Disabling non-player characters (NPCs) on a Rust server can improve overall server performance and frame rates. Because animal and scientist artificial intelligence requires continuous pathing and behavior calculations, freezing or removing their AI can drastically reduce server load, especially during peak population hours. Deactivating these entities can also prevent unpredictable attacks from roaming bears or scientists that can be ideal for hosting competitive player-versus-player tournaments, staging roleplay storylines, or building complex arenas without random disruptions.
1. Log in to the BisectHosting Starbase panel.
2. Stop the server.
3. Select the Config Files tab and choose Server Config.
4. On the No NPCs line, delete the line comments (//) before the settings.
// No NPCs:
ai.npc_enable false
ai.scientist_spawners_enabled false5. Press Save.
6. Start the server.