Rust Update: Pivot or Die - Progression and New Features
Progression Changes
Continuing from last month’s controversial Meta Shift changes, Rust is taking progression a step further by making it easier. A major issue with Rust progression is that most servers don't Blueprint wipe, allowing players to skip early and mid-game stages. To address this, all Blueprints are being wiped, server-wide wipes are happening, and tech tree and research costs are drastically reduced:
- Common: 15 (down from 20)
- Uncommon: 30 (down from 75)
- Rare: 60 (down from 125)
- Very Rare: 120 (down from 500)
Scrap crafting costs have been removed from Workbenches. These changes aim to make progression smoother while maintaining a sense of effort and reward. Blueprint wipes reintroduce discovery and pacing, making the system faster and less punishing.
Box Sorting
Storage Adaptors now have a power input and new sorting settings. Players can sort items alphabetically, by condition, count, category, or use a custom snapshot mode. Sorting is automatic 1 second after item changes. This feature is available on various storage items.
Mini Fridge
Introducing the Mini Fridge, a compact food storage solution requiring 3 power and offering 18 slots. It fits under half-height floor builds and is an early unlock from the Engineers workbench. Ideal for solo players or compact bases.
Monument Puzzle Reset Changes
Changes have been made to monument puzzle resets to prevent players from inadvertently stopping loot respawns. Refresh timers now start after a container is looted and tick down even with players nearby. Radiation will warn players before a reset, ensuring combat doesn't hinder blueprint fragment availability.
Medical Syringes and Horses
Medical syringes can now heal horses, providing a speed boost and stamina recovery. This feature can be used both mounted and unmounted, helping players protect their steeds.
Notable Changes
- Water Well Vendor: Semi Automatic Pistol Sell Order Removed
- M4 Shotgun: Now Spawns Inside Hackable Loot Crate Again
- Hackable L96: Spawn Chance Lowered Inside Hackable Crate
- Boat Vendor DPV: Can Now Be Purchased At Fishing Village
- DPV: Removed HQM Crafting Cost
- Computer Station: Can Now Add More Cameras
- Diving Tank: Can Now Be Repaired For Free
- Blue Keycard Vendor: Removed Keycard Purchase
Vending Machine - Drone Accessibility
Vending Machines now display drone accessibility in the Vendor UI, streamlining the purchasing process.
Wind Turbine Optimizations
Wind turbines are now animated in code, improving performance without visual differences. LOD improvements reduce 'pop in' effects.
Elevator Improvements
Elevators now have power input on each floor, simplifying power management. Speed increased to 5m/s, reducing delay between uses.
Helicopter Balance Pass
Helicopters face new challenges with removed flare interactions and in-flight repairs. Minicopters and scrap transport helicopters now have flare launchers. Homing missiles pose a greater threat, requiring strategic decisions.
New CCTV Cameras
Static CCTV cameras added to Cargo Ship and Ferry Terminal locations. New codes available for computer stations, enhancing surveillance capabilities.
Painting Color Wheel & Favourite Colors
A new color wheel and favorite colors feature have been added to the painting menu, allowing for easy color selection and management.
Directional Foliage Displacement
Foliage now reacts directionally to players and moving objects, enhancing realism and immersion.
RPG Launcher Item Store DLC
The RPG Launcher skin for the Rocket Launcher is now available for purchase, featuring unique rocket ammunition skins.
Workshop Scene Improvements Cont.
Further improvements to the workshop scene enhance creative flow, keeping tools in-game and improving usability for skin creators.
More Experimental Server Optimisations
Server optimizations continue, focusing on multithreading and reducing processing times, particularly for player updates and server occlusion.
UI Optimisations
UI performance has been improved, reducing update times and enhancing gameplay experience on populated servers.
Specific Entity Performance Improvements
Performance improvements for entities like Slot Machines and Sprinklers reduce rendering times and improve FPS.
New Workshop Skinnable: HMLMG
The HMLMG is now skinnable, allowing creators to design custom skins for this popular weapon.
Spawning Vehicles - Console UI
Admins can now spawn vehicles via icons in the F1 menu, simplifying the process and improving accessibility.
Drops. On. Kick.
Rust introduces exclusive drops on the Kick platform from November 13th-23rd. Players can earn unique skins by watching a PvP event.
Charity Plushie Total
Rust raised over £172,000 ($225,125) for Ronald McDonald House Charities UK and Cancer Research UK through in-game charity plushies.
About Ronald McDonald House Charities UK:
Provides free accommodation for families with a sick child in hospital.
https://rmhc.org.uk/About Cancer Research UK:
Leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research and information.
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/Rust x Youtooz
New Rust x Youtooz plushies are available, featuring huggable scientists and a free in-game decorative item.
Order yours here.
Impact on Server Owners and Players
This update introduces significant changes for both players and server owners. The progression adjustments will require server owners to adapt to regular Blueprint wipes, potentially altering server dynamics. Players will experience a more structured progression, encouraging engagement with early and mid-game content. New features like the Mini Fridge and Box Sorting add convenience, while performance optimizations enhance gameplay on populated servers.
