Heimdall Studios
HEIMDALL GAME GUIDES / RUST

Your server.
Your rules.

Understand where Rust plugins belong before changing a single folder.

DEDICATED SERVER MODDING · WINDOWS

See the mod layout ↓

Rust’s Oxide and Carbon plugins run on a dedicated server. To play on a modded server, use the regular game client and join that server. Heimdall does not add a client-side plugin loader or change anti-cheat settings.

WHERE YOU CAN PLAY

Available platforms.

WindowsPC client / server guide
MacPC game
PlayStationSeparate Console Edition
XboxSeparate Console Edition

Storefronts: Steam · PC ↗ · Rust Console Edition ↗

OXIDE · DEDICATED SERVER

Prepare the server, not the client.

Rust server/
├─ RustDedicated.exe
├─ RustDedicated_Data/Managed/
└─ oxide/
   ├─ plugins/ → plugin .cs files
   ├─ config/ → plugin settings
   └─ data/ → saved plugin data
  1. Select the dedicated-server folder containing RustDedicated.exe. The Steam client game is a different installation.
  2. Back up server saves, configuration and plugin data. Install the current Oxide build using its instructions with the server stopped.
  3. Place an author’s compatible plugin in oxide/plugins. Oxide can load plugins automatically; check server logs for compilation and dependency errors.
  4. Let a plugin generate its own settings. Edit its configuration as instructed and preserve its data files.

Already using Carbon?

Carbon is an alternative server framework. Use its own installation and migration instructions. Heimdall’s initial preparation route covers the default Oxide folders only; an existing carbon folder blocks preparation for manual review. It does not install both frameworks or migrate between them.

FIND YOUR MODS

Sources for this game.

Carbon ↗

Alternative framework and its ecosystem.

Useful starting points.

Curated references, not a live popularity ranking or a compatibility guarantee.

Better ChatChat customization; listed by Facepunch’s Oxide guide.KitsServer-owner kit tools; review permissions and dependencies.Dedicated server setupStart here before choosing a plugin framework.
WHEN THINGS DO NOT WORK

Check the basics first.

I only have the Rust game installed.

That is the client. Join a modded server without creating an oxide folder there. Hosting requires a separate dedicated-server installation.

My plugin stopped working after an update.

Update the server framework and check the plugin’s release notes and console errors. A folder match does not verify compilation or compatibility with a new Rust build.

My configuration changes disappear.

Some plugins save settings when unloaded. Follow the author’s unload, edit and reload sequence; back up configuration first. Data files are not interchangeable with configuration.

Can I use these plugins on console?

This preparation route targets a Windows dedicated server. Console Edition has its own services and features; these PC server plugin instructions do not apply to the console client.

RESEARCHED OCTOBER 13, 2026

Sources & further reading.

Facepunch · Oxide ↗Facepunch · dedicated-server setup ↗Facepunch · Carbon ↗Oxide · installing plugins ↗Oxide · configuration ↗Oxide · persistent data ↗SteamDB · identity and PC metadata ↗Steam · artwork and PC review score ↗

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