Things New Players Should Know Before Starting Rust

Things New Players Should Know Before Starting Rust

Key Takeaways

  • Rust is like Soulslike: Failure is part of the process.
  • Keep a low profile and avoid PvP to build slowly.
  • Manage scrap for valuable loot; raiding is inevitable.

As a seasoned survivor of the harsh, unforgiving world of Rust, allow me to share some humble advice for those just starting their journey. First and foremost, scrap is the lifeblood of this post-apocalyptic realm – it’s essential for researching, crafting, repairing, and even serving as currency!


In simpler terms, “Rust” by Facepunch Studios is a challenging first-person shooter survival game. You start with minimal guidance, often finding yourself in a random section of the map armed only with a stone and determination. It’s understandable that new players might struggle due to the game’s steep learning curve and absence of comprehensive tutorials, causing some to give up before fully exploring the game.

For beginners, it’s crucial to understand the nature of the game and the aspects that require caution. Essentially, consider “Rust” similar to Soulslike games, where failure is an inherent part of the experience. It might seem discouraging due to repeated deaths from starvation or attacks by other players, but the gradual advancement is what keeps skilled players hooked on this game.

8 Keep To Oneself

As Tempting As That Cheap Shot Is

Things New Players Should Know Before Starting Rust

It’s important to remember that all newcomers are in the same boat. Everyone’s naturally slow to trust each other and have most likely been killed countless times by players with more gear than them. It’s not exactly a “trust no one” situation, but definitely be cautious.

In the game, since it primarily revolves around Player versus Player (PvP), players tend to become somewhat aggressive. To begin with, it’s advisable to keep a low profile and avoid drawing attention. Until you have the necessary equipment and can participate in Rust’s exciting and unpredictable aspects, concentrate on crafting and building in safe locations, rather than taking risks such as infiltrating an enemy base while they’re asleep. The outcome may not always be predictable.

7 Adjust Game Settings

The Life-Saving Compass

Things New Players Should Know Before Starting Rust

Navigating through such an expansive game world can be quite challenging, leaving me unsure of my current position or destination. Thankfully, within the game settings, under ‘Options,’ players have the ability to activate the compass feature. Similar to Skyrim’s compass, this tool is placed at the top of the screen, allowing players to clearly see the direction they are facing, and also view the location of any markers they’ve set on their map.

In addition to the fact that the compass is incredibly useful, playing Rust can be quite challenging. Adjusting minor aspects like shadow density and grass displacement can enhance performance, and even provide minor benefits like making certain in-game items more visible when they’re lying on the ground.

6 Sleeping Bags

Essential Respawn Points

Things New Players Should Know Before Starting Rust

“Using a Sleeping Bag within Rust serves as a handy respawn spot for players after resting in it. To ensure consistency and familiarity, newcomers might want to pick a preferred location and set up one of these items. This way, regardless of the challenges they face, they’ll always know where they’ll reappear.

Regardless if it’s a large house or a simple structure, locating a place with ample nearby resources and recognizable landmarks is advantageous. To achieve this effectively, it’s wise to begin with modest beginnings in an area less crowded by players, gradually expanding your search radius before finally choosing the ideal spot for constructing your substantial base.

5 Building A Good Starting Base

It Won’t Start As A Penthouse

Things New Players Should Know Before Starting Rust

A compact, covert shelter serving mainly as a storage and sleeping quarters, with potential for future expansion. It acts as a hub for storing valuable items and equipment during more hazardous expeditions.

In my gaming experience, the smaller your base, the fewer resources you need to protect it. This is particularly beneficial during those initial play sessions. Reducing the amount of materials needed to secure the base makes it more manageable and efficient. As soon as I can get my hands on some Metal Doors, I always prioritize installing them for added security against enemy raids. Being strategically located near valuable resources like wood and rock is also crucial; it ensures a quick recovery after any losses or attacks. The aim is to bounce back swiftly from any setbacks!

4 Scrap Management

Don’t Spend It All At Once

Things New Players Should Know Before Starting Rust

Scrap serves multiple purposes in research, creation, and fixing tasks, while it additionally functions as a form of currency. From essential equipment to protective armor, scrap is valuable for acquiring highly beneficial items at Outposts and Bandit encampments.

When venturing through the environment, you can collect scrap from barrels and landmarks. However, salvaging specific items like Propane Tanks, Springs, and Fuses will produce different amounts of scrap. Focusing on scrap collection early in your journey can be beneficial for beginners, as it can help them advance faster, either by conducting research or making purchases.

3 Monument Exploration Preparation

Get Ready & Cross Those Fingers

Things New Players Should Know Before Starting Rust

Monuments function as the equivalent of Rust’s “Dungeon” or “Raid” locations; these are substantial, invincible structures filled with diverse treasures waiting to be discovered. Yet, it’s crucial for players to make sure they’re well-prepared before venturing inside them.

Some structures emit harmful radiation that gradually harms the game character. The potency of this radiation may differ, but it can generally be mitigated by donning radiation-protective garments, consuming antiradiation medication, utilizing medkits, and drinking clean water.

2 Player’s First Raids

Adorable, Explosive & Very Important

Things New Players Should Know Before Starting Rust

One way or another, the road always leads back to raiding. After one has their own fortified base, going slightly further out and finding smaller bases to pillage can be a helpful boost for newcomers. Researching explosives will make the process much easier- and ensuring players pick the right time is vital.

A smart move is to select a base that you’re not currently occupying right now. Once there, try to get in, gather loot, and get out as swiftly as possible. It’s best to avoid other players, but the outcomes of a raid are always uncertain. Before setting off on this risky adventure, ensure your inventory is clear and you only carry the essential items for a successful raid.

1 Play With A Group

Everything’s Better With Friends

Things New Players Should Know Before Starting Rust

Rust, without a doubt, can be challenging, but there’s no arguing that when you share this adventure with others, it’s not always a grim journey. The social element of the game is crucial and whether you’re playing with a band of friends or connecting with new players, the opportunities in Rust are boundless.

By allowing for task distribution among various participants, not only does it significantly boost efficiency but also enhances the overall chances of survival over a prolonged period, due to its friendliness and increased enjoyment factors while facilitating smooth building and resource gathering processes.

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2024-10-08 12:33