What is Rust?

Rust is a multiplayer survival game developed by Facepunch Studios where players must gather resources, build bases, and survive against the elements and other players in a harsh post-apocalyptic environment.

History of Rust (the Game)

Rust is developed by Facepunch Studios, led by Garry Newman (famous for creating Garry's Mod). Initially, Rust was heavily inspired by games like DayZ and Minecraft. It started as a clone of DayZ, emphasizing survival elements where players had to fend off zombies alongside other environmental challenges. The game's early iterations included basic crafting and building mechanics, which allowed players to gather resources and construct shelters.

In mid-2014, Rust underwent a significant overhaul when Facepunch decided to rebuild the game from scratch using the Unity 5 engine, which improved graphics and performance capabilities. This version, known as "Experimental," eventually became the default version of Rust, replacing the original "Legacy" version. This change allowed for a greater expansion of features like procedurally generated maps, better building mechanics, and more detailed environments.

When did Rust release?

Rust was officially released out of Early Access on February 8, 2018, after being in development and Early Access since late 2013.

How much is Rust, is Rust free?

Rust is not free and must be purchased from digital distribution platforms such as Steam. The price may vary depending on the region and the platform's pricing policy.

Why is Rust so popular?

Rust's popularity stems from its challenging survival gameplay, extensive crafting system, and the intense player interactions it facilitates, ranging from cooperation to brutal competition. Its regular updates, active community, and the thrill of player vs. player dynamics keep the game fresh and engaging for new and veteran players alike.

Can my PC run Rust?

To run Rust, your PC should meet the following minimum system requirements:

  • OS: Windows 8.1 64bit
  • Processor: Intel Core i7-3770 / AMD FX-9590 or better
  • Memory: 10 GB RAM
  • Graphics: GTX 670 2GB / AMD R9 280 better
  • DirectX: Version 11
  • Network: Broadband Internet connection
  • Storage: 20 GB available space
For optimal performance, higher specifications are recommended. Generally speaking, the more modern your computer is, the better. From our experience, if you want to play on a high population server (over 100-200 players) you will want a GTX 1060 or better for 2024 to hit a steady 30-60 FPS.

Is Rust a CPU or GPU game?

Rust is both CPU and GPU intensive, requiring significant resources from both to run smoothly. The game demands a good CPU to handle its complex simulations and large player counts, and a powerful GPU to manage its detailed environments and effects at a high frame rate. Optimizing both CPU and GPU performance is crucial for the best gaming experience.

How many people play Rust?

As of 2024, Rust continues to be a popular multiplayer survival game. Although specific numbers fluctuate based on events and updates, Rust regularly hosts tens of thousands of concurrent players across various platforms. Player engagement peaks particularly during major updates, special events, or when popular streamers showcase the game.

How Long is 24 hours in Rust?

A full 24-hour day-night cycle in Rust lasts about 45 minutes in real time. This includes both daylight and nighttime phases, impacting how players plan and execute their strategies.

Specifically, nighttime in Rust typically lasts about 15 minutes, though this can vary slightly depending on the server settings.

Does Rust have controller support?

Yes, Rust has partial controller support on PC, allowing players to use gamepads for gameplay. However, the experience is generally optimized for keyboard and mouse input. Console versions of Rust are fully compatible with controllers.

Is Rust free on PS4?

No, Rust is not free on the PS4. It must be purchased from the PlayStation Store. Occasionally, there may be discounts or promotional events where the price is reduced.

What is Steam Auth Timeout in Rust?

"Steam Auth Timeout" is an error in Rust that occurs when your game client fails to authenticate with Steam’s servers within a given time frame. This can be due to server issues, problems with your Internet connection, or Steam outages.

What is a Zerg in Rust?

In Rust, a "Zerg" refers to a large group of players that band together to dominate the game. These groups can often overwhelm smaller groups or solo players through sheer numbers, impacting the balance and dynamics of gameplay on a server.

How often does Rust wipe?

Rust servers typically wipe every month, but the frequency can vary depending on the server. Some servers may wipe bi-weekly or weekly, particularly those labeled as "high population" or those that are testing new features.

When do monthly Rust servers wipe?

Monthly wipes on Rust servers usually occur on the first Thursday of each month. This is to implement major game updates and to reset player progress, keeping the game environment fresh and competitive.

Does Rust have lore?

Rust does not have a traditional narrative or lore, as its focus is on survival and player interaction. Any backstory elements are minimal, serving more to enhance the atmosphere rather than drive a storyline.

Although Garry Newman, owner of Facepunch, has accepted the fan theory that the islands of Rust are a social experiment ran by the world governments to see how people will act in a survival setting.

Can Rust be played single player?

While Rust is primarily designed for multiplayer experiences, it is possible to play it solo. This can be significantly more challenging, as the game’s mechanics and threats are designed with group interactions in mind.

What does snowballing mean in Rust?

In Rust, "snowballing" refers to the process where a player or a group quickly gains resources and strength disproportionately, often by looting other players. This can lead to a dominant position where they can control significant portions of the game map and resources, further increasing their advantage.