> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Install Oxide & uMod in Rust

> Enable advanced plugin support. Learn how to deploy the Oxide/uMod framework to authorize kits, economy systems, and administrative tools on your Rust server.

## Powering Community Customization: Oxide

**Oxide** (now formally known as uMod) is the definitive technical framework for modding the Rust server engine. It functions as a lightweight abstraction layer that enables the execution of C#-based `.cs` plugins, allowing administrators to implement features ranging from simple gather-rate multipliers to complete economy and RPG systems. By modifying the server's core assembly binaries, Oxide provides a high-performance environment for community customization without the significant overhead associated with full engine conversions.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Difficulty" icon="gauge-low">
    Beginner
  </Card>

  <Card title="Time" icon="clock">
    4 Minutes
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Technical Deployment Workflow

FREAKHOSTING has integrated the Oxide installation process directly into our automated startup pipeline, eliminating the need for manual file injection.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access Startup Settings">
    Log in to the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com) and select your active Rust instance. Navigate to the **Startup** tab in the sidebar.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Authorize the Framework">
    Locate the **Oxide / uMod** environment variable. Set the toggle to **Enabled** (or input `1` depending on your interface version).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Initialize Automated Patching">
    Return to the **Console** tab and click **Restart**. Our system will programmatically retrieve the latest Oxide binaries and patch your server's core assemblies during the boot sequence.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Technical Verification

Once the server has achieved an `Online` status, you must verify that the framework has successfully hooked into the engine.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Console">
    Access the real-time terminal within your Game Panel.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Execute Version Audit">
    Input the following command:
    `oxide.version`
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review Result">
    A successful initialization will return specific version metadata for both the Oxide core and the C# compiler. If the console returns "Command not found," the patching sequence has failed to initialize.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

<Important>
  ### The Post-Update Recovery Protocol

  Garry's Mod and Rust receive frequent engine updates via Steam. Every time a major update is applied, the official binaries will overwrite the modified `Assembly-CSharp.dll` file, effectively disabling your modifications and reverting the server to a "Vanilla" state. To restore your functionality, simply **Restart** your server twice. Our startup script will detect the discrepancy and re-apply the Oxide patches automatically.
</Important>

***

<Note>
  ### Need Extra Help?

  If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

  * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
  * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
  * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
  * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)
</Note>

<Tip>
  ### Save on Your Hosting

  Ready to get a new server? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first month!
</Tip>

***

<div align="center">
  **Last Updated:** January 2026 | **Rust:** Oxide framework active.
</div>