How to Host a Modded Rust Server: The Ultimate Guide
While vanilla Rust is brutal, Modded Rust offers endless possibilities. From 1000x gather rate chaotic battlefields to roleplay servers with safezones and economies, mods transform the game. To host a modded server, you need the Oxide (uMod) or Carbon framework.
Did You Know? Modded servers often attract more players than Vanilla because they offer quality-of-life improvements like faster crafting, teleportation, and better loot.
Step 1: Installing the Modding Framework (Oxide/Carbon)
The standard RustDedicated.exe runs vanilla. To add plugins, you must install a mod loader. The most popular is Oxide (now transitioning to uMod), though Carbon is a lightweight alternative gaining popularity.
Installing Oxide via FTP
- Stop your Rust server.
- Download the latest Rust Oxide build from uMod.org.
- Extract the zip file. You will see a `RustDedicated_Data` folder.
- Upload/Copy this folder to your server's root directory, overwriting existing files.
- Start your server to generate the `oxide` folder.
Detailed Oxide Installation Guide →
Step 2: Configuring Essential "Modded" Features
A "10x No BPs" server isn't just a title; it requires specific plugins configured correctly.
1. Changing Gather Rates (GatherManager)
To make a "10x" server, you need GatherManager. Once installed to `/oxide/plugins`, use these console commands:
This multiplies all detailed resource gathering by 10.
2. Better Loot Tables (BetterLoot/AlphaLoot)
Vanilla loot is boring on a 10x server. BetterLoot automatically redesigns loot tables to be more rewarding, removing junk items and increasing component drops.
3. Teleportation & Homes (NTeleportation)
Almost mandatory for modded servers. Allows players to:
/sethome- Set a home location./home- Teleport back to base./tpr playername- Request teleport to a friend.
4. Kits (Kits)
Give players a starting boost. A "Starter Kit" with a bow and stone tools prevents the naked rock fight at the beach. Create kits with permissions so VIPs get better gear.
5. Instant Crafting & Smelting
Speed up gameplay with InstantCraft and QuickSmelt. No one wants to wait 5 minutes for gunpowder on a high-speed server.
Step 3: Server Listing & Tags
To attract players, your server must be listed correctly in the "Modded" tab.
Category & Tags
In your server.cfg or startup commands, ensure you set proper description and tags so players can find you:
Tags are automatically applied by Oxide, but you can customize them based on your mods (e.g., "weekly", "10x", "loot+").
Common Modded Server Issues
- Oxide Not Loading: Ensure you overwrote the files correctly. If you run a Steam Update (app_update), it will overwrite Oxide with Vanilla files. You must reinstall Oxide after every Rust update!
- Plugin Errors: Check `/oxide/logs` for errors. Plugins often break after monthly Facepunch updates. Check uMod for updates.
- Performance Lag: Too many entities (high gather rates) or too many plugins cause lag. Use
StackSizeControllerto increase stack sizes (e.g., 30,000 wood) to reduce entity count in boxes.
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