Rust, the renowned survival game, has captured the hearts of gamers around the world with its immersive gameplay and challenging landscapes. However, for PlayStation 4 users, it can be disheartening when lag undermines the overall experience. Lag spikes, connection issues, and slow performance can test the patience of even the most dedicated players. Fear not, for we have compiled a list of effective solutions to troubleshoot and resolve these problems. In this article, we will explore various steps to overcome the lagging issues on Rust for PS4, ensuring an uninterrupted gaming session. So gear up, as we delve into the realm of troubleshooting to conquer the lag beast once and for all.
Solution 1: Check if the PSN/Game Servers are Down?
The first thing you need to do is check your PSN server status as the PS4 locking up might be due to some undergoing maintenance.
So, all you can do is confirm that this problem exists.
How do I check my PSN status?
Here’s how you can check PSN status:
- Go to the PlayStation Network Service Status page.
- Check the service status and if there’s any issue all you have to do is wait

You can check Rust server status by visiting their official website or Twitter.
Solution 2: Restart PS4
Whenever you encounter locking up on Rust or even if it’s a game bug/glitch, you should try restarting your PS4.
WHY?
Restarting the console will eliminate any temporary errors/glitches occurring due to the old/corrupted cache
So, here is how you can restart your PlayStation 4:
- Press and Hold down PlayStation (PS) button on your controller
- From the menu shown, Select the Power option
- From the screen that will appear on the power icon, select the last option “Restart PS4”
- While your PS4 restarts, don’t unplug any cord to avoid any hardware failure
Solution 3: Connect to a Hotspot/Different Wi-Fi on PlayStation 4
Most of the network errors are due to your connected network. Either it’s too slow or their some connection issues with your network. To see if your network is not faulty, try switching to a different Wi-Fi or your mobile’s hotspot
- Go to Settings from the PS4 homepage
- Scroll down to Network and click on it to access Network Settings
- Then select Set Up Internet Connection
- Choose Use Wi-Fi
- Select Easy for the setup method
- You can see the hotspot I turned on as well.
In case you don’t find your Wi-Fi network, press the triangle button on your controller to scan networks - Scroll down to your desired Wi-Fi, click on it and enter your password to connect, and see if you are facing any errors
Solution 4: Use an Ethernet Cable
If you are experiencing unstable internet on your PlayStation 4 and your Wi-Fi has a good enough speed, then maybe some receiving or glitches could be causing an unstable connection.
Alternatively, PlayStation 4 comes with an ethernet port that would let you experience an uninterrupted connection.
Here’s how to do it:
Step A. Connecting Ethernet Cable to PS4
At the rear of your PS4 where you have put your power cable and HDMI cable, you’d find an Ethernet port where you need to insert an ethernet cable from your router.

Make sure you have inserted in the output port of your router, your network is active and the cable works fine.
Step B. Setting Up LAN on PS4
- Go to Settings from the PlayStation 4 homepage
- Scroll down to Network and click on it to access Network Settings
- Then select Set Up Internet Connection
- Choose Use a LAN Cable
- Select Easy as the connection method.
- The PlayStation 4 will automatically detect your LAN connection and set it up. If your connection requires a proxy server, select Custom instead of Easy and enter the necessary settings.
- Follow the prompts to complete the setup process.
Solution 5: Enable Automatic Game Updates on PS4
It’s possible that you might have missed the new update notification of Rust and an older version of the game can be causing these issues.
To avoid such situations and besides updating each game manually, we can set PlayStation 4 to update games automatically.
Usually, they are set to automatic updates by default to avoid freezing.
Here are 8 steps you can follow to allow automatic game updates on PlayStation 4:
- Go to Settings from the PS4 homepage
- In the Settings menu, scroll down and select “System.”
- Scroll down to “Automatic Downloads” and select it.
- Toggle on the options for “Application Update Files”
- You can also choose to enable automatic download of “Featured Content,” which includes game demos and trailers.
We are halfway through, and we have enabled PS4 automatic updates but it is best that your PS4 can download updates even if it is in rest mode. For that
- Go back to the main Settings menu that you opened from the gear icon.
- Scroll down and select Power Save Settings
- Now choose Set Features Availabe in Rest Mode
- Check box Stay Connected to the Internet
Now, your PS4 will be able to download updates over your internet whenever they are available. Even if your PS4 is in rest mode, your Rust will remain up-to-date.
Solution 6: How to Change Your DNS Settings On PS4?
There are some faulty DNS servers that may cause WiFi issues.
So, let’s change the DNS Settings:
- Go to Settings from the PS4 homepage
- Scroll down to Network and click on it to access Network Settings
- Then select Set Up Internet Connection
- Choose Wi-Fi or LAN Cable, depending on how you connect to the internet
- Select Custom for the setup method
- After choosing your WiFi select Automatic for IP Address and Do not Specify for DHCP settings.
- Select Manual for DNS settings
- More Settings would appear:
- For Primary settings enter 8.8.8.8
- For Secondary 8.8.4.4 to match the Google DNS
- For Primary settings enter 8.8.8.8
- Then select Next > Automatic for MTU Settings
- Choose Do Not Use for Proxy Server
- After your DNS settings have been updated you can test your internet connection to check if the error is gone.
Solution 7: Delete Corrupted Downloads on PlayStation 4
When you delete a corrupted download on a PS4, the console will remove the incomplete or corrupted data from its storage system fixing hanging.
Just follow the steps below:
- Go to your Notifications on the PS4 home screen
- Press Options on the controller.
- Then select Downloads.
- Highlight the corrupted file (it will be grayed out),
- Press Options again.
- Then select Delete.
Solution 8: Contact PS4 Support
If none of the above solutions work for you then there might be a chance that your PS4 has issues.
You can visit the PlayStation Official Website to get it repaired and choose the relevant issue which in your case would be stuttering.

Make sure you tell all the solutions you have applied to your console and let them know the issue you are facing is due to Rust. This will help the support agent to identify the main reason for this error. They should reply to you ideally within 24 hours and if you don’t get any reply within 2-3 days, then you might need to make another support ticket.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, lag can be a frustrating hurdle in the exciting world of Rust on PS4, but with the right strategies, you can reclaim an optimal gaming experience. By deciphering potential server outages, optimizing internet connectivity, utilizing ethernet cables, adjusting DNS settings, and remaining vigilant about updates and corrupted downloads, you can regain control over your gaming destiny. Remember, if all else fails, reaching out to console support will provide you with professional guidance to resolve your issues. With these solutions in your arsenal, you’ll be able to explore the vast landscapes of Rust without the encumbering chains of lag. So, gather your friends, sharpen your wit, and dive back into the action-packed world of Rust on PS4, knowing that lag will no longer stand in your way. Happy gaming!