able to download the file below, please create a ticket in #admin-help on our Discord.
July 2025 (July 3rd 2025) map. This map should be valid July 3rd at 2pm US Eastern till August 7th 2pm US Eastern for HNC Rust.