The Necesse Rust and Romance update is out now on PC, bringing a major mix of non-fantasy mechanics, settlement upgrades, and expanded co-op content to Mads Skovgaard's top-down action-adventure game.

Quick Facts

  • Platform: PC (Native Linux support, Steam Deck Verified)
  • Update Version: 1.3.0 (Rust & Romance)
  • Key Additions: Scrapyard Incursion, Settler Romance and Personalities system, Story Objectives rework

Scrapyard Incursion and Non-Fantasy Gear

Heading the combat additions is the Scrapyard Incursion, unlocked at tier 8 or above. This off-fantasy area introduces a new boss, five new enemies, two music tracks, and specific weapon additions like the Rev Sword, Patchwork Grenadier, Pyromancy, and Ignition Key summon weapon crafted at the Fallen Anvil.

Players venturing into the Scrapyard can also acquire six different Bumper Car mounts dropped by the incursion boss, earning the "Speeding Ticket" achievement for driving one at maximum speed. Additionally, the update adds a Charred Forest mini biome to the surface alongside two new enemies and the Phoenix armor set.

Settler Personalities, Recreation, and Romance

The massive settler update introduces 50 distinct settler personalities, a recreation system replacing standard work breaks with six different activities, and a dating mechanic. Players can use a Pretty Flower or crafted Pretty Bouquet to start dating settlers, eventually becoming partners and unlocking the "True Love" achievement. For those who change their minds, Divorce Papers can be purchased from the Elder.

Quality of life features for settlements include a new settler list in the top left of the settlement menu, a settlement quality of life level mechanic, and happiness bonuses for recently recruited settlers. The update also replaces old settlement quests and tutorials with a new Story Objectives system.

Changelog Adjustments and Progression

Progression requirements have seen adjustments, particularly around equipment tier upgrades. Tier 1 essences are now required for tiers 1 to 4, tier 2 for tiers 5 to 7, tier 3 for tiers 8 to 9, and Ascended Shards for tiers 9 to 10. Upgrade and Salvage Stations no longer require essences to craft, and biomes overall have had their sizes increased and adjusted.