If you’re modding a Rust server, you’ll choose between two frameworks: Oxide/uMod and Carbon. They both run plugins, but they differ in compatibility, performance and how fast they update after a force wipe. This guide compares them so you can pick the right one.
Oxide / uMod
Oxide is the long-established framework with the largest plugin library and the most community support. If a Rust plugin exists, it almost certainly runs on Oxide. The trade-offs are that it can take a bit longer to update after a Rust force wipe (leaving modded servers down until plugins catch up), and being older it carries more legacy overhead.
Carbon
Carbon is a newer framework focused on performance and fast updates. It typically updates very quickly after Rust patches — a big deal on force-wipe day when you want to be online first — and it’s designed to run most Oxide plugins with little or no modification, so you usually keep your existing plugin collection. It also includes some built-in admin and debugging conveniences.
Which should you run?
- Maximum plugin compatibility and a proven track record → Oxide.
- Best performance and fastest post-wipe updates → Carbon.
Many admins now run Carbon for the update speed while keeping their Oxide plugins. On XGamingServer you can switch between Oxide and Carbon from the panel in a click, so you can try both and see which your server prefers. For plugin picks, see our best plugins by server type.
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