---
title: Custom Elements
description: "Custom Elements allow you to extend Elements by running your own [authoritative](https://namazustudios.com/glossary/authoritative/) code inside the platform. They are best thought of as **server-side plugins**. --- ## What a Custom [Element](https://namazustudios.com/glossary/element/) Is A Custom [Element](https://namazustudios.com/glossary/element/): - is a server-side [Application](https://namazustudios.com/glossary/application/) -…"
url: "https://namazustudios.com/docs/general-concepts/custom-elements/"
updated: "2026-08-13"
category: General Concepts
---

# Custom Elements

Custom Elements allow you to extend Elements by running your own [authoritative](https://namazustudios.com/glossary/authoritative/) code inside the platform.

They are best thought of as **server-side plugins**.

---

## What a Custom [Element](https://namazustudios.com/glossary/element/) Is

A Custom [Element](https://namazustudios.com/glossary/element/):

- is a server-side [Application](https://namazustudios.com/glossary/application/)
- runs in a trusted environment
- can access Elements data and systems
- cannot be modified by players

---

## When You Might Use a Custom [Element](https://namazustudios.com/glossary/element/)

Custom Elements are a good fit when:

- you want to avoid running your own backend
- logic is tightly coupled to Elements features
- functionality should be reusable across games
- third parties need to integrate cleanly

Examples include:

- receipt validation
- promotional reward systems
- scheduled content rotation
- anti‑fraud or validation logic

---

## How Custom Elements Fit Into the System

Custom Elements participate in the same [authoritative](https://namazustudios.com/glossary/authoritative/) flows as external servers:

![](https://namazustudios.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/image-1.png)

From the client’s perspective, nothing changes — authority remains on the server.

---

## What This Means for Developers

If you’re new to backend development:

- Custom Elements can significantly reduce the amount of infrastructure you need
- You still write server‑style code, but Elements handles the environment

If you already run a backend:

- Custom Elements allow you to move shared or reusable logic closer to the data

Both approaches are fully supported.