> ## 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. # Oxide vs Carbon: Which Rust Modding Framework Should I Use? > Oxide vs Carbon for Rust: both run uMod-style C# plugins. Carbon aims to run Oxide plugins unchanged; they can't run together. Pick one in Server settings. Oxide (uMod) and Carbon are the two modding frameworks for Rust servers. Both run C# plugins: Oxide is the long-standing standard with the uMod plugin library, and Carbon is a newer framework that aims to run Oxide plugins without changes. You can only run one at a time. On FREAKHOSTING you choose with **Plugin framework** in **Server settings** and restart. | | Oxide (uMod) | Carbon | | - | - | - | | Plugins | uMod library (`.cs` files) | Aims to run most Oxide plugins as they are | | Plugin folder | `oxide/plugins` | `carbon/plugins` | | Console commands | `oxide.` or `o.` (for example `o.grant`) | `c.` (for example `c.grant`) | | Plugin settings | `oxide/config` | `carbon/configs` | | Panel **Plugins** page | Installs into `/oxide/plugins` | Not covered by the page | | Run both together | No | No | ## What is Oxide? Oxide is the framework most Rust plugins are written for. The panel's **Find on uMod** tab lists about 1,400 Rust plugins from uMod. Facepunch's [Oxide page](https://wiki.facepunch.com/rust/Oxide) describes it as the framework server owners use to install and manage plugins. ## What is Carbon? Carbon is a newer modding framework. Facepunch's [Carbon page](https://wiki.facepunch.com/rust/Carbon) and the [Carbon documentation](https://docs.carbonmod.gg/owners/introduction) say it aims to run existing Oxide plugins without patches, uses Harmony, loads hooks only when a plugin needs them and can hot-reload with `carbon.reload`. It uses its own commands with the `c.` prefix, such as `c.grant`, `c.revoke`, `c.group`, `c.usergroup`, `c.load`, `c.reload` and `c.unload`. ## Which should I choose? * **Choose Oxide** if you want the simplest path on our panel. The **Plugins** page searches uMod and installs into `/oxide/plugins` in one click, and most plugin guides are written for Oxide. * **Choose Carbon** if you want Carbon's features and are happy to manage plugins in `carbon/plugins` with the [File Manager](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md) or [SFTP](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-connect-via-sftp.md). Check each plugin's own page for notes about Carbon. ## How to choose a framework on FREAKHOSTING **1. Back up** [Create a backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md) before you change frameworks. **2. Open Server settings** In the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com), click **Server settings** under **RUST** and scroll to **Security and plugins**. **3. Pick the framework** Set **Plugin framework** to **Vanilla (no plugins)**, **Oxide (uMod)** or **Carbon**. This is the **Modding Framework** Startup variable. **4. Save and restart** Click **Review and save**, then restart. The framework is installed as the server starts. ## How to move from Oxide to Carbon The [Carbon migration guide](https://carbonmod.gg/owners/oxide-porting) says: * Carbon and Oxide can't run together. * On its first start, Carbon copies Oxide's `config`, `data`, `lang` and user and group data into its own folders automatically. The automatic migration only runs the first time Carbon starts. * Oxide's `config` folder is called `configs` in Carbon. * Oxide extensions (`Oxide.Ext.*.dll` in `RustDedicated_Data/Managed`) go into Carbon's `extensions` folder. * `o.` commands don't work in Carbon; use `c.` commands. If the switch doesn't go cleanly, restore your backup or [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php). ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I use uMod plugins on Carbon? Carbon aims to run most Oxide plugins unchanged. Put the `.cs` file in `carbon/plugins`. Check the plugin's page for Carbon notes. ### Does the Plugins page work with Carbon? The **Plugins** page manages `/oxide/plugins`. On Carbon, manage plugin files in `carbon/plugins` with the File Manager or SFTP. ### Which framework uses less CPU? Carbon says it is built to lower CPU and memory overhead. Real results depend mostly on which plugins you run and how many players you have. ### How do I check which framework is running? Type `oxide.version` in the console for Oxide. The **Plugins** page also shows the framework set in Startup. ## Related guides > [card] [Rust server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/rust-server-hosting-guide.md) > > Every Rust page in one place. > [card] [Install Oxide and plugins](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/installing-oxideumod-on-your-rust-server.md) > > One-click plugins from uMod. > [card] [Performance and memory](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/rust-server-performance-and-memory.md) > > Keep your server smooth. > [card] [Server settings explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/rust-server-cfg-settings-explained.md) > > Where Plugin framework lives. *** > [!NOTE] > > **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 31 October 2026 (Rust dedicated server; framework switch tested with Oxide.Rust 2.0.7839). Carbon details **checked against the official [Carbon documentation](https://docs.carbonmod.gg/owners/introduction)** on 31 October 2026. Steps may differ slightly if the game changes. > [!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) > [!TIP] > > ### Save on Your Hosting > > Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order! *** **Last Updated:** October 2026 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.