How to update Rust plugins (and keep them updated)

Plugins get updated for new features, bug fixes and, most often, because Facepunch shipped a Rust update that broke something. Here is how to stay current without breaking your server.

Updating one plugin by hand

1. Read the changelog. Look for config changes or new dependencies.
2. Back up oxide/config/PluginName.json and anything in oxide/data for that plugin.
3. Replace the file in oxide/plugins/ with the new .cs. Oxide notices the change and reloads it automatically.
4. Watch the console for Loaded plugin … or a compile error.

Most plugins keep your existing config and add any new options with default values.

Wipe day

Rust's monthly update lands on the first Thursday of the month. On that day:

1. Update the Rust server.
2. Update Oxide to the matching build, usually released the same day.
3. Restart and check the console for plugins that failed to compile.
4. Update the plugins that failed. Authors usually ship fixes within hours.

Doing it automatically

Checking a dozen plugins every week adds up. Oxide Sync is a free Oxide plugin that:

• installs every plugin you own on the servers you link
• checks for updates and installs them in an update window you choose
• verifies each download is signed, and rolls back if a new version fails to load

You can still pin a version or hold back an update on any server.