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Rust server: Oxide or Carbon? Which plugin framework (2026)

Oxide (uMod) and Carbon compared: plugins, performance, in-game menu and folders, and how to switch between them without a wipe.

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Updated 4 November 2026

Short answer: both run the same kind of .cs plugins, so for most servers the choice matters less than people think. Pick Oxide (uMod) if you want the safest route with the longest track record and the most guides. Pick Carbon if you care about performance and like managing plugins from an in-game menu; it is built as a drop-in replacement for Oxide and runs most Oxide plugins unchanged. You can switch later in a few minutes, so don't let this choice hold you up.

Checked on 29 October 2026 on carbonmod.gg, the Carbon documentation (docs.carbonmod.gg) and umod.org.

The differences that matter

Oxide (uMod)Carbon
PluginsThe original format; uMod hosts a large library of free pluginsRuns Oxide plugins; describes itself as a drop-in replacement
PerformanceLoads its full set of hooksLoads only the hooks your plugins use, with performance as its stated first priority
Managing pluginsFiles and console commandsAlso an in-game interface to install, update and configure plugins
Guides and helpMost tutorials and plugin pages assume OxideOwn docs and Discord; most Oxide guides still apply
Foldersoxide/plugins, oxide/config, oxide/datacarbon/plugins, carbon/configs, carbon/data
LicenseFreeFree, MIT license

Which one for your server?

  • A server for friends with 5 to 20 plugins: either works. Oxide if you follow tutorials step by step; Carbon if you like the in-game menu.
  • Many plugins or a busy server: Carbon's lighter hook loading can help. Test your plugin list on it first.
  • A paid plugin with "Oxide only" or "Carbon only" on its page: follow the plugin. Most authors on uMod and Codefling now test on both.
  • Harmony mods (mods that patch the game directly, not normal plugins): Carbon keeps these in carbon/harmony. Check the mod's page.

Turn one on in SparkPanel

  1. Make a backup: Backups → Create backup in SparkPanel.
  2. Open Plugins, choose Oxide (uMod) or Carbon and click Save.
  3. Restart the server. The framework is installed on start; the console shows it loading.
  4. Install plugins from the same Plugins tab with one click, or upload .cs files to the plugins folder in Files. They load without a restart.

Switch from Oxide to Carbon (or back)

  1. Make a backup first.
  2. Switch the framework under Plugins and restart once, so the new folders are created.
  3. In Files, copy your plugins from oxide/plugins to carbon/plugins, your settings from oxide/config to carbon/configs and saved plugin data from oxide/data to carbon/data. Going back to Oxide is the same in reverse.
  4. Restart and read the console. A plugin that fails to compile shows an error with its name; check for an update on its page or remove it.
Your map, bases and players are not touched by a switch: they live in server/rust. Only plugin data (kits given, economy balances and so on) moves with the data folder.

Be clear about what your server is

Facepunch's server rules ask that servers are labelled fairly to players and never call themselves official. If your plugins change how the game plays (gather rates, kits, teleport), say so in your server name or description. Players who want vanilla will thank you, and so will the ones looking for exactly your setup.

Which plan?

Our Rust plans all run Oxide or Carbon in one click: Rust 8 GB (40 GB NVMe, up to about 25 players on a map up to 3500) for €7.19 per month paid per quarter, or €7.49 with monthly billing; Rust 12 GB (60 GB NVMe, a community up to about 75 players) for €10.49 and Rust 16 GB (80 GB NVMe, large maps and heavy plugin sets) for €13.39 per month, both billed monthly only. Which size fits: Rust server with 8, 12 or 16 GB. See Rust server hosting, and for plugins and wipes see Rust server: plugins and wipes and settings for 2 to 10 players.

Frequently asked questions

Should I use Oxide or Carbon for my Rust server? Both run the same .cs plugins. Oxide (uMod) has the longest track record and the most guides; Carbon is a drop-in replacement focused on performance, with an in-game plugin menu. For a server with friends, either works.

Do Oxide plugins work on Carbon? Most do without changes: Carbon is built as a drop-in replacement for Oxide and keeps the same plugin structure. Copy the .cs files to carbon/plugins and check the console for errors.

Is Carbon faster than Oxide? Carbon is built with performance as its first priority and only loads the hooks your plugins use. How much you notice depends on your plugins and player count.

Can I switch from Oxide to Carbon without wiping? Yes. The map and player progress stay. Copy plugins, configs and data from the oxide folders to the carbon folders and restart.

Can I run Oxide and Carbon at the same time? No. Choose one framework per server.