The open-world survival game Rust has captivated players with its challenging gameplay and vast sandbox environment. While the base game offers a thrilling experience, the true potential of Rust lies in its moddable nature. With the help of plugins, players and developers can enhance the game’s features, introduce new mechanics, and create entirely unique experiences.
If you’re intrigued by the prospect of Rust plugin development, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the process and introduce you to the two main modding platforms: Oxide and Carbon.
Why Should I Start Creating Rust Plugins?
People create plugins for Rust for various reasons. Some do it to express their creativity, while others want to contribute to the Rust community or want to earn money. Some use it as a way to learn more about programming, and some do it to build up their own portfolio. The best part? There are no limits – anyone can give it a try!
Choosing Your Modding Platform: Oxide vs. Carbon
Before diving into plugin development, it’s crucial to select the right modding platform. The two most popular options are Oxide and Carbon, each with its own strengths and limitations.
UMod / Oxide
Umod, formerly known as Oxide, is the more established and widely used modding platform for Rust. It provides a stable and feature-rich environment for plugin development, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced programmers. Umod offers a wide range of APIs, events, and tools to extend the capabilities of the Rust server.
Carbon
Carbon is a relatively newer modding platform that has gained popularity due to its modern design and performance improvements. It aims to simplify plugin development by providing a more streamlined API and better integration with the Rust server. Carbon is particularly well-suited for creating plugins that focus on performance and efficiency.
UMod or Carbon?
Currently, I would choose UMod, as Carbon has pretty good compatibility to UMod Plugins, therefore no development effort is necessary. In the future it might be possible that Carbonmod drops support for UMod Plugins. But as this will only be the case when Carbon is widely adapted, then it will be the choice anyways.
Resources for Rust Plugin Development
The Rust modding community is thriving, and there are numerous resources available to support your development journey. Here are some valuable resources to get you started:
- Modding Documentation: Both UMod and Carbon provide comprehensive documentation and tutorials to guide you through the development process.
- Community Forums and Discord Servers: Join the Oxide and Carbon Discord servers to connect with other developers, ask questions, and share your progress.
- Existing Plugins: Explore existing plugins to understand how they are structured, implemented, and integrated into the game.
Testing your Plugin
Testing your first plugin is easy, as you just need to put your plugin.cs file into the plugin folder. The plugin is then reloaded automatically.
Beyond the Basics: Hiring Expert Programmers
If you lack the necessary programming skills or simply want to expedite your plugin’s development, consider engaging the expertise of experienced programmers. We can highly recommend Mevent, a skilled Rust developer, who has a proven track record, having spearheaded the development of the VyHub Rust integration. His expertise and passion for Rust can significantly accelerate your plugin’s development and ensure its success. You can find all his plugins on Codefling or lone.design. Furthermore, you can contact him with your own custom plugin requests.
Recommendation: VyHub – A Powerful Ally for Rust Server Communities
If you’re a server owner looking to elevate your community’s presence and enhance its gaming experience, VyHub is an invaluable resource. Their comprehensive suite of management tools, including a user-friendly dashboard, custom website builder, and integrated ticketing system, empowers you to effectively manage your community, engage with your players, and address any issues promptly.
And for those seeking to monetize their community’s activities, VyHub offers a variety of monetization options, such as donation systems, sponsorships, and advertising. With these tools, you can generate revenue while continuing to provide a high-quality gaming experience for your players.
We highly recommend VyHub game server customization features for any Rust server community seeking to streamline management, enhance player engagement, and explore monetization opportunities. Their robust platform and unwavering commitment to community empowerment make them an ideal partner for your gaming endeavors.
Rust Plugin Development Is a Rewarding Experience
Rust plugin development offers a creative and rewarding experience for both game enthusiasts and software developers. With the right tools, resources, and dedication, you can expand the boundaries of Rust and create new experiences that will captivate players. So, embark on your plugin development journey, unleash your creativity, and add your unique touch to the world of Rust.