View source for Rust (video game)

{{short description|2018 survival video game}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2016}}
{{Infobox video game
| title      = Rust
| image      = File:Rust vector logo.svg
| developer  = {{plainlist|
* [[Facepunch Studios]]
* [[Double Eleven (company)|Double Eleven]]
}}
| publisher  = Facepunch Studios
| engine     = [[Unity (game engine)|Unity]]
| platforms  = {{Unbulleted list|[[macOS]]|[[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[Xbox One]]}}
| released   = {{Unbulleted list|'''macOS''', '''Windows'''|8 February 2018|'''PlayStation 4''', '''Xbox One'''|21 May 2021}}
| genre      = [[Survival game|Survival]]
| modes      = [[Multiplayer video game|Multiplayer]]
| director   = 
| producer   = 
| designer   = 
| programmer = 
| artist     = 
| composer   = 
}}

'''''Rust''''' is a [[multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] [[Survival game|survival]] video game developed by [[Facepunch Studios]]. It was first released in [[early access]] in December 2013 and received its full release in February 2018. ''Rust'' is available on [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] and [[macOS]]. Console versions for [[PlayStation 4]] and [[Xbox One]] developed in conjunction with [[Double Eleven (company)|Double Eleven]] were released in May 2021. ''Rust'' was initially created as a [[Video game clone|clone]] of ''[[DayZ (mod)|DayZ]]'', a popular [[Mod (video gaming)|mod]] for ''[[ARMA 2]]'', with [[Glossary of video game terms#Crafting|crafting]] elements akin to those in ''[[Minecraft]]''.

The objective of ''Rust'' is to survive in the wilderness using gathered or stolen materials. Players must successfully manage their hunger, thirst, and health, or risk dying. Despite the presence of hostile animals such as [[American black bears|bears]] and [[wolf|wolves]], the primary threat to the player is other players due to the game being solely multiplayer. Combat is accomplished through [[firearm]]s and various weapons, such as [[Bow and arrow|bow]]s. In addition, vehicles controlled by [[non-player character]]s will occasionally roam, attacking armed players. ''Rust'' features crafting, though initially limited until the discovery of specific items in the game's [[open world]]. To stay protected, players must build [[Military base|base]]s or join [[Clan (computer gaming)|clan]]s to improve their chance of survival. [[Raid (gaming)|Raiding]] is a major aspect of ''Rust''. ''Rust'' supports [[Video game modding|modded]] servers which can add additional content.

''Rust'' was first released in December 2013 to the [[Steam Early Access]] program. During this period of development, the gameplay was changed significantly. Dangerous wildlife replaced zombies as the primary environmental threat and several fundamental revisions to the crafting system were released, along with general improvements and feature additions. While in Early Access, ''Rust'' was ported to the [[Unity 5]] [[game engine]], providing substantial graphical changes. The game also introduced immutable, predetermined [[Race (human categorization)|skin colour]] and [[biological sex]] tied to players' [[Steam (service)|Steam]] account details. Despite being fully released, the game continues to receive updates.

Throughout ''Rust''{{'}}s alpha release, critical reviews were mixed, with many comparisons made to other survival games. ''Rust'' was commonly explained as being a mixture of ''[[DayZ (video game)|DayZ]]'' and ''[[Minecraft]]''. During this period, reviewers frequently noted the game's unfinished nature. During its pre-release phase, critics praised the concept and gameplay and by March 2017, ''Rust'' had sold over five million copies. After leaving Early Access, it received mixed reviews from critics. The [[player vs player]] combat and survival aspects were highlighted by those who enjoyed the game, though reviewers were critical of the harsh beginner experience and the constant need to [[Grinding (gaming)|grind]] for materials. The game has continued to be successful post-release and has been listed as one of the best survival games.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Collecting wood in Rust.jpeg|right|thumb|280px|A player using the starting rock to gather wood]]
As a [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]-only video game,<ref name="5MC">{{cite web|title=5 Video Games to Play if You Like 'Minecraft'|url=http://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/5-video-games-to-play-if-you-like-minecraft.html/4/|access-date=1 July 2015|website=CheatSheet|first=Chris|date=30 June 2015|last=Reed|page=4|url-status=live|archive-date=21 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921085950/http://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/5-video-games-to-play-if-you-like-minecraft.html/4/}}</ref> ''Rust'' pits<!--"pits" is correct Talk:Rust_(video_game)/Archive_1#"pits"_vs._"puts" --> players against each other in a harsh, [[open world]] environment with the sole goal of survival. Animals, such as wolves and bears, act as a looming threat, but the primary danger comes from other players.<ref name="5MC"/> Most maps are [[procedurally generated]],<ref name="rpsnov2014"/> with the exception of some pre-built maps.<ref name="pcgamertrad"/> When beginning, a player only has a rock and a torch. The rock can cut down trees, break apart stones, and be used as a weapon. Cloth and food can be gathered by killing animals; mining provides stone, metal ore, and sulfur ore; and chopping down trees provides wood.<ref name="Tips2">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/rust-guide-survival/|title=Rust guide: Surviving your first day|date=23 January 2014|access-date=1 July 2015|archive-date=21 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921085959/http://www.pcgamer.com/rust-guide-survival/|url-status=live|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|last=Chalk|first=Andy}}</ref> To survive in the world, the player must gather resources and use them to craft tools, weapons, and other gear.<ref name="RockBF">{{cite web|url-status=live|archive-date=21 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921085957/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/01/08/in-rust-your-best-friend-is-a-rock|url=http://au.ign.com/articles/2014/01/08/in-rust-your-best-friend-is-a-rock|title=In Rust, Your Best Friend is a Rock|date=8 January 2014|access-date=1 July 2015|website=IGN|last=MacDonald|first=Keza}}</ref><ref name="2Diary">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/rust-diary-part-2-its-hard-to-kill-a-half-naked-jumping-man/|title=Rust diary, part 2: 'It's hard to kill a naked jumping man'|first1=Christopher|last1=Livingston|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|date=26 March 2014|access-date=1 July 2015|archive-date=21 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921090301/http://www.pcgamer.com/rust-diary-part-2-its-hard-to-kill-a-half-naked-jumping-man/|url-status=live}}</ref> To [[Glossary of video game terms#Crafting|craft]] items, the player must have a sufficient amount of all required materials,<ref name="IGN-review"/> with advanced items needing more obscure components scattered around the map.<ref name="pcgamercomponents">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/latest-rust-update-removes-xp-and-levelling/|title=Latest Rust update removes XP and levelling|first=Mat|last=Paget|date=7 November 2016|access-date=7 November 2016|url-status=live|archive-date=7 November 2016|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107055932/http://www.pcgamer.com/latest-rust-update-removes-xp-and-levelling/}}</ref> There are limitations imposed on the amount of craftable items, with blueprints allowing the creation of more advanced items.<ref name="IGN-review"/>

The player must stay fed or they will die of [[starvation]]. There are other challenges the player must overcome during gameplay, such as drowning, hypothermia, and wildlife attacks—primarily bears and wolves.<ref name="Tips1" /> Specific locales around the map are radioactive, with four levels of radiation: minor, low, medium, and high. The correct armour or clothing must be worn to enter these areas; failure to do so can result in death.<ref name="devblog134"/> Upon death, a screen with an option to respawn at a random location or at a sleeping bag or bed (placed prior to death) appears. Respawning resets the player's inventory to the basic rock and torch. ''Rust'' is sometimes played in a "[[Clan (computer gaming)|clan]]". Clans usually create housing for their members, give items and supplies to each other and partake in organised [[Raid (gaming)|raiding]] and [[Looting (gaming)|looting]].<ref name="PCG-review"/><ref name="letters">{{cite web|url-status=live|url=http://au.ign.com/articles/2014/02/19/rust-letters-on-deception-destruction-grief-and-griefing|title=Rust Letters: On Deception, Destruction, Grief, and Griefing|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831040229/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/19/rust-letters-on-deception-destruction-grief-and-griefing|archive-date=31 August 2018|access-date=31 August 2018|date=19 February 2014|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|first1=Mitch|last1=Dyer|first2=Shawn|last2=Elliott}}</ref><ref name="gibizinterview">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2014-01-17-the-mod-squad-facepunchs-garry-newman-on-rust|website=[[Gamesindustry.biz]]|publisher=Gamer Network|title='Rust has made about 40% of what GMod made in 9 years'|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831040219/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2014-01-17-the-mod-squad-facepunchs-garry-newman-on-rust|archive-date=31 August 2018|access-date=31 August 2018|date=20 January 2014|first=Dan|last=Pearson|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Player versus player|Player vs player]] (PvP) combat is accomplished with [[Bow and arrow|bow]]s, melee weapons and craftable guns.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/03/28/rust-diary/|title=To Hell With Other People: Nine Lives in Rust|access-date=22 October 2016|archive-date=22 October 2016|website=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|date=28 March 2014|first=Brendan|last=Caldwell|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022050252/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/03/28/rust-diary/|url-status=live}}</ref> Bullets and other projectiles travel in a [[Ballistics|ballistic]] trajectory, rather than being [[hitscan]].<ref name="pcgamertrad">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/a-new-rust-update-promises-to-make-the-gunplay-feel-more-like-a-traditional-fps/|title=A new Rust update promises to make the gunplay feel more like a 'traditional' FPS|access-date=16 June 2017|date=5 June 2017|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|first=Andy|last=Chalk|url-status=live|archive-date=16 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616112622/http://www.pcgamer.com/a-new-rust-update-promises-to-make-the-gunplay-feel-more-like-a-traditional-fps/}}</ref><ref name="devblog163">{{cite web|url=https://rust.facepunch.com/blog/devblog-163/|title=Devblog 163|date=7 June 2017|access-date=1 September 2018|publisher=[[Facepunch Studios]]|url-status=live|archive-date=1 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901005606/https://rust.facepunch.com/blog/devblog-163/}}</ref> There are a number of different types of bullet for each gun, including high [[velocity]] and explosive,<ref name="devblog63">{{cite web|url=https://rust.facepunch.com/blog/devblog-63/|archive-date=29 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829175331/https://rust.facepunch.com/blog/devblog-63/|title=Devblog 63|publisher=[[Facepunch]]|date=4 June 2015|first1=Garry|last1=Newman|first2=Maurino|last2=Berry|first3=André|last3=Straubmeier|first4=Petur|last4=Agust|first5=Thomas|last5=Butters|first6=Vincent|last6=Mayeur|first7=Paul|last7=Bradley|first8=Diogo|last8=Teixeira|first9=Alex|last9=Rehberg|access-date=29 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> thus allowing for more diverse strategy.<ref name="rpspremature">{{cite news|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/03/07/rust-review-early-access/|title=Premature Evaluation: Rust|last=Zacny|first=Rob|date=7 March 2016|website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160921092550/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/03/07/rust-review-early-access/|archive-date=21 September 2016|url-status=live|access-date=28 June 2016}}</ref> Hit tracking calculates damage;<ref name="pcgamertrad"/> shots to the head are more damaging than shots to other parts of the body.<ref name="creaky">{{cite news|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2015/08/17/rust-tweaks-gunplay/|archive-date=31 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831035154/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2015/08/17/rust-tweaks-gunplay/|url-status=live|title=Lubed: Rust Tackles Its Creaky Gunplay|website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]]|access-date=31 August 2018|date=17 August 2015|first=Alice|last=O'Connor}}</ref><ref name="rps20140107"/> The use of weapon attachments, such as [[Holographic weapon sight|holographic sight]]s, provide an advantage over opponents.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/streaming-rust-just-got-safer-with-new-streamer-mode/|title=Streaming Rust just got safer with new Streamer Mode|access-date=22 October 2016|archive-date=22 October 2016|url-status=live|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|first=Shaun|last=Prescott|date=21 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022052949/http://www.pcgamer.com/streaming-rust-just-got-safer-with-new-streamer-mode/}}</ref>

There are player-operable vehicles in ''Rust''. Boats are used to traverse long distances across water and reach valuable loot.<ref name="rpsboat">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/rusts-first-player-controlled-vehicle-has-arrived-and-its-a-boat/|title=Rust's first player-controlled vehicle has arrived, and it's a boat|date=7 April 2018|access-date=25 June 2018|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|first=Christopher|last=Livingston|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408120110/https://www.pcgamer.com/rusts-first-player-controlled-vehicle-has-arrived-and-its-a-boat/|archive-date=8 April 2018}}</ref> Some airborne vehicles, such as [[hot air balloon]]s, can also be used to explore the map quickly. Spawning randomly, they can be used once fueled. These player-controlled vehicles, and unlike the offensive AI entities, can be destroyed by [[surface-to-air missile]]s that players can position outside bases.<ref name="balloonspcg">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/rust-now-has-hot-air-balloons-and-missiles-that-can-shoot-them-down/|title=Rust now has hot air balloons and missiles that can shoot them down|first=Christopher|last=Livingston|access-date=8 November 2018|date=3 November 2018|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|archive-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108065752/https://www.pcgamer.com/rust-now-has-hot-air-balloons-and-missiles-that-can-shoot-them-down/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="febupdate">{{Cite web|url=https://rust.facepunch.com/blog/february-update|title=The Air Power Update|date=7 February 2019|website=[[Facepunch]]|language=en|access-date=9 May 2019|archive-date=9 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509122359/https://rust.facepunch.com/blog/february-update|url-status=live}}</ref> Similarly, the player can transport themselves and others using modular vehicles found while exploring. Vehicle [[chassis]] are situated on roadsides and must be sufficiently repaired and fitted with an engine before use.<ref name="car">{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/2020/07/08/rust-how-to-repair-and-upgrade-modular-vehicles/|title=Rust: How to repair and upgrade Modular Vehicles|work=[[VG 24/7]]|first=Lauren|last=Aitken|date=8 July 2020|access-date=17 February 2021|archive-date=16 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416181811/https://www.vg247.com/2020/07/08/rust-how-to-repair-and-upgrade-modular-vehicles/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Airdrop]]s are an important element in ''Rust''.<ref name="gibizinterview"/> These are parachute-equipped pallets of supplies delivered by a [[Turboprop|prop plane]]. They can be seen over extremely long distances, sometimes resulting in players running toward the airdrop.<ref name="rps20140107">{{cite news|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/01/07/impressions-rust/|title=Impressions: Rust|first=Rich|last=Stanton|date=7 January 2014|access-date=22 October 2016|website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]]|archive-date=22 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022045920/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/01/07/impressions-rust/|url-status=live}}</ref> There are also other entities that drop advanced loot, including an [[attack helicopter]]<ref name="rpspremature"/> and the [[CH-47 Chinook]]. Both of these travel randomly around the map and attempt to kill players. The Chinook additionally travels to a randomly picked monument{{emdash}}automatically generated structures guarded by violent [[NPCs]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/rust-map/|work=[[GamesRadar]]|access-date=14 May 2021|title=Rust map guide|archive-date=2 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102131652/https://www.gamesradar.com/rust-map/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{emdash}}found in the game world and drops a locked supply crate that opens after a length of time, inviting PvP interactions.<ref name="rpsapril">{{cite news|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/04/06/rust-adds-boasts/|title=Rust adds boats, improves forests, deploys choppers|first=Alice|last=O'Connor|date=6 April 2018|access-date=25 June 2018|website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615005552/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/04/06/rust-adds-boasts/|archive-date=15 June 2018}}</ref> Compounds are safezones that provide players with a place to trade resources, overlooked by automated high-damage [[sentry gun|auto turrets]] that fire on anyone who draws a weapon, discouraging betrayal. Additionally, these treacherous players will be marked as hostile to NPCs for a predetermined amount of time.<ref name="pcgamermay">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/rust-gets-a-safe-zone-in-the-new-compound-update/|title=Rust gets a safe zone in the new Compound Update|date=4 May 2018|access-date=25 June 2018|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|first=Andy|last=Chalk|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506225405/https://www.pcgamer.com/rust-gets-a-safe-zone-in-the-new-compound-update/|archive-date=6 May 2018}}</ref>

==Development==
[[File:Rust version comparison.jpg|thumb|right|A comparison of two different updates of ''Rust'', the top (2014) one is the earlier of the two. The bottom (2016) used an updated game engine.]]
''Rust''{{'}}s development began as a clone of ''[[DayZ (mod)|DayZ]]'',<ref name="clone"/> a popular survival mod for ''[[ARMA 2]]'', featuring elements derived from ''[[Minecraft]]''.<ref name="About">{{cite web|url=http://playrust.com/about/|title=About Rust|publisher=[[Facepunch Studios]]|access-date=30 June 2015|archive-date=27 June 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627160841/http://playrust.com/about/}}</ref> Garry Newman, the CEO of Facepunch Studios, said "''Rust'' started off as a ''DayZ'' clone. But then we decided that we are sick of fighting zombies. And can't compete with the ''[[ARMA (series)|Arma]]'' island in terms of landmarks and towns."<ref name="clone">{{cite web|url=http://garry.tv/2013/06/21/the-story-of-rust/|title=The Story of Rust|date=21 June 2013|first1=Garry|last1=Newman|access-date=30 June 2015|publisher=[[Facepunch Studios|garry.tv]]|archive-date=21 September 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921083229/https://garry.tv/2013/06/21/the-story-of-rust/}}</ref> Consequently, Newman described the game as being more along the lines of entries in the ''[[S.T.A.L.K.E.R]]'' series.<ref name="clone"/> Facepunch released the game onto the Steam [[Early Access#Steam Early Access|Early Access]] program on 11 December 2013.<ref name="1million"/> Following its alpha launch, Facepunch actively released updates for ''Rust'' adding mechanics like animals, [[hunting]], armour and weapons. In February 2014, the developers removed zombies, a temporary enemy, from ''Rust'', replacing them with red mutant bears and wolves.<ref name="RemoveZombies">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/there-are-no-more-zombies-in-rust/1100-6417584/|title=There are no more zombies in Rust|access-date=18 May 2014|first1=Martin|last1=Gaston|date=7 February 2014|website=[[GameSpot]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921090304/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/there-are-no-more-zombies-in-rust/1100-6417584/|archive-date=21 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Early on developers made the choice not to try to populate the world with interesting locations to explore, but rather provide the ability to create them. Newman described it as "we give them the tools, they make the world".<ref name="rust-interview">{{cite magazine|last1=Kelly|first1=Andy|title=Garry Newman interview: on Rust and player freedom 'we give them the tools, they make the world'|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/rust-interview/|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|date=8 January 2014|publisher=[[Future plc]]|access-date=13 February 2016|archive-date=21 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921090313/http://www.pcgamer.com/rust-interview/|url-status=live}}</ref> One of the developers' aims was to create a world which does not encourage any particular kind of behaviour from players. They considered implementing a system like ''DayZ''{{'}}s where those who kill other players get unique outfits which identify them as 'bandits', or possibly a rating or colour-coded system. However, the developers ultimately rejected these ideas, believing they would detract from player freedom.<ref name="clone" /> Instead, they found to their surprise that the implementation of voice chat had a noticeable effect on player behaviour. With the ability to communicate, many players would no longer kill each other on sight out of fear.<ref name="rust-interview" />

In late 2014, developers released an experimental mode of ''Rust'' and [[Porting#Porting of video games|ported]] it to a then-unreleased [[game engine]], [[Unity (game engine)#Unity 5|Unity 5]], enhancing the graphics, and in turn, improving the [[shader]] mechanics and texture realism,<ref name="unity5blog">{{cite web|url=https://blogs.unity3d.com/2014/11/19/porting-to-unity-5-the-untold-rust-journey/|title=Porting to Unity 5 – The Untold Rust Journey|publisher=[[Unity (engine)|Unity Blog]]|access-date=31 August 2018|first=Christopher|last=Pope|date=19 November 2014|archive-date=31 August 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831024215/https://blogs.unity3d.com/2014/11/19/porting-to-unity-5-the-untold-rust-journey/}}</ref> as well as allowed for larger [[procedurally generated]] worlds.<ref name="rpsnov2014"/> The experimental mode featured a new [[anti-cheat]] system called CheatPunch, which banned thousands of players within a few days.<ref>{{cite web|url-status=live|url=http://www.develop-online.net/news/facepunch-bans-more-than-4-500-rust-players/0189163|title=Facepunch bans more than 4,500 Rust players|archive-date=21 September 2016|date=12 February 2014|access-date=21 September 2016|website=[[Develop (UK magazine)|Develop]]|publisher=[[NewBay Media]]|first=Craig|last=Chapple|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921093821/http://www.develop-online.net/news/facepunch-bans-more-than-4-500-rust-players/0189163}}</ref> In October 2014, the experimental mode became the default launch option.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://playrust.com/experimental-launches-by-default/|url-status=live|archive-date=21 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921090947/https://playrust.com/experimental-launches-by-default/|first1=Garry|last1=Newman|publisher=[[Facepunch Studios]]|date=1 October 2014|title=Experimental Launches By Default|access-date=9 October 2014}}</ref> Shortly after, in December, [[EasyAntiCheat]], a third-party anti-cheat system, replaced CheatPunch.<ref name="eacupdate">{{cite web|url=http://rust.facepunch.com/blog/devblog-40/#more-2280|title=Devblog 40|publisher=[[Facepunch]]|date=28 December 2014|access-date=26 June 2017|archive-date=26 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626125217/http://rust.facepunch.com/blog/devblog-40/#more-2280}}</ref> In early 2015, ''Rust'' added a feature that decided each player's [[Race (human categorization)|skin colour]] based on their [[Steam (service)|Steam]] ID.<ref name="kotakumessy">{{cite web|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2015/03/rust-chooses-players-race-for-them-things-get-messy/|title=Rust Chooses Players' Race For Them, Things Get Messy|first=Nathan|last=Grayson|website=[[Kotaku]]|publisher=[[Gizmodo Media Group]]|access-date=27 June 2018|date=26 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627173133/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2015/03/rust-chooses-players-race-for-them-things-get-messy/|archive-date=27 June 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In the original game, the [[HUD (video gaming)|heads-up display]] featured statistics like as [[Health (video game)|health]], hunger and [[radiation]] level.<ref name="Tips1">{{cite web|url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/rust-a-beginners-survival-guide|title=Rust Guide: How to Get Started, Beginners Hints and Tips|date=24 January 2014|access-date=1 July 2015|publisher=[[Eurogamer]]|last=Williams|first=Mike|website=[[USgamer]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921090017/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/rust-a-beginners-survival-guide|archive-date=21 September 2016}}</ref> These were later modified and hidden statistics such as [[hypothermia]] were added. Monuments went through a phase where developers removed the radiation hazards because of the annoyance it was causing.<ref name="monuments1">{{cite web|url=http://rust.facepunch.com/blog/devblog-71/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921090957/https://playrust.com/devblog-71/|archive-date=21 September 2016|title=Devblog 71|access-date=16 January 2016|publisher=[[Facepunch Studios]]|date=30 July 2015|first=Craig|last=Pearson}}</ref><ref name="monuments2">{{cite web|url=http://rust.facepunch.com/blog/devblog-77/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921091001/https://playrust.com/devblog-77/|archive-date=21 September 2016|title=Devblog 77|access-date=16 January 2016|publisher=[[Facepunch Studios]]|date=10 September 2015|first=Craig|last=Pearson}}</ref> Female models, added to the game shortly afterward, were initially only available for [[server administrator]]s to test.<ref name="womanmodel1">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/female-models-come-to-rust-but-only-for-admins/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728064842/http://www.pcgamer.com/female-models-come-to-rust-but-only-for-admins/|title=Female models come to Rust, but only for admins|first1=Andy|last1=Chalk|date=16 July 2015|access-date=28 July 2015|archive-date=28 July 2015|publisher=[[Future plc]]|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]}}</ref> Upon rollout, akin to skin colour, players were automatically assigned a [[biological sex]] permanently linked to their Steam account.<ref name="Racism1">{{cite web|url=http://america.aljazeera.com/opinions/2015/5/the-online-game-that-proves-the-web-is-not-a-post-racial-utopia.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921090953/http://america.aljazeera.com/opinions/2015/5/the-online-game-that-proves-the-web-is-not-a-post-racial-utopia.html|archive-date=21 September 2016|title=The Web is not a post-racial utopia|date=24 May 2015|access-date=1 July 2015|website=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]]|publisher=[[Al Jazeera Media Network]]|last=Condis|first=Megan}}</ref> Later in 2015, [[virtual goods]] stores selling guns, clothing and other objects were added to the game. When [[Valve Corporation|Valve]] introduced its Item Store, ''Rust'' was the first game on Steam to use the feature.<ref name="itemstoresteamed">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921091004/http://steamed.kotaku.com/steam-has-added-new-item-store-functionality-now-in-1740586891|url-status=live|archive-date=21 September 2016|url=http://steamed.kotaku.com/steam-has-added-new-item-store-functionality-now-in-1740586891|title=Steam has added a new 'item store' feature|first=Nathan|last=Grayson|date=4 November 2015|access-date=6 February 2016|website=[[Kotaku]]|publisher=[[Gawker Media]]}}</ref> The [[Steam (service)#Storefront features|Steam Community Market]] was also allowed to sell similar items.<ref name="itemstorepcgamer">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/steam-item-stores-roll-out-with-new-update-debut-in-rust/|title=Steam 'Item Stores' roll out with new update, debut in Rust|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921091009/http://www.pcgamer.com/steam-item-stores-roll-out-with-new-update-debut-in-rust/|archive-date=21 September 2016|publisher=[[Future plc]]|first=Andy|last=Chalk|date=4 November 2015|access-date=6 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="itemstorerps">{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2015/11/05/rust-item-store/|title=Rust Adds Item Store For Modders To Sell Cosmetics|publisher=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|first=Graham|last=Smith|date=5 November 2015|access-date=14 February 2016|archive-date=21 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921091019/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2015/11/05/rust-item-store/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Developers removed [[blueprint]]s, one of the core gameplay concepts of ''Rust'', in July 2016. They replaced them with an [[experience point|experience]] system where players could level up after completing tasks, such as gathering wood.<ref name="pcgamerxp1">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/rust-introduces-xp-system/|title=Rust introduces XP system|first=Angus|last=Morrison|date=8 July 2016|access-date=9 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709114026/http://www.pcgamer.com/rust-introduces-xp-system/|url-status=live|archive-date=9 July 2016|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]}}</ref><ref name="devblog100">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-07-09-big-rust-update-ditches-blueprints-introduces-xp-and-levelling|title=Big Rust update ditches blueprints, introduces XP and levelling|access-date=11 July 2016|first=Robert|last=Purchese|date=9 July 2016|website=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=Gamer Network|url-status=live|archive-date=11 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711133700/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-07-09-big-rust-update-ditches-blueprints-introduces-xp-and-levelling}}</ref> In September, Maurino Berry, the lead developer, mentioned in a [[Reddit]] post that the experience system was not permanent and Berry explained that the XP system was praised prior to its release, but then received a lot of criticism.<ref>{{cite magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917095123/http://www.pcgamer.com/rusts-xp-system-isnt-working-very-well-will-likely-be-removed/|url-status=live|archive-date=17 September 2016|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/rusts-xp-system-isnt-working-very-well-will-likely-be-removed/|date=12 September 2016|first=Shaun|last=Prescott|access-date=17 September 2016|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|title=Rust's XP system isn't working very well, will likely be removed}}</ref> In early November 2016, components replaced the experience system.<ref name="pcgamercomponents"/> Originally, players had an initial list of items they could craft. This was changed to having a complete list with the required components from the outset.<ref name="pcgamercomponents"/> Eventually, blueprints were reintroduced.<ref name="screenrant2021">{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/find-more-blueprints-location-rust/|title=How to Find More Blueprints in Rust|first=Cody|last=Peterson|access-date=13 May 2021|date=8 January 2021|website=[[Screen Rant]]|url-status=live|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513133718/https://screenrant.com/find-more-blueprints-location-rust/}}</ref> Radiation, removed in 2015, was reintroduced in November 2016 after being "reprogrammed from the ground up".<ref name="devblog134">{{cite web|url=http://rust.facepunch.com/blog/devblog-134/|title=Devblog 134|first=Craig|last=Pearson|access-date=7 November 2016|date=3 November 2016|archive-date=7 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107060602/https://playrust.com/devblog-134/|url-status=live|publisher=[[Facepunch Studios]]}}</ref> Instead of each location having the same level of radiation, developers added different levels ranging from low, to medium, and high.<ref name="devblog134"/>

In early 2017, Garry Newman said that had Steam Early Access not existed, ''Rust'' would have been fully released as a game by then. The development team would have continued to release updates.<ref name="rpstrad"/> In June 2017, developers altered the game's gun mechanics to be more like "traditional first-person shooters".<ref name="rpstrad">{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/06/05/rust-recoil-changed/|title=Gleaming! Rust overhauls recoil and inaccuracy|website=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|access-date=31 December 2017|archive-date=31 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231013618/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/06/05/rust-recoil-changed/|first=Alice|last=O'Connor|date=5 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> This was achieved by reducing recoil, material costs, and improving overall accuracy.<ref name="pcgamertrad"/> This update also saw the beginnings of an overhaul of Hapis Island, the game's only non-[[procedurally generated]] map.<ref name="pcgamertrad"/> The game left Early Access and was officially released on 8 February 2018,<ref name="leave1"/> This update came with graphical updates and gun modifications.<ref name="overhaul1">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/rust-marks-end-of-four-year-long-early-access-with-a-visual-overhaul/|title=Rust marks end of four-year Early Access with a visual overhaul|first=Samuel|last=Horti|date=11 February 2018|access-date=13 February 2018|url-status=live|archive-date=13 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213105702/https://www.pcgamer.com/rust-marks-end-of-four-year-long-early-access-with-a-visual-overhaul/|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]}}</ref> Newman mentioned that despite the official release, regular updates would continue. He noted the update cycle would change from weekly to monthly so as not to "rush in features and fixes that end up breaking something else".<ref name="leave1">{{cite magazine|last1=Chalk|first1=Andy|title=Rust will leave Early Access in February, but it's not finished yet|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/rust-will-leave-early-access-in-february-but-its-not-finished-yet/|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|access-date=23 January 2018|url-status=live|date=22 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123034606/http://www.pcgamer.com/rust-will-leave-early-access-in-february-but-its-not-finished-yet/|archive-date=23 January 2018}}</ref>

===Post-release=== <!-- Don't list every new feature. Be brief -->
Since ''Rust''{{'}}s official release in 2018, Facepunch have continued to support the game with updates, including the introduction of new weapons,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/rust-has-added-a-big-radioactive-boat-for-you-to-squabble-over|title=Rust has added a big radioactive boat for you to squabble over|first=Matt|last=Cox|access-date=13 May 2021|archive-date=13 May 2021|website=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|date=5 October 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513141656/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/rust-has-added-a-big-radioactive-boat-for-you-to-squabble-over}}</ref> vehicles, NPC-populated locations,<ref>{{Cite magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507022626/https://www.pcgamer.com/rust-gets-a-visual-overhaul-plus-a-drivable-junkyard-crane-for-scrapping-cars/|title=Rust gets a visual overhaul, plus a drivable junkyard crane for scrapping cars|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/rust-gets-a-visual-overhaul-plus-a-drivable-junkyard-crane-for-scrapping-cars/|archive-date=7 May 2021|url-status=live|access-date=13 May 2021|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|first=Christopher|last=Livingston|date=7 May 2021}}</ref> explorable areas,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/everything-coming-rusts-underwater-august-update/|title=Everything Coming in Rust's Underwater August Update|first=Christian|last=Harrison|date=1 August 2021|access-date=14 July 2022|archive-date=14 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714112502/https://gamerant.com/everything-coming-rusts-underwater-august-update/|work=Gamerant|url-status=live}}</ref> and graphical overhauls.<ref name="overhaul1"/> Optional paid [[downloadable content]] has also been released. The first, the "Instruments Pack", which was released in December 2019, saw the addition of new instruments,<ref name="instrumentdlc">{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-11-19-rust-is-getting-ten-new-playable-instruments-in-its-wholesome-first-premium-dlc|title=Rust is getting 10 new playable instruments in its wholesome first 'premium' DLC|work=[[Eurogamer]]|archive-date=15 July 2020|access-date=15 July 2020|date=20 November 2019|first=Matt|last=Wales|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715085343/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-11-19-rust-is-getting-ten-new-playable-instruments-in-its-wholesome-first-premium-dlc|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]}}</ref> and the second, the "Sunburn Pack", released in July 2020, added swimming pool equipment.<ref name="summerdlc">{{cite news|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2020/07/08/rusts-next-dlc-pack-adds-pools-tubes-and-water-guns/|title=Rust's next DLC pack adds pools, tubes, and water guns|work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|archive-date=15 July 2020|access-date=15 July 2020|date=8 July 2020|first=Lauren|last=Morton|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715085328/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2020/07/08/rusts-next-dlc-pack-adds-pools-tubes-and-water-guns/}}</ref> In February 2021, ''Rust'' introduced a "softcore" mode.<ref name="softcorepolygon">{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2021/2/5/22268450/rust-softcore-servers-new-players-gameplay-changes-delivery-drones|title=Rust gets 'softcore' servers, so new players suffer less|first=Cass|last=Marshall|date=5 February 2021|access-date=13 May 2021|archive-date=1 March 2021|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301195354/https://www.polygon.com/2021/2/5/22268450/rust-softcore-servers-new-players-gameplay-changes-delivery-drones}}</ref> This mode was introduced after the game saw a surge in popularity as a result of various popular [[Video game live streaming|video game live streamers]] broadcasting the game to large audiences. Softcore mode lowered the difficulty of the game through the addition of various features that limited player loss and disadvantage, such as limiting the size of clans.<ref name="softcorepolygon"/> A third DLC, the "Voice Props Pack", was made available in July 2021 which included audio-related devices, such as [[boombox]]es and [[Cassette deck|cassette recorders]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/noisy-rust-dlc-adds-mobile-phones-boom-boxes-and-new-dances-2983909|title=Noisy 'Rust' DLC adds mobile phones, boom boxes and new dances|first=Andy|last=Brown|date=2 July 2021|access-date=14 July 2022|archive-date=14 July 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714112936/https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/noisy-rust-dlc-adds-mobile-phones-boom-boxes-and-new-dances-2983909|work=[[NME (magazine)|NME]]}}</ref>

Console versions of ''Rust'' were first announced in 2019 by Facepunch and [[Double Eleven (company)|Double Eleven]] at [[X019]], Microsoft's Xbox announcement event.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/11/14/20965525/rust-ps4-xbox-one-release-dates-2020|title=Rust comes to PS4 and Xbox One next year|last=Good|first=Owen S.|date=14 November 2019|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513135113/https://www.polygon.com/2019/11/14/20965525/rust-ps4-xbox-one-release-dates-2020|archive-date=13 May 2021|url-status=live|access-date=17 November 2019}}</ref> The game was set for release in 2020, but in December 2020, the release date was pushed back to 2021 with Double Eleven citing the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] as having impeded development.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2020/12/long-awaited_online_survival_game_rust_delayed_into_2021_on_ps4|title=Long-Awaited Online Survival Game Rust Delayed into 2021 on PS4|first=Stephen|last=Tailby|date=8 December 2020|access-date=13 May 2021|archive-date=13 May 2021|website=[[Push Square]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513134546/https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2020/12/long-awaited_online_survival_game_rust_delayed_into_2021_on_ps4}}</ref> In early March 2021, ''Rust''{{'}}s console edition entered a closed beta that players could participate in.<ref name="egconsolebeta">{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-03-02-rust-console-edition-gets-new-trailer-and-closed-beta|title=Rust Console Edition gets new trailer and closed beta|first=Emma|last=Kent|access-date=13 May 2021|archive-date=10 March 2021|date=2 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310142051/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-03-02-rust-console-edition-gets-new-trailer-and-closed-beta|website=[[Eurogamer]]|url-status=live|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]}}</ref> However, no specific release date was given until later in March, when it was announced that the game would be released for [[PlayStation 4]] and [[Xbox One]] on 21 May 2021.<ref name="gsconsole2021">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/rust-console-edition-comes-to-ps4-and-xbox-one-may-21/1100-6489426/|title=Rust: Console Edition Comes To PS4 And Xbox One May 21|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[Red Ventures]]|date=27 March 2021|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513135059/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/rust-console-edition-comes-to-ps4-and-xbox-one-may-21/1100-6489426/|url-status=live|access-date=27 March 2021|first=Gabe|last=Gurwin}}</ref> The developers noted that the release of a console version would not affect PC updates, and that the new version would be a "separate experience with its own roadmap and community".<ref name="gsconsole2021"/>

==Reception==
===In early access===
''Rust'' received mixed reviews following its alpha release, with many denoting the unfinished nature and lack of polish.<ref name="1yearonreview">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamesn.com/rust-early-access-review|title=Rust Early Access review: one year on|last1=Purslow|first1=Matt|date=16 January 2015|website=[[PCGamesN]]|publisher=Network N|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702104456/http://www.pcgamesn.com/rust-early-access-review|archive-date=2 July 2015|url-status=live|access-date=2 July 2015}}</ref><ref name="gamespotea"/> ''[[PC Gamer]]''{{'}}s Andy Chalk said ''Rust'' was a great use of Early Access and even though "it's far from finished", it was ready to be played.<ref name="PCGReview1">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/rust-alpha-review/|first1=Andy|last1=Chalk|title=Rust alpha review|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702102330/http://www.pcgamer.com/rust-alpha-review/|archive-date=2 July 2015|date=10 January 2014|access-date=2 July 2015|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]}}</ref> ''[[GameSpot]]''{{'}}s Shaun McInnis said the early 2014 version was "rough around the edges" and "littered with bugs", but it entertained and had potential.<ref name="gamespotea">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/rust-early-access-review/1100-6417381/|title=Rust Early Access Review|access-date=28 June 2016|website=[[GameSpot]]|first=Shaun|last=McInnis|date=28 January 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202546/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/rust-early-access-review/1100-6417381/|archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> Matthew Cox of ''[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]'' said it was smart of the developers to switch to the [[Unity engine]] in late 2014 due to the game's instability. In Cox's review, he noted many glitches in the late 2014 version, including unresponsive animals, [[framerate]] issues and unstable servers.<ref name="rpsnov2014">{{cite news|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/11/26/rust-new-version-review/|title=Impressions: Rust's New Version|website=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|first=Matthew|last=Cox|date=26 November 2014|access-date=28 June 2016|url-status=live|archive-date=21 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921090319/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/11/26/rust-new-version-review/}}</ref> ''IGN''{{'}}s Mitch Dyer did not enjoy the combat, calling ''Rust'' a "semi-broken" game he felt unable to recommend.<ref name="igndayzmc"/> However, he complimented the experience as experience "utterly unforgettable" and often unpredictable.<ref name="igndayzmc">{{cite web|url=http://au.ign.com/articles/2013/12/20/rust-the-terrifying-minecraft-dayz-open-world-survival-sim|title=Rust: The Terrifying Minecraft + DayZ Open World Survival Sim|access-date=28 June 2016|first=Mitch|last=Dyer|website=[[IGN]]|date=20 December 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160921092624/http://au.ign.com/articles/2013/12/20/rust-the-terrifying-minecraft-dayz-open-world-survival-sim|archive-date=21 September 2016}}</ref>

Other games like ''[[Just Survive]]'' and ''[[Ark: Survival Evolved]]'' were compared to ''Rust'' because of their open world survival aspects, as well as having similar crafting mechanics. Parallels were also drawn with ''DayZ'' because of the influence it had on the gameplay of ''Rust''.<ref name="H1Z1">{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/05/08/rust-h1z1-and-the-emerging-survival-mmo-genre/|title=Rust, H1Z1, and the emerging 'survival MMO' genre|url-status=live|first1=Andrew|last1=Ross|date=8 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630050059/http://www.engadget.com/2014/05/08/rust-h1z1-and-the-emerging-survival-mmo-genre/|archive-date=30 June 2015|website=[[Engadget]]|publisher=[[AOL]]|access-date=10 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="ArkRelation">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/ark-survival-evolved-sells-one-million-copies-in-less-than-a-month/|title=Ark: Survival Evolved sells one million copies in less than a month|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|first1=Andy|last1=Chalk|date=2 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706100932/http://www.pcgamer.com/ark-survival-evolved-sells-one-million-copies-in-less-than-a-month/|archive-date=6 July 2015|access-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> Notably, ''Kotaku''{{'}}s Luke Plunkett considered the similarities, saying it felt as though someone had intended to create a game whereby ''Dayz'' and ''Minecraft'' could be played simultaneously.<ref name="kotakudayzvsmc">{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/rust-is-dayz-vs-minecraft-and-it-will-kick-your-ass-1497654260|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160921092707/http://kotaku.com/rust-is-dayz-vs-minecraft-and-it-will-kick-your-ass-1497654260|archive-date=21 September 2016|url-status=live|title=Rust Is DayZ vs Minecraft, And It Will Kick Your Ass|first=Luke|last=Plunkett|date=9 January 2014|access-date=28 June 2016|website=[[Kotaku]]|publisher=[[Gawker Media]]}}</ref>

The inability to choose and design a player's character was both commended and criticised. The [[YouTube]] channel ''[[Extra Credits]]'' commended ''Rust'' for promoting diversity by randomly selecting a player's in-game race. Tying race to their Steam ID forced players to experience the game in a different way than they might normally experience it, perhaps promoting [[empathy]] for someone of a different ethnicity.<ref name="ExtraCreditCharSelect">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh1zfdUTqBY|title=Rust - Representing Race in Games - Extra Credits|publisher=[[YouTube]]|date=27 May 2015|access-date=31 August 2015|author=Extra Credits|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120090719/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh1zfdUTqBY|archive-date=20 November 2015}}</ref> David Craddock of ''[[Shacknews]]'' criticised the lack of communication between Facepunch and the community when they added female models.<ref name="communicationcraddock">{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/94189/opinion-how-facepunch-failed-to-communicate-gender-assignment-in-rust|title=Opinion: How Facepunch failed to communicate gender assignment in Rust|date=18 April 2016|access-date=14 June 2016|first=David|last=Craddock|url-status=live|publisher=[[Shacknews]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160614112541/http://www.shacknews.com/article/94189/opinion-how-facepunch-failed-to-communicate-gender-assignment-in-rust|archive-date=14 June 2016}}</ref> In response to this criticism, Garry Newman commented he felt some trepidation about adding the racial feature, fearing it might be seen as the original character model "[[Blackface|blacked up]]". He stressed the chosen ethnicity was permanent—"just like in real life, you are who you are".<ref name="racialempathy">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/rust-experiments-with-racial-empathy-randomly-assi/1100-6426197/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160921092554/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/rust-experiments-with-racial-empathy-randomly-assi/1100-6426197/|archive-date=21 September 2016|title=Rust Experiments With Racial Empathy, Randomly Assigns Skin Color|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=26 March 2015|access-date=2 November 2015|last=Starkey|first=Daniel}}</ref> Newman discussed the reasoning behind not providing the option to choose their character's gender and race in an article in ''[[The Guardian]]'', saying ''Rust'' is about survival, not characterization and identity. "We wanted the appearance of the players to be consistent over time. They should be recognisable consistently and long-term."<ref name="garrytheguardian">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/apr/13/videogame-chooses-character-race-gender-rust|title=Why my videogame chooses your character's race and gender for you|first=Garry|url-status=live|last=Newman|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=14 April 2016|access-date=14 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160614113408/http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/apr/13/videogame-chooses-character-race-gender-rust|archive-date=14 June 2016}}</ref> Sales reportedly increased by 74% shortly after the addition of female models.<ref name="skyrocketsales">{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/04/23/rust-female-character-models-sales-jump-bullet-with-butterfly-wings/|title=Sales skyrocketed after 'Rust' added female character models|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160921092625/https://www.engadget.com/2016/04/23/rust-female-character-models-sales-jump-bullet-with-butterfly-wings/|archive-date=21 September 2016|first=Timothy|last=Seppala|website=[[Engadget]]|publisher=[[AOL]]|access-date=28 June 2016|date=23 April 2016}}</ref><ref name="skyrocketsales2">{{cite web|url=http://steamed.kotaku.com/rusts-controversial-random-gender-update-has-led-to-mor-1772390030|title=Rust's Controversial Random Gender Update Has Led To More Players|website=[[Kotaku]]|publisher=[[Gawker Media]]|first=Nathan|last=Grayson|date=22 April 2016|access-date=28 June 2016|url-status=live|archive-date=21 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921092223/http://steamed.kotaku.com/rusts-controversial-random-gender-update-has-led-to-mor-1772390030}}</ref>

===Full release===
{{Video game reviews
| MC = PC: 69/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/rust/critic-reviews/?platform=pc|title=Rust for PC Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=[[Red Ventures]]|access-date=17 June 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617094907/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/rust|archive-date=17 June 2018}}</ref><br />PS4: 66/100<ref name="MC_PS4">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/rust/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4|title=Rust: Console Edition for PlayStation 4 Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=[[Red Ventures]]|access-date=16 July 2021|archive-date=16 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716184434/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/rust-console-edition|url-status=live}}</ref><br />XONE: 64/100<ref name="MC_XONE">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/rust/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one|title=Rust: Console Edition for Xbox One Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=[[Red Ventures]]|access-date=16 July 2021|archive-date=16 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716184432/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/rust-console-edition|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Destruct = 8/10<ref name="Destructoid-review">{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-rust-490145.phtml|first=Ray|last=Porreca|access-date=17 June 2018|website=[[Destructoid]]|title=Review: Rust|date=19 February 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625121417/https://www.destructoid.com/review-rust-490145.phtml|archive-date=25 June 2018}}</ref>
| GI = 6.5/10<ref name="GI-review">{{cite magazine|last=Gwaltney|first=Javy|date=13 February 2018|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/rust/b/pc/archive/2018/02/13/more-rough-than-diamond.aspx|title=More Rough Than Diamond - Rust - PC|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|access-date=19 February 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221213403/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/rust/b/pc/archive/2018/02/13/more-rough-than-diamond.aspx|archive-date=21 February 2018}}</ref>
| GSpot = 3/10<ref name="GS-review">{{cite web|last=Barbosa|first=Alessandro|date=17 February 2018|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/rust-review-life-is-fleeting/1900-6416858/|title=Rust Review: Life Is Fleeting|website=[[GameSpot]]|access-date=19 February 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220033111/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/rust-review-life-is-fleeting/1900-6416858/|archive-date=20 February 2018}}</ref>
| GStar = 69/100<ref name="GameStar-review">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamestar.de/artikel/rust-zwischen-steinzeit-und-menschlichen-abgruenden,3326749.html|title=Rust im Test - Zwischen Steinzeit und menschlichen Abgründen|language=de|first=Gloria|last=Maderfeld|access-date=27 June 2018|date=1 March 2018|website=[[GameStar]]|publisher=[[Webedia]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330225844/https://www.gamestar.de/artikel/rust-zwischen-steinzeit-und-menschlichen-abgruenden,3326749.html|archive-date=30 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
| IGN = 7/10<ref name="IGN-review">{{cite web|url=http://au.ign.com/articles/2018/02/24/rust-review|title=Rust Review|access-date=10 March 2018|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|author=GB Burford|date=28 February 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310110314/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/02/24/rust-review|archive-date=10 March 2018}}</ref>
| PCGUS = 80/100<ref name="PCG-review">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/rust-review/|title=Rust Review|first=Luke|last=Winkie|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|access-date=27 June 2018|date=19 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627115724/https://www.pcgamer.com/rust-review/|archive-date=27 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

After being fully released, ''Rust'' garnered "mixed or average" reviews on [[review aggregator]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MC" /> Critics praised the PvP combat, difficulty, and survival aspects, while grinding and the experience had by new players came under some criticism.<ref name="GameStar-review"/><ref name="RPS-review">{{cite news|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/02/12/rust-review|title=Wot I Think: Rust|first=Matt|last=Cox|date=12 February 2018|access-date=13 February 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214142100/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/02/12/rust-review/|archive-date=14 February 2018|website=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]}}</ref><ref name="PCG-review"/>

Many critics held the opinion that while starting anew was frustrating, the combat was rewarding. For instance, Luke Winkie of ''[[PC Gamer]]'' summarised the game saying, "Wake up naked, run for your life, do horrible things to one another. There is no grander narrative, or [[mythos]], or win condition."<ref name="PCG-review"/> He described the beginner experience as "quite prickly" but continued on to praise the combat, joking that "connecting [a] hatchet with an idiot's head feels great". Gloria Manderfeld, a writer for the German magazine ''[[GameStar]]'', echoed these opinions, adding there was little end-game besides PvP. However, she opined the PvP itself was effective.<ref name="GameStar-review"/> Ray Porreca of ''[[Destructoid]]'' described the combat as the "meat" of the game. However, he wrote that the experience would vary depending on their desire to fight. "If you can look past a community that tends to be [[Glossary of video game terms#toxic|toxic]], ''Rust''{{'}}s sprawling plains and toppled landmarks are an excellent backdrop for player-driven storytelling and pitched, dramatic moments."<ref name="Destructoid-review"/> In a negative review ''[[GameSpot]]''{{'}}s Alessandro Barbosa said the whole experience felt unfulfilling. He described the game as lacking certain creative features, like the ability to easily redesign bases.<ref name="GS-review"/>

The disdain toward the experience as a new player was noted in conjunction with the necessity of grinding, and how repetitive that became. ''[[IGN]]''{{'}}s review described the game as expecting the player to spend all their gaming time on it, fearing that failing to do so will result in being raided and needing to begin again.<ref name="IGN-review"/> ''[[Game Informer]]''{{'}}s Javy Gwaltney reiterated this, explaining it felt demotivating when they died solely because they came in contact with someone more experienced.<ref name="GI-review"/> Agreeing with Manderfeld's description,<ref name="GameStar-review"/> in an updated review Cox said his patience wore thin after a while. He said that while maintaining [[health (gaming)|health bars]] may have once been enjoyable, he balked at the prospect in 2018.<ref name="RPS-review"/>

Nonetheless, some critics praised the game's difficulty, mentioning the satisfaction they felt after managing to survive successfully. Porreca recommended the game to those willing to dedicate time, saying the game offers "a social sandbox and a deep, functioning crafting system".<ref name="Destructoid-review"/> Winkie expressed interest in the necessity of managing hunger, thirst, and health while learning more and discovering better items. He also expressed a sense of appreciation for those dedicated to the game, mentioning the YouTube videos of large, multi-clan raids. He closed the review saying everyone should try ''Rust'' due to its difference from other games.<ref name="PCG-review"/> Cox agreed noting the game's brutality only added to the gratification a player felt when they managed to eventually succeed.<ref name="RPS-review"/>

The reception toward the graphics were mixed. Critics praised the environment, but denounced the animations and character models.<ref name="GI-review"/> Barbosa described the animations as "stiff and unnatural" and the models "ugly and dull".<ref name="GS-review"/> Additionally, ''Rust''{{'}}s usage of sound was commended by Gwaltney, who regarded it as compelling due to the requirement of players to listen to their surroundings to survive.<ref name="GI-review"/>

Since ''Rust''{{'}}s release, it has been included in several "best survival game" lists by video game journalists.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/the-15-best-survival-games-of-all-time-july-2022|title=The 15 Best Survival Games of all time [July 2022]|first=Kelsey|last=Raynor|date=8 July 2022|access-date=14 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714111049/https://www.vg247.com/the-15-best-survival-games-of-all-time-july-2022|archive-date=14 July 2022|url-status=live|work=[[VG247]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The best survival games on PC in 2022|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/best-survival-games|work=PCGamesN|date=14 July 2022|archive-date=14 July 2022|access-date=14 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714110945/https://www.pcgamesn.com/best-survival-games|url-status=dead <!-- DYNAMICALLY CHANGING PAGE. LEAVE DEAD -->}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/best-survival-games/|title=10 best survival games to test your will to live|first=Alex|last=Avard|date=24 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714110949/https://www.gamesradar.com/best-survival-games/|access-date=14 July 2022|archive-date=14 July 2022|work=[[GamesRadar]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Sales and player count===
Within the first two weeks of ''Rust''{{'}}s alpha release it sold over 150,000 copies,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/207990/Garrys_Mod_creator_finds_unexpected_success_with_new_game_Rust.php|title=Garry's Mod creator finds unexpected success with new game Rust|url-status=live|archive-date=21 September 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160921092701/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/207990/Garrys_Mod_creator_finds_unexpected_success_with_new_game_Rust.php|last=Wawro|first=Alex|date=3 January 2014|work=[[Gamasutra]]|publisher=[[UBM TechWeb]]|access-date=5 January 2014}}</ref> compared to the 34,000 copies of ''[[Garry's Mod]]'' sold in its first week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.facepunchstudios.com/2014/01/03/gmod-vs-rust-launch/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921092234/http://www.facepunchstudios.com/2014/01/03/gmod-vs-rust-launch/|archive-date=21 September 2016|title=GMod vs Rust Launch|date=3 January 2014|access-date=12 February 2016|publisher=[[Facepunch]]|last=Newman|first=Garry}}</ref> ''Rust''{{'}}s sales had reached one million copies after being an Early Access title for only two months,<ref name="1million">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2014/02/11/rust-hits-1-million-sales-after-two-months/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160921092531/http://www.pcgamer.com/rust-hits-1-million-sales-after-two-months/|archive-date=21 September 2016|title=Rust hits 1 million sales after two months|last=Petitte|first=Omri|date=11 February 2014|work=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|access-date=11 February 2014}}</ref> and during February 2014, it overtook ''Garry's Mod'' in terms of sales, making over {{US$|30&nbsp;million}}.<ref name="30million">{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/2/21/5433886/garrys-mod-sales-30m-rust|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160921092308/http://www.polygon.com/2014/2/21/5433886/garrys-mod-sales-30m-rust|archive-date=21 September 2016|title=Garry's Mod sales hit $30M, Rust eclipses it|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|first1=Samit|last1=Sarkar|date=21 February 2014|access-date=2 July 2015}}</ref> By the end of 2015, three million copies had been sold.<ref name="3mil">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/rust-sales-pass-the-three-million-mark/|title=Rust sales pass the three million mark|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160921092642/http://www.pcgamer.com/rust-sales-pass-the-three-million-mark/|archive-date=21 September 2016|first1=Tom|last1=Sykes|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|date=24 December 2015|access-date=3 January 2015|publisher=[[Future plc]]}}</ref> By March 2017, the game had sold more than 5.2 million units, with more than 1.2 million in-game skins sold.<ref>{{cite web|title=Community Update 127|url=https://rust.facepunch.com/blog/community-update-127/|access-date=3 July 2017|date=14 March 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704013413/https://rust.facepunch.com/blog/community-update-127/|archive-date=4 July 2017}}</ref> In December 2019, Facepunch announced that ''Rust'' had sold 9 million copies, making $142 million, overtaking ''Garry's Mod'' in terms of [[Gross (economics)|gross]], though still behind in total sales.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/au/rust-has-made-more-money-than-garrys-mod/|title=Rust has made more money than Garry's Mod|date=21 December 2019|access-date=23 December 2019|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|first=Jonathan|last=Bolding|url-status=live|archive-date=22 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222141629/https://www.pcgamer.com/au/rust-has-made-more-money-than-garrys-mod/}}</ref>

In January 2021, ''Rust'' saw a surge in popularity because of live streamers playing the game on [[Twitch.tv]] for large audiences. The game rose to the top of Twitch's charts, peaking at over one million concurrent live viewers on 3 January. The group primarily responsible for the high viewer counts was [[OfflineTV]].<ref name="jansurge1">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127025820/https://www.pcgamer.com/rust-tops-a-million-peak-viewers-on-twitch-thanks-to-dozens-of-big-time-streamers/|archive-date=27 January 2021|access-date=14 May 2021|date=4 January 2021|work=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|first=Christopher|last=Livingston|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/rust-tops-a-million-peak-viewers-on-twitch-thanks-to-dozens-of-big-time-streamers/|url-status=live|title=Rust tops a million peak viewers on Twitch, thanks to dozens of big-time streamers}}</ref> This reinvigorated interest in the game enabled ''Rust'' to also beat its highest concurrent player count by more than double. Additionally, Newman reported that the game had generated $1 million in sales over two days during this period.<ref name="jansurge2">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/rust-popularity-explained-offline-tv-twitch-shroud-xqc|title=Here's Why Everyone's Playing Rust Again|first=Matt|last=Kim|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=12 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412021133/https://www.ign.com/articles/rust-popularity-explained-offline-tv-twitch-shroud-xqc|url-status=live|date=12 January 2021|publisher=[[IGN]]}}</ref> At the end of 2021, Facepunch announced the game had reached almost 12.5 million sales. They also noted that the Voice Props Pack had been the most successful of the three DLC released at the time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/gaming-news/rust-reflects-on-2021-and-shares-a-sneak-peak-of-whats-next-3133239|title='Rust' reflects on 2021 and shares a 'sneak peak[sic]' of what's next|first=Andy|last=Brown|work=[[NME (magazine)|NME]]|access-date=14 July 2022|archive-date=14 July 2022|date=7 January 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714113412/https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/gaming-news/rust-reflects-on-2021-and-shares-a-sneak-peak-of-whats-next-3133239}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{portal|Video games}}
* {{Official website|https://rust.facepunch.com/}}

[[Category:2018 video games]]
[[Category:Early access video games]]
[[Category:Indie games]]
[[Category:MacOS games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer video games]]
[[Category:Open-world video games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 4 games]]
[[Category:Video games with Steam Workshop support]]
[[Category:Survival video games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]
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[[Category:Xbox One games]]
[[Category:Facepunch Studios games]]