How to Add Plugins to a Rust Server

Last modified on Nov 27, 2023 in Rust

By Dalton Whalen

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Overview

A large part of owning a Rust server is adding plugins to further customize your gameplay. Many servers use plugins for moderation, customized wipe mechanics, and even whitelists. These can add important features that vanilla servers may be missing. With Apex Hosting, it is very easy to install and configure Rust plugins, so we will be showing you how to get started.
 

How to install Plugins:

Preparation:

1. Navigate to your Apex server panel and access the Rust server.
2. Afterward, click the Customizations button on the far left side of your screen.
3. Scroll down to Enable uMod Support and ensure it is check-marked.
   
4. When you’re finished, return to the main panel and start up the server to apply the changes.

 
This should ensure that all required files and folders are ready to use the Oxide plugin loader and you can proceed.
 

Download Plugins:

1. Navigate to the uMod plugins website for Rust.
2. Use the search bar or simply browse for the desired plugin.
3. Once located, press the Download page at the top-right.
   
4. Save your plugins to an accessible location for later.

Uploading Plugins:

1. Navigate to your Apex server panel.
2. Click the FTP File Access on the left, then log in.
3. Go to the oxide folder, then the plugins folder.
   
4. Press upload in the top-left, then drag + drop your plugin files.
5. Once at 100%, press the server name at the top to return to the main page
   

 
A majority of plugins will load automatically, but it is recommended to restart to ensure full functionality.
 

Configuration:

Configuring a plugin is also quite easy. Most plugin pages will provide detailed information on each setting, if you become confused by what something means.

1. Access the FTP File Access, then log in.
2. Navigate to the oxide folder, then the config folder.
   
3. Locate the desired config file, then press edit to the far-right.
4. Once the changes have been made, press save.

 
It is once again recommended to restart the server to ensure full functionality from the plugins.
 

Conclusion:

Overall, adding and customizing plugins on your Rust server is a great way to set your server apart from the rest. Zombies appearing at night time? Improved building and PvP? Almost anything is possible with these plugins. I personally recommend using Wulf’s Whitelist plugin to ensure your server is private. At the time of writing, there are over 1 thousand Rust plugins available, so there should be plenty to try out for yourself.