Quick Answer

Roblox stopped using the iconic “studs” look on avatars and parts gradually, with the major shift happening between 2010 and 2013. By early 2013 , studs were officially removed from newly created parts and places in Roblox Studio, marking the end of the classic stud-based aesthetic as the default.

The Stud Era: 2006–2009

In Roblox’s early years (2006–2009), the platform leaned heavily into a LEGO- like visual style. Everything—characters, bricks, and environments—was covered in those familiar circular studs.

  • Character parts had visible studs.
  • Baseplates and bricks featured the “LEGO stud” texture prominently.
  • This gave Roblox its blocky, toy-like identity during its formative years.

When Did the Change Start?

The transition away from studs wasn’t overnight. It was a phased modernization:

  • Late 2009 : The “LEGO studs” and inlets began to be phased out from default parts.
  • 2010–2012 : Roblox introduced smoother textures and more realistic materials. The classic stud surface became less common in new games.
  • Early 2013 : Studs were officially removed from newly created parts and places in Roblox Studio. They were no longer the default, though still accessible via scripts or plugins.

“Studs no longer appear on newer created places or parts, but are still accessible via scripts or plugins. This feature was removed in early 2013.”

Why Did Roblox Stop Using Studs?

Roblox evolved from a toy-building sandbox into a full-fledged game creation platform. The stud aesthetic, while nostalgic, limited visual fidelity and realism. Removing studs allowed:

  • Smoother, more detailed environments
  • Better lighting and texture support
  • More diverse art styles beyond the LEGO look

As one community member noted, retro aspects like stud blocks can be “interesting to see, but not fun at all” for modern gameplay expectations.

Can You Still Get the Stud Look?

Yes! While studs are no longer the default, they’re still accessible:

  • Via plugins in Roblox Studio
  • Through scripts that apply stud textures manually
  • In retro-themed games that intentionally recreate the old aesthetic

Some creators even use studs for nostalgic or stylistic purposes, keeping the classic look alive in select experiences.

TL;DR

  • 2006–2009 : Full stud era—everything had studs.
  • Late 2009–2012 : Gradual phase-out as Roblox modernized.
  • Early 2013 : Studs officially removed from new parts/places by default.
  • Today : Studs still available via plugins/scripts for retro or stylistic use.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.