Facepunch Studios has deployed a massive update to Rust this July, headlined by the introduction of an apartment complex monument designed to give new players a functional starting point. By interacting with the lobby receptionist, players can rent various living spaces ranging from basement units to penthouses, each offering unique perks like increased storage or built-in furnaces.
To retain your room, you must deposit scrap into a dedicated slot near your door. Failure to keep up with these payments will result in eviction and the immediate seizure of your items. For the adventurous, a master key hidden somewhere on the island allows players to breach any occupied room for five minutes, though guards stationed in the basement may hold clues to their location.
Marketplaces and Economic Changes
The apartment complex also houses a new marketplace where players can lease and operate their own shops. These storefronts require an upfront, non-refundable scrap fee followed by an hourly maintenance cost. These shops function similarly to vending machines, though they cannot be accessed by drones. If a player fails to maintain their rent, the shop can be taken over by others, with the cost of rent escalating each time a takeover occurs.
Softcore Mode and Clan Updates
The Softcore game mode has received significant balancing changes, including a 2x multiplier on resource gathering for ore, wood, and food. More notably, Facepunch has implemented strict raid windows. Outside of the 6 PM to 9 PM local time slot, building blocks and doors are protected for players within a Tool Cupboard radius, provided the cupboard is at least one hour old.
Clans have also received a major overhaul. Players can now utilize Clan Tables to manage roles, permissions, and dedicated clan chat channels. Clan names now appear on player nameplates, and members can track each other's locations on the map when in close proximity. Note that this system is disabled for those playing in Hardcore mode.
Technical Improvements and Cosmetics
Under the hood, the update promotes "Jobs 3" to the default code state, which utilizes the UniTask library and parallelized networking to improve server stability and performance. The developer has also introduced a demo compatibility layer, allowing players to attempt to view older demo files on current game versions, provided the demos were recorded from this update onward.
For those looking to customize their base, the new Glowing Wallpaper Pack adds 27 neon, graffiti-themed, and bio-luminescent wall, floor, and ceiling patterns. Additionally, the game has introduced weapon charms, which are cosmetic accessories attachable to over 55 ranged weapons.
Charity Drive 2026
Starting July 2nd, Rust is hosting a charity event to support Cancer Research UK and the Ronald McDonald House UK. Players can purchase exclusive charity bears in the item store, with 100% of net proceeds going directly to these causes. The event also features Twitch Drops for viewers and a charity auction for unique items like signed posters and custom skin design opportunities.