How to Install Oxide (uMod) and Carbon on a Rust Server

Overview

Modding frameworks allow you to extend Rust gameplay with custom gather rates, kits, auto-closing doors, clan systems, Discord notifications, and telemetry.

Two prominent modding frameworks are supported on DustBowl Warden:

1. Oxide (uMod): The long-standing standard modding framework for Rust, supported by thousands of open-source plugins on uMod.org.
2. Carbon: A modern, high-performance C# modding platform featuring faster hook dispatching, in-game configuration UI, and native compilation optimizations.

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Installing Oxide / uMod

Automated Installation via Warden Mod Manager

1. Stop your server from the Console tab.
2. In the sidebar, navigate to the Startup tab.
3. Locate the FRAMEWORK or OXIDE toggle and set it to true (or select Oxide).
4. Restart your server. On boot, the server downloads the latest matching Oxide build for your server release.
5. In the console, verify the line:

Loaded extension CSharp vX.X.X by Oxide Team

Directory Structure

Once Oxide initializes, it creates the following directories:

/oxide/
├── config/       # Plugin JSON configuration files
├── data/         # Persistent plugin databases
├── logs/         # Oxide compilation and runtime error logs
├── plugins/      # .cs plugin script files

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Installing Plugins

1. Download your desired plugin file (.cs format) from reputable modding hubs (such as uMod.org or CodeFluke).
2. Open the DustBowl Warden File Manager.
3. Navigate to /oxide/plugins/ (or /carbon/plugins/).
4. Upload the .cs file directly into the folder.
5. Oxide automatically detects new files, compiles them in real time, and prints to the server console:

Loaded plugin GatherManager v2.2.75 by Mughisi

6. Plugin configuration files are automatically generated in /oxide/config/<PluginName>.json.

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Oxide Permission Management

Plugins utilize Oxide's role-based permission system. Run these commands in the Warden console:

Granting Permissions to a Group

oxide.grant group default bprate.2x
oxide.grant group admin vanish.allow

Granting Permissions to a Specific Player

oxide.grant user 76561198000000000 kits.vip

Creating and Assigning User Groups

oxide.group add vip
oxide.usergroup add 76561198000000000 vip

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Important Notice on Game Updates

When Facepunch publishes a client/server update (especially the first Thursday forced wipe), Oxide and Carbon binaries must be updated to match the new Rust dedicated server build. Running an outdated Oxide build on a patched server executable will cause boot crashes or missing network hooks. Always ensure your framework updates immediately following Steam updates.

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Next Steps

• Configure custom procedural maps in Rust Map Seeds, World Size, and Custom Map Setup.
• Troubleshoot compilation failures in Rust Server Troubleshooting and Common Crash Fixes.