How to Install and Configure ZLevels Remastered on a Rust Server

What ZLevels Remastered Adds

Standard Rust servers are predictable by design. A tree gives a known amount of wood, a stone node gives a familiar yield, and everyone quickly learns the rhythm. ZLevels Remastered changes that by adding skill progression through a uMod plugin.

With this plugin installed, players earn XP from normal actions such as woodcutting, mining, crafting, and gathering. As those skills level up, the player receives better output or faster results. For example, a higher woodcutting level can mean more wood per tree, while crafting progression can reduce crafting time. It is a simple way to add long-term progression without turning the server into a spreadsheet wearing boots.

The plugin is also highly configurable, so server owners can tune XP gain, level caps, death penalties, UI colors, permissions, and more.

Downloading the Plugin

1. Open the ZLevels Remastered page on the uMod website.
2. Click Download on the right side of the page.

1. Save the plugin file somewhere easy to find on your computer.

Installing ZLevels Remastered

Before starting, make sure your Rust server is running uMod/Oxide. The plugin needs to be uploaded into the Oxide plugin folder.

1. Open your server panel and go to FTP or the file manager.

1. Enter your FTP password, then click Login.

1. Navigate to this folder:

`.../oxide/plugins`

1. Click Upload.
2. Drag and drop the ZLevels Remastered plugin file into the upload area, then wait for it to reach 100%.

1. Return to the main server panel and restart the server so the plugin can load.

First Look In Game

After the restart, players should see a new skill UI near the bottom-right corner of the screen. This display shows current skill levels and progress toward the next level.

Most regular gameplay actions can contribute XP. Mining, chopping trees, crafting, and picking up resources may all increase the related skill depending on your configuration. When a player gains enough XP, the skill levels up and the bonus improves.

By default, death can remove some skill XP. That penalty is configurable, and it can also be bypassed with permissions if your server style needs a gentler system.

Checking Skill Stats

Players can use the `/stats` chat command to view more detailed skill information. This includes level progress and death XP loss values.

The default colors may not suit every server UI, but they can be changed in the plugin configuration. In many setups, players can use `/stats` without extra Oxide permissions, though that depends on how permissions are enabled for your server.

Leveling Skills

When a player reaches the required XP for a skill, the plugin sends a chat message and applies the new bonus. These messages, colors, and public level-up broadcasts can be adjusted in the config.

The on-screen UI updates automatically, so players can track progress without constantly running commands.

Maximum Skill Bonuses

Each skill can have its own maximum level. Once a player reaches that cap, the bonus can become very strong. Crafting, for example, can be configured so max-level players finish items instantly.

Other skills focus on larger resource rewards. A maxed woodcutting skill can produce a very large amount of wood, so review the caps carefully unless your server economy enjoys chaos with a hatchet.

Useful Commands and Permissions

ZLevels Remastered includes commands and permissions that help server owners control progression.

• `/stats`: Shows a player's current skill levels and related XP details.
• `zlevelsremastered.noxploss`: Prevents assigned players from losing XP on death.
• Admin access: Server admins can usually bypass permission limits.

For permission-based control, enable the plugin's permission setting in the configuration file. After that, assign the permissions through your Oxide permission manager or console commands.

Editing the Configuration

The configuration file is created after the plugin loads for the first time. Use it to adjust XP rates, max levels, messages, UI colors, death penalties, and permission behavior.

1. Open FTP or the file manager and log in with your password.
2. Go to this folder:

`.../oxide/config`

1. Find `ZLevelsRemastered.json`, then click Edit.

1. Change the settings you want to adjust, then click Save.

1. Restart the server from the main panel to apply the edits.

Keep the JSON formatting intact while editing. Quotes, commas, brackets, and braces all matter. One missing comma can make the plugin ignore the file, which is a very small typo with a very loud outcome.

Common Problems

If ZLevels Remastered does not load, first confirm the file was uploaded to the correct server profile and the correct folder: `.../oxide/plugins`. After fixing the location, restart the server.

Plugin conflicts can also stop things from working properly. ZLevels Remastered may conflict with plugins such as Hunt RPG or CraftingController. If those are installed and the server has issues, remove the conflicting plugin or test them one at a time.

If configuration changes break the UI or plugin behavior, check the JSON formatting in `ZLevelsRemastered.json`. Incorrect values, missing punctuation, or broken color settings can cause problems. After saving any corrected config, restart the server again.

Helpful References

• ZLevels Remastered on uMod
• How to install Rust uMod plugins
• How to edit Rust plugin configuration files
• How to become a Rust server administrator