Top modded Rust servers

A modded server changes gameplay through plugins: gather rates above 1x, kits, shops, teleports, custom loot tables or entirely new modes. Vanilla servers run the base game with no such changes. Facepunch requires any server that alters gameplay to appear in the Modded tab, so if you see a raised rate outside that tab, it is against the rules. Plugins that only affect admin tools or chat do not make a server modded.

Start with the rate, because it changes how long a wipe lasts and how much you need to farm. Then look at the wipe schedule: some servers wipe weekly, others monthly, and blueprints may or may not reset. Region and group limit are next, especially if you play with a small team. The server's own page shows its recent player counts, so you can see whether it is busy at the times you play.

It depends on the server. The monthly force wipe on the first Thursday resets the map for everyone, but blueprint wipes are a separate choice. Many modded servers wipe blueprints with the map, some keep them for several wipes. The server's page or its description will say which. If it does not, assume they wipe with the map.

Yes. The mods run on the server, so you join with the standard Rust client and download nothing extra. You will see the effects in-game: faster gathering, shops, kits and so on. Some servers use custom maps, but those are also delivered by the server automatically.