Home Rust Setting Up Custom NPCs and AI on a Rust Server

Setting Up Custom NPCs and AI on a Rust Server

Last updated on Feb 13, 2025

Adding custom NPCs and AI enemies allows Rust server owners to create PvE encounters, NPC traders, enemy factions, and interactive AI-controlled events. Whether you're building a survival-focused world or an RPG-style experience, NPCs enhance gameplay by providing quests, combat, and economy features.

This guide will walk you through installing and configuring NPCs and AI using VolticHost Game Panel.


📌 Prerequisites

  • A Rust server purchased at VolticHost.com

  • Access to VolticHost Game Panel

  • Oxide/uMod installed for AI management

  • (Optional) BotSpawn and HumanNPC plugins for advanced AI customization


1️⃣ Install the BotSpawn Plugin for AI Enemies

  1. Log in to VolticHost Game Panel.

  2. Navigate to Mod Manager and install Oxide (uMod).

  3. Download BotSpawn from uMod.

  4. Upload the BotSpawn.cs file to:

    /oxide/plugins/
    
  5. Restart the server to activate the plugin.

AI bots are now enabled on your Rust server!


2️⃣ Configure AI Enemies (BotSpawn Plugin)

  1. Navigate to File Manager in VolticHost Game Panel.

  2. Open:

    /oxide/config/BotSpawn.json
    
  3. Adjust NPC spawn locations and behavior:

    {
        "CustomProfiles": {
            "BanditCampGuards": {
                "SpawnLocations": ["X Y Z"],
                "Health": 150,
                "Weapon": "rifle.ak",
                "AggressionLevel": 2
            }
        }
    }
    
  4. Click Save File and restart the server.

AI enemies will now spawn in designated locations!


3️⃣ Create Interactive NPC Traders

To add NPC shops, vendors, or quest-givers, install HumanNPC:

  1. Download HumanNPC from uMod.

  2. Upload the HumanNPC.cs file to:

    /oxide/plugins/
    
  3. Restart the server to activate the plugin.

Your server now supports interactive NPCs!


4️⃣ Configure NPC Traders and Quests

  1. Open the Console tab in VolticHost Game Panel.

  2. Spawn an NPC at your location:

    npc_add
    
  3. Customize the NPC’s name and dialogue:

    npc_setname TraderBob
    npc_setmessage "Welcome! Trade your scrap here."
    
  4. Set up item trades:

    npc_additem "rifle.ak" 500 scrap
    
  5. Save settings and restart the server.

Players can now interact with NPC traders and buy/sell items!


5️⃣ Restart the Server to Apply Changes

  1. Navigate to the Console tab in VolticHost Game Panel.

  2. Click Stop to shut down the server.

  3. Wait a few seconds, then click Start to relaunch the server with NPC and AI settings.

Your Rust server now features custom NPCs and AI-controlled enemies!


🎉 Conclusion

You've successfully added custom NPC traders, AI enemies, and interactive AI mechanics to your Rust server using VolticHost Game Panel! Players can now engage with NPCs, fight AI enemies, and experience a dynamic Rust world. 🚀

For more assistance, contact VolticHost Support.