How to Play Rust

Survival in Rust demands strategy, resourcefulness, and resilience. Whether navigating the treacherous environment or engaging in tense encounters, mastering the fundamentals is essential. Here's our comprehensive guide on How to Play Rust.

Choose Your Rust Server Wisely

Consider server population and age when choosing where to settle. Fewer players offer a calmer environment for resource gathering and base building. Beware of large, organized gangs that may pose significant threats. Opt for newer servers to face less-developed adversaries.

Build Your Safe Base As Soon As Possible

Strategic Base Location

Choose a discreet location for your base to minimize unwanted attention. Harsh climates offer additional challenges but provide excellent concealment. Consider settling near roads for access to valuable resources, albeit with increased player traffic.

The Rust Crafting Menu & Building Plan

How To Build A Base In Rust

First, you will want to build a small base as a priority. Chop 1 tree down and create a building plan from the Crafting Menu costing 20 wood and a Hammer costing 100 wood. These items are crucial for learning how to play Rust and fortifying your position and safeguarding resources. Begin with a simple structure and expand gradually to enhance security.

Start with a simple square foundation:

• Square Foundation (50 wood)
• Build Wall Panels (50 wood)
• A square flat Roof Panel (25 wood)
• A Door (300 wood)
• A Lock (75 wood)

1x1 Rust Base Screenshot

Create A Sleeping Bag

Next, we need to create a respawn site incase we die to the weather elements, starvation or PVP. To do this you will require 30 Cloth to craft a Sleeping Bag. To obtain Cloth, locate and harvest Hemp Plants (see image below) around the map.  You can also craft multiple sleeping bags and spread them around the map or base, allowing you to respawn in secure locations. This item is vital for maintaining control over your surroundings and minimizing risk.

Screenshot of a Hemp Plant in Rust

Craft Good Tools to Collect Resources Faster

There are many different types of tools in the world of Rust, from Chainsaw's to Salvaged Hammers. Each tool will harvest different amounts from resources depending on item. Now that we have a base built and our sleeping bag down, lets start gathering our resources.

Efficient Resource Gathering

Prioritize crafting Stone Hatchets and Pickaxes for faster wood and stone collection. It will cost you 200 Wood & 100 Stone for each item. These tools are indispensable for resource acquisition and base construction, ensuring efficient progress.

Stone Hatchet in Rust Crafting Menu

Add New Levels of Protection to the Base

Once you have managed to build up your resources, you should probably think about upgrading your base. Make it more fortified with internal traps, honeycomb the exterior walls of your base with more protection and even add Auto Turrets.

Reinforce Your Base

Continuously upgrade your base with stone walls and additional security measures. Consider incorporating deadly spikes and installing a Tool Cupboard for enhanced protection of valuables.

Craft Weapons to Survive and Hunt

Arm Yourself for Survival

When learning how to play Rust, crafting is essential with weapons like the Wooden Spear, Hunting Bow, and Bone Knife for self-defense and hunting. Be prepared to fend off hostile players and aggressive wildlife.

These Tools cost:

• Wooden Spear - 300 Wood
• Hunting Bow - 200 Wood/50 Cloth
• Bone Knife - 30 Bone Frags

Loot Barrels and Crates

Scour the environment for loot barrels and crates containing valuable resources. Exercise caution and remain vigilant to avoid ambushes while looting.

Be a Brave Explorer

Explore Monuments in Rust with high tier loot and unravel their mysteries to uncover valuable rewards. Balance resource gathering with exploration to expand your knowledge and capabilities.

Screenshot of Dome Monument

Trust No-one but Try to Make Friends

Exercise caution when interacting with other players to avoid exploitation. Form alliances cautiously to increase your effectiveness and survival chances. Ultimately, maintain a positive outlook and enjoy the challenges Rust presents.