Rust

Rust is a malicious experience rife with betrayal, cruelty and greed. That can make it both frustrating and sublime in equal doses.

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Rust is a multiplayer-only survival game set in a harsh, open world. Gather resources, craft tools, build shelters, and form alliances with other players to survive. Conflicts arise through competition for resources and territory, and betrayal is common. The game features complex survival mechanics, including hunger, thirst, and temperature management.

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Play Modes

Reviews

87%

Audience ScoreBased on 458,355 reviews

gameplay2,926 positive mentions

grinding4,905 negative mentions

gameplay
8,236 mentions
36 % positive mentions
59 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Rust is characterized by its challenging survival mechanics, intricate crafting, and base-building systems, which offer a rewarding experience for players willing to invest time in mastering them. However, the steep learning curve, coupled with a highly competitive and often toxic community, can make the initial experience frustrating for newcomers. Despite these challenges, many players find the emergent gameplay and dynamic interactions with others to be engaging and addictive, leading to countless hours of immersive play.
- “The survival, looting, and gunplay mechanics are all amazing, offering a good mix of PvP and PvE.”
- “Rust is a masterpiece of chaotic, hilarious, and heart-pounding gameplay.”
- “The gameplay in Rust is incredibly engaging, with a focus on survival, crafting, and player interaction.”
- “Now the game is filled with 0 risk mechanics where you can play without ever risking a thing.”
- “How you could regress from one of the best gunplay systems with the most unique mechanics to a copy-paste pile of $h1t like this is beyond me.”
- “The gameplay is beyond pointless and boring.”
graphics
6,370 mentions
49 % positive mentions
45 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The graphics of Rust have received widespread praise for their stunning detail and immersive quality, with many players noting significant improvements over the years. However, the game is also criticized for its high system requirements, leading to performance issues on lower-end PCs, which can result in lag and crashes even at minimal settings. Overall, while the visuals are often described as beautiful and engaging, the optimization remains a concern for many players, impacting their overall experience.
- “The graphics are simply wonderful, with only the exceptionally rare bug.”
- “The game's graphics are stunning, with detailed environments and realistic textures that create a visually appealing world.”
- “The open-world sandbox environment is incredibly immersive, with stunning graphics and dynamic weather effects that enhance the overall experience.”
- “Graphics suck as do the servers, gun recoils and hit regs.”
- “The graphics are so low quality that my Ryzen 3690X just became 100%.”
- “The graphics are gritty, like a post-apocalyptic wasteland, and the music sets the mood perfectly.”
grinding
5,134 mentions
0 % positive mentions
4 % neutral mentions
96 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of Rust is a significant point of contention among players, with many describing it as excessively time-consuming and often frustrating. Players report spending countless hours gathering resources, only to lose everything in a matter of minutes due to raids or player encounters, leading to a cycle of repetitive gameplay that can feel like a second job. While some enjoy the grind and find it rewarding, especially when playing with friends, others feel it detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game, particularly for solo players who may struggle to keep up with more experienced groups.
- “Facepunch knew exactly what to do in terms of making the game not too grindy enough to have to no-life it, but still have an edge that made grinding fun.”
- “The times you are not grinding materials you are fighting, which is fun, but it's about a 60% grind to 40% playtime relationship.”
- “Not too grindy if you're a PvP player, but gets pretty hard when you're alone because you get teamed on often.”
humor
2,970 mentions
99 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The humor in Rust is a defining aspect of the game, characterized by chaotic player interactions, dark humor, and absurd situations that often lead to laughter. Players frequently recount hilarious moments, such as unexpected betrayals, comical deaths, and the antics of other players, particularly in voice chat. While the community can be toxic, many find the humor in the chaos, making it a memorable and entertaining experience, especially when played with friends.
- “Rust is a masterpiece of chaotic, hilarious, and heart-pounding gameplay.”
- “It's funny when my friends with only an hour or two of playtime can't even get far from the beach without dying and can never seem to find hemp for bags.”
- “Just make sure you've got thick skin and a sense of humor—'cause in Rust, you win some, you lose some, and you definitely lose some more.”
- “This game is not funny, it is very annoying.”
- “Just a game with nerdy, not funny, not able to understand sarcasm type of toxic people.”
- “The content that gets added to this game is crazy, but it is impossible to play by yourself unless you are planning on not going outside ever again, toxic players every 5 seconds, and not funny toxic like they just be annoying.”
optimization
2,937 mentions
16 % positive mentions
51 % neutral mentions
33 % negative mentions
The optimization of "Rust" has been a significant point of contention among players, with many expressing frustration over its poor performance even on high-end systems. Despite some improvements over the years, frequent crashes, long loading times, and lag spikes remain prevalent, making the game unplayable for those with lower-end PCs. While the developers continue to release updates aimed at enhancing performance, many players feel that the focus on new content often overshadows the urgent need for optimization fixes.
- “The game's engine is well-optimized, delivering a smooth performance even on mid-range hardware.”
- “Regular updates introduce new content, features, and optimizations, keeping the gameplay experience dynamic and evolving.”
- “Despite some performance issues, Rust is an addictive game that feels great when you manage to pull off some wins.”
- “Despite being officially released in 2018, the game still suffers from performance issues that can severely impact the player experience.”
- “This game is probably one of if not the most poorly optimized games I've ever played.”
- “The game's optimization leaves much to be desired.”
story
2,225 mentions
10 % positive mentions
78 % neutral mentions
12 % negative mentions
The story aspect of Rust is largely absent, with many players noting that the game lacks a traditional narrative or structured storyline. Instead, players create their own unique experiences and stories through interactions, survival challenges, and emergent gameplay, leading to a variety of personal anecdotes and adventures. While some players appreciate this open-ended approach, others express a desire for more defined quests or lore to enhance the gameplay experience.
- “In Rust, every player's story is a unique masterpiece, and every server is a canvas waiting for the next epic saga to unfold.”
- “The game's story is told through environmental storytelling, with players able to piece together the game's lore through exploration and discovery.”
- “Every wipe brings a new story of survival or lesson on failure.”
- “The only story here is the tragic tale of how you lost everything because you trusted someone you met in-game.”
- “This game has no story or narrative, you make your own adventures.”
- “Rust doesn’t have a story like Subnautica does, so it never explains why you’re on this abandoned island or why helicopters are unfriendly and airplanes aren’t.”
stability
1,775 mentions
5 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
95 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with players reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and various bugs that disrupt gameplay. Many users express frustration over the game's performance issues, particularly during critical moments, leading to lost progress and a generally unstable experience. While some acknowledge that the game is still in alpha and expect bugs, the overall sentiment is that the current state is unacceptable for a paid title, with calls for better optimization and more effective bug fixes from the developers.
- “The game runs great and I would recommend this game to my worst enemy and my best friend.”
- “It's a really good survival game, and it runs great!”
- “Physics are good, graphics are amazing, there are little to no glitches and the gameplay is even better.”
- “Once you're in the game, the experience is mostly smooth, but crashes and freezes are a tad more common than you'd expect. For a game where getting kicked out can make you lose hours of progress, this can be very frustrating.”
- “Over 2000 of these hours were pure freezes or game crashes. It is by far an awful game; please don't purchase unless you like to burn money like me!”
- “I 'played' 3.5 hours, but I easily took 2.5 hours to try to make the game work, changing the graphics options, launch options, etc. But every time, the game freezes, crashes, or made my PC crash...”
emotional
953 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "Rust" is described as a profound rollercoaster, where players experience extreme highs and lows, often leading to feelings of heartbreak, frustration, and joy. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to evoke strong emotions, from the joy of building and teamwork to the despair of losing hard-earned progress due to betrayal or raids. While some players find the community to be supportive and wholesome, others note the prevalence of toxicity, which can contribute to emotional distress, making it a game that tests mental resilience.
- “Rust is an emotional rollercoaster that takes you from the highs of victory to the lows of defeat faster than you can say, 'oh, not again!'”
- “The emotional rollercoaster is part of the experience, and overcoming the game's hurdles brings a unique sense of accomplishment.”
- “This game has made me cry so many times but 10/10 would buy.”
- “I think the majority of people who have no life, friends, family, or loved ones and hate touching grass would love to play this game.”
music
807 mentions
17 % positive mentions
79 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The music in Rust has received mixed reviews from players, with some praising its atmospheric and eerie qualities that enhance the game's immersive experience, while others criticize it for being repetitive or overshadowed by the chaotic player interactions. Many players enjoy the addition of musical instruments, which allow for creative expression and community engagement, although the overwhelming presence of players blasting music through their microphones can detract from the overall experience. Overall, while the soundtrack and sound design contribute positively to the game's ambiance, the community's use of music can lead to both memorable moments and frustrating encounters.
- “The way it blends survival and competitive genres is fun, especially if you enjoy the goofier bits, like firing rocket launchers at a naked man running from a pig, or being stabbed to death by a person blasting Russian music over their microphone and brandishing a spear.”
- “I have played this game since 2020, and as I have studied music production for games, I can put my hand on my heart and say this music soundtrack is the most amazing, eerie, and perfectly aligned with the overall concept of this chaotic game.”
- “The gentle strumming of the guitar by the campfire, the rhythmic beat of a drum circle, and the occasional tune played on a trumpet can turn the harsh world of Rust into a musical haven.”
- “This is the most dogshit game I have ever played. It gives me suicidal thoughts every time I see the logo or hear the music. Fuck this game, I hate it and I wasted 40 dollars and 236 hours of my life on this game.”
- “The game would be better off without any music than what it has.”
- “The music feels a bit too synthetic, although it does convey a sense of creepiness and adds a nice ambience.”
replayability
387 mentions
48 % positive mentions
49 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
Rust is widely praised for its immense replayability, attributed to its dynamic gameplay, player-driven stories, and the ever-changing environment with regular wipes. Players appreciate the variety of approaches to survival, from aggressive raiding to peaceful farming, which ensures that no two experiences are alike. However, some users express concerns about the game's steep learning curve and occasional lack of content, suggesting that while it offers high replay value, it may not appeal to everyone.
- “The emergent gameplay and player-driven stories make every server unique, adding replayability and depth to the experience.”
- “Rust offers immense replayability due to its open-ended gameplay and the constant threat from other players.”
- “The game's dynamic nature ensures that no two experiences are ever the same, leading to endless replayability.”
- “No... there just isn't enough gameplay for it to have any replayability.”
- “This absence of satisfying endgame content limits the game's longevity and replayability, ultimately diminishing its overall value.”
- “Completely broken game with no replay value.”
atmosphere
336 mentions
53 % positive mentions
44 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in Rust is a complex blend of immersive visuals, detailed sound design, and a pervasive sense of tension and paranoia. Players often describe the environment as beautifully crafted yet harsh, with dynamic day-night cycles and realistic audio that enhance the feeling of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. However, the game's atmosphere is also marred by a toxic community, leading to experiences that can range from thrilling to overwhelmingly hostile, depending on the server and player interactions.
- “Stunning visuals and atmosphere: Rust's world is beautifully crafted, with detailed environments and realistic day-night cycles that enhance the overall experience.”
- “The atmosphere of desolation and constant danger is masterfully conveyed through the game's visuals and ambient sounds, immersing players into a truly post-apocalyptic experience.”
- “The changing weather, the eerie quiet of the forests, and the constant threat of danger create an immersive atmosphere.”
- “The cutthroat nature of the community, characterized by relentless raids and constant threat of violence, created an atmosphere that felt more like a war zone than an enjoyable gaming experience.”
- “The toxicity within the game's community can be disheartening, and it creates an atmosphere that is unwelcoming and stressful.”
- “The overall atmosphere lacks the polish expected from a modern game, with clunky animations and a general lack of immersion, hindering the potential for players to become fully engrossed in the world.”
monetization
165 mentions
4 % positive mentions
38 % neutral mentions
59 % negative mentions
The monetization model of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many players labeling it a "cash grab" due to the prevalence of microtransactions, in-game ads, and expensive cosmetic items that do not enhance gameplay. While some users note that certain skins are optional and do not impact the core experience, the overall sentiment reflects frustration over the game's shift towards monetization at the expense of stability and community engagement. Additionally, concerns about gambling advertisements and pay-to-win elements have further tarnished its reputation among players.
- “In-game purchases are generally for fun things like skins that don’t impact gameplay, with the exception of matching colors to the environment for camouflage perhaps.”
- “The microtransactions are nearly non-existent unless you want that cool new skin.”
- “No microtransactions, no DLC, just some silly skins you can buy and trade on the market.”
- “This game is a massive cash grab, and the devs themselves have said they're going to pretty much scrap Rust as it is now anyways.”
- “It's a torturous grind, inhabited by the dregs of the gaming community, plagued with technical issues, and riddled with greedy monetization schemes.”
- “The developer does not acknowledge community feedback, literally laughs at us when we complain, cries like a child about how it's his game and it will be 'his way', and refuses to fix awful forever standing bugs, and then added microtransactions to his already pay-to-play game.”
character development
11 mentions
27 % positive mentions
45 % neutral mentions
27 % negative mentions
Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its depth and pacing, particularly highlighting strong storytelling and performances, while others criticize the lack of meaningful character progression and design options. Players express frustration over limited customization and the impact of gameplay mechanics on character development, suggesting that these issues detract from the overall experience.
- “Highly recommend, character development 100%.”
- “Overall, 'Her Story' is a game that is all about storytelling and character development, and Viva's performance is a big part of what makes it so compelling.”
- “I wanted to mention the character design page and the things you can choose from; it is so well made, and I love the fact that there are so many specific hairstyles for both men and women.”
- “No character development.”
- “Absolutely no part of his ugly as sin piece of shit character design is endearing.”
- “Any sense of character progression and character development is completely destroyed, making it impossible for people new to servers to obtain any fighting chance against other players because the zones that drop essential end-game components are monopolized and controlled by clans.”