Inventory first
Note server identity name, map/seed/size, ports, RCON password, Oxide/Carbon presence, and any custom assemblies. Export a plugin list.
Cold copy
Stop the old server. Archive the identity folder, framework data directories, and config files. Transfer with SFTP or similar. Keep the old archive untouched as rollback.
Bring up the new host
Install matching Rust dedicated server build. Restore files into the expected paths. Install the same plugin framework version family you tested. Do not mix random plugin DLLs from different eras without a staging test.
Config pass
Update IP binds, ports, and any absolute paths. Confirm RCON. Start once with a temporary name if you want a quiet test.
Cutover
Point DNS or share the new IP. Keep the old server offline (not both writable). Watch joins and console errors for the first peak.
Rollback
If the new host fails, stop it and restore the old archive to the previous machine. That only works if you kept a cold copy.
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