How to install Oxide plugins on a Rust server
Updated November 8, 2026
Plugins are what turn a vanilla Rust server into your server. On almost every modded server they run on Oxide (also known as uMod), a framework that loads C# plugin files while the server is running.
1. Install Oxide on your server
- Using a game host? Most hosts have an Oxide or uMod option in the control panel. Turn it on and restart the server.
- Self-hosting? Download the latest Oxide.Rust build from uMod, stop the server, extract the archive into your server's root folder (overwrite when asked) and start the server again.
When Oxide is running, your server folder has an oxide directory. Typing oxide.version in the console prints the version.
Rust updates every month on forced wipe day. Update Oxide straight after a Rust update, or plugins won't load.
2. Add the plugin file
Each plugin is a single .cs file. Upload it to:
oxide/plugins/
Oxide watches that folder, so the plugin compiles and loads within a few seconds without a restart. Check the console for a line like Loaded plugin Ultimate Cases v1.2.0.
3. Install any dependencies
Some plugins need another plugin, such as an image or currency library. Required dependencies are listed on every plugin page in this store. Install those too, or the plugin will warn in the console and some features won't work.
4. Configure it
The first time a plugin loads, it writes its default configuration to:
oxide/config/PluginName.json
Edit the file, then reload the plugin so it picks up the changes:
oxide.reload PluginName
Other useful folders: oxide/data (saved data), oxide/lang (messages you can translate) and oxide/logs.
5. Grant permissions
Most plugins register permissions so you control who can use them. See the Oxide permissions guide for how to grant them to players and groups.
Handy console commands
| Command | What it does |
|---|---|
oxide.plugins | Lists loaded plugins and their versions |
oxide.load Name | Loads a plugin |
oxide.reload Name | Reloads a plugin, for example after editing its config |
oxide.unload Name | Unloads a plugin until the next restart or reload |
Skip the file juggling
Oxide Sync is a free plugin that installs the plugins you own onto every server you link, and keeps them updated with signed releases and automatic rollback.
Plugins for your server
