<h2>Choosing Your Server Software</h2>
<p>The Software tab offers three branches:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Public (Main)</strong> — the standard, stable branch that most Rust servers run.</li>
<li><strong>Staging</strong> — Facepunch's pre-release testing branch.</li>
<li><strong>Aux01</strong> — a secondary testing branch.</li>
</ul>
<p>Staging and Aux01 wipe frequently and are meant for testing, not a persistent community server. Any branch change requires a server restart to take effect, with a confirmation warning shown before you save.</p>

<h2>Next Steps</h2>
<p>Want to add plugins? See <a href="/knowledge-base/rust-installing-mods">Installing Mods on Rust</a> for the full Oxide/uMod setup. Before a wipe or a risky plugin update, back up your server — see <a href="/knowledge-base/managing-backups-and-restores">Managing Backups & Restoring Your Server</a>. For details on Rust's monthly-only billing, see <a href="/knowledge-base/hourly-vs-monthly-billing-explained">Hourly vs Monthly Billing: Which Games Qualify</a>.</p>

Getting Started with Your Rust Server

Choosing Your Server Software

Next Steps

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