Introduction
Much of what makes community Rust servers different comes from plugins. Most run on uMod (formerly Oxide), and Carbon runs most uMod plugins too. Here are ten popular plugins that change gameplay, add features and help you run your server.
Did you know?
ChicagoServers has a plugin installer built right into the control panel. Open your server's Plugins tab to search the whole umod.org catalog and install plugins with one click, no restart needed. Most plugins also need a permission before players can use them: see How to grant Oxide permissions in your Rust Server.
Our step-by-step guide: How to install Oxide plugins on your server
1. Rust:IO (no longer recommended)
Rust:IO was for years the best-known live map plugin, with an interactive map and player tracking. It hasn't been updated in years, players report that it no longer works, and it isn't on umod.org. Search the Plugins tab for a current map plugin instead.
2. Gather Manager: resource gathering rates
Gather Manager lets you set how many resources players get from trees, rocks, pickups, quarries and survey charges, for example to make a 2x or 5x server. See Modifying the Rust Server gather rate.
3. Kits: starter gear and loadouts
Kits let players claim sets of gear and items you define, so they can get into the action quickly. You can make different kits for different groups and playstyles.
4. Quick Smelt: faster smelting
Quick Smelt speeds up furnaces, so players spend less time waiting and more time playing.
5. BetterLoot: custom loot tables
BetterLoot replaces Rust's loot tables with your own, so you decide what crates and barrels drop.
6. Vanish: invisibility for admins
Vanish lets players with permission become completely invisible and silent to players, turrets, helicopters and NPCs. It's handy for admins watching suspected cheaters.
7. Trade: item trading between players
Trade gives players a safe way to swap items with each other, without dropping them on the ground.
8. Backpacks: extra inventory space
Backpacks gives players extra inventory space. Among its options:
- Capacity per player, set with permissions
- Drop or erase backpack contents on death
- Clear backpacks on a map wipe
- Item restrictions
- A button on screen to open the backpack
9. Info Panel: custom HUD
Info Panel adds a bar to players' screens with the in-game time, players online, sleepers, messages, coordinates and alerts for airdrops, helicopters and radiation. It's fully customizable.
10. Admin Panel
Admin Panel adds a small panel of clickable admin command buttons next to the health bar, for players in the admin group or with its permission. Open the chat to click the buttons. Its page on umod.org explains how to set up hotkeys.
Conclusion
Plugins let you build the Rust server your community wants, from faster gathering to custom loot and handy admin tools. Try a few on the Plugins tab and keep the ones your players enjoy.
Need help? Open a support ticket and we'll take a look.