Installing Rust Modding Libraries
How to install Oxide/uMod or Carbon on your Rust server to support plugins.
Your service's "Startup" section has a Modding Framework field, this controls which (if any) plugin framework your Rust server installs. It accepts one of three values:
vanilla: no modding framework, plugins won't workoxide: installs Oxide/uModcarbon: installs Carbon
What is Oxide/uMod
Oxide is the original, long-established modding framework for Rust. The project has since rebranded to uMod, but you'll still see both names used interchangeably in the community, on plugin pages, and in server tooling. It has the largest plugin library (1000+ plugins on umod.org) and the most community support.
What is Carbon
Carbon is a newer modding framework, built as a drop-in replacement for Oxide. It runs the large majority of existing Oxide plugins unmodified (thanks to a compatibility layer), while offering faster boot times and its own "Carbon-only" plugins that take advantage of features Oxide doesn't have.
Not sure which to pick?
If you're not sure, Oxide/uMod has the widest plugin support and community documentation. Carbon is worth considering if you want faster boot times or a specific Carbon-only plugin, most Oxide plugins will still work.
Set the Modding Framework
Navigate to the game panel, select your service, and open the "Startup" section. Set Modding Framework to oxide or carbon.
Reinstall your server
Navigate to the settings page and click the Reinstall button, this installs your chosen framework on top of your existing Rust install without wiping your map.
🎉 Done
Once reinstalled, an oxide/ (or carbon/) folder will appear in your file manager. Drop plugin .cs files into oxide/plugins/ (or carbon/plugins/) to install them, see our list of popular Rust mods for some recommendations.