Rust Soft Refresh Update: New Features and Improvements
Deployable Debris
The latest Rust update introduces a new feature in the softcore game mode: deployable debris. When certain deployable objects in your base are destroyed, they will now leave behind a destroyed version. This allows players to repair them and quickly restore their base after a raid. When destroyed, these objects will drop 50% of their contents, while the remaining 50% will be stored inside, accessible only by the player owners.
If the deployable loses its ground support, it will fall to the nearest position and won't be repairable on the spot. However, players can pick it up with a hammer and repair it later at a repair bench. This feature is currently enabled for various items such as Large Wooden Box, Storage Barrels, Small Wooden Box, Coffin, Small Furnace, Electric Furnace, Locker, Tool Cupboard, Fridge, Vending Machine, and all Workbenches.
For Tool Cupboards, the destroyed version will still provide building authorization within its normal radius for 48 hours and can only be repaired by authorized players. While this feature is currently exclusive to the softcore mode, it might be introduced to the vanilla game in the future.
Respawn Changes
The Reclaim Terminal at Outpost has been removed, streamlining the respawn process in Softcore mode. Now, if you die outside of a building privilege radius, you'll respawn with 50% of your inventory automatically. This change eliminates the need to rush to the Outpost to reclaim your items, making the system faster and more forgiving.
The calculation of the 50% inventory retention has also been improved. Instead of grabbing half of your item stacks, the system now retains 50% of your total count for stackables, resulting in a fairer and more predictable outcome. This change is designed to reduce friction after dying and make the Softcore experience more accessible for players.
Upkeep Tax Changes
In Softcore mode, upkeep rates for doors have been increased to discourage massive bases and promote raiding. While building blocks remain unchanged, the upkeep for doors in large bases will now be around 90%, compared to 30% in vanilla. Smaller bases won't feel this impact as much, but larger bases with numerous doors will face higher maintenance costs. This change aims to discourage door mazes and make raiding more viable.
PvP Damage
To make early PvP encounters less punishing, bullet damage from one player to another has been reduced by 25% in Softcore mode. This change allows for longer, more strategic engagements, giving players more time to react and fight back.
Sleeping Bag Changes
In Softcore mode, Sleeping Bags, Towels, and Beds will now leave behind a destroyed version when destroyed. This version allows players to respawn at that point one last time before being permanently destroyed. These bags will be marked with a skull icon on the map/respawn screen.
Adobe Wall and Gate
A new Adobe external wall and gate skin pack is now available in the Rust store. Players can use the Spray Can item to reskin their external walls and gates with this new visual style.
Quality of Life Changes
Fridge Changes
Bota Bags and Honeycomb can now be placed in Fridges.
Easy Rug Deployment
Rugs can now be placed under already placed deployables.
Crossbow & Turret Arrows
Crossbows and Bow Turrets now display their load status and arrow type to other players.
More Unique Impact Details
Impact details are now rotated and scaled randomly to increase uniqueness.
Hanging Banner
Hanging banners can now be placed at a greater distance for easier placement.
Pole Banner
Pole banners can now be placed on construction.
Bee System Balance & Improvements
Bee Swarms
- Bee Swarm damage is now reduced by clothing protection, similar to other damage sources. Hazmat suits still block all Bee damage.
- Swarms no longer stack damage directly; additional swarms cause diminishing damage.
Beehives
- Beehive Honeycomb production in the Temperate Biome has been rebalanced.
- Beehives now function properly in hostile environments with heaters.
- An indicator now shows if a hive is producing Honeycomb.
- Temperature readouts are now clearer.
Additional bug fixes and improvements to the Bee System are included in this update.
Area of Effect Volumes
This update introduces visualizations for area of effects, allowing players to see the range of objects like Sprinklers, Heaters, Shotgun Traps, Flame Turrets, Igniters, and various sensors. These visualizations provide a rough outline of the affected area and can be disabled in settings if desired.
Abyss Pack - New Sunken Knife
The Abyss Pack has been updated to include a new free item: the Sunken Knife. This new skin option for the Combat Knife fits the aesthetic of the deep-water items in the Abyss Pack. If you already own the pack, the Sunken Knife will be automatically added to your skins.
Premium Server Update
Since the launch of Premium Servers, players have experienced a more secure environment with less cheating. These servers require a minimum $15 Steam inventory to join, resulting in players encountering cheaters four times less often than on regular servers. Despite fewer Premium Servers, their populations have remained healthy, especially outside peak hours.
Linux Dedicated Server Update
Rust will soon retire dedicated server support for Debian 10 / Ubuntu 18. Server owners and hosting providers are advised to update their infrastructure to meet the new minimum requirements of Debian 11 / Ubuntu 20.
Creative Mode: No Fuel/Always On
Creative mode now includes commands to make fuel sources work without fuel. Commands like toggleAlwaysOnAll, toggleAlwaysOn, and toggleAlwaysOnRadius can be used to toggle this mode for individual entities or all entities on a server. The creative.AlwaysOnEnabled convar must be enabled for these features to work.
Hackerone Bug Bounty Program
Rust's Hackerone bug bounty program allows players to report security vulnerabilities and exploits for rewards. A dedicated security page has been set up for easy and secure report submissions.
Discord Social Integration Reward
Rust's social integration with Discord allows players to view, chat, invite, and add friends from within the game. Players who sync their accounts receive a Discord Trophy, craftable and deployable in-game.
Jungle Update Teaser
The upcoming Jungle Update will introduce a new biome, early-game weapons, and new wildlife like crocodiles and snakes. Public testing will begin soon, and players are encouraged to provide feedback.
Command Line Arguments Overrule
Server command-line arguments now correctly override conflicting values in server.cfg. Server owners using Linux or third-party managers should review their setups to ensure proper functionality.
Easter Event
On April 10th at 19:00 BST, Rust will release an optional update for this year's Easter events, including a Horse costume. During the event, players can participate in Easter egg hunts every 24-38 in-game hours, with rewards for the top collectors, including loot ranging from scrap to an M249.
Impact on Players and Server Owners
The Soft Refresh update brings numerous changes that impact both players and server owners. For players, the update enhances gameplay with more forgiving respawn mechanics, reduced PvP damage, and various quality of life improvements. Server owners should be aware of the increased upkeep costs for doors in Softcore mode and ensure their servers meet the new Linux requirements. Additionally, the introduction of Premium Servers offers a more secure gaming environment, potentially attracting more players seeking a fair experience.
