Rust:Maintenance Update (September 4, 2025)

Facepunch Studios continues to improve Rust 12 years after its Early Access release and 7 years after its release. The game remains one of the most popular survival games on Steam, beating out Ark, Valheim, and holding its own against newer titles like Palworld and Once Human.

This year we've already seen updates to Primitive , the launch of the jungle biome and a rework of the combat system balance . In September, the studio focused on small but important improvements that make the gameplay more comfortable and realistic.

Realistic gunshot sounds

• Sounds are now processed separately from world meshes , allowing gunshots to be heard from much further away.
• The maximum hearing range depends on the weapon:
  • Pistols, SAR, SKS, SMG and shotguns - up to 400 m
  • AK and LR assault rifles - up to 500 m
  • Light machine guns, miniguns and long-range rifles - up to 600 m
• This increases immersion and adds a strategic element: powerful weapons alert other players at long range.

Visual and interface improvements

• Team bag tips when building with a hammer.
• The Mini Helicopter now has visual and audio damage indicators, including smoke plumes.
• Foliage Flow - Grass and plants gradually return to their original position after objects are removed.
• Volumetric 3D clouds are enabled by default, 2D clouds are planned to be completely replaced.
• Automatic screenshots for Workshop - Workshop submissions are now supplied with images of your design.

Fixed bugs

• Fixed players' eyes accidentally closing .
• Fixed characters becoming invisible when respawning in a dream .
• Fixed inability to stack C4 when RF is enabled .
• Fixed removal of carpets when towing.
• Horses no longer ride through flower beds and dead trees.
• Sand dunes near the excavator no longer interfere with the installation of barricades.
• Implemented the "empty magazine" sound for AK .
• Improved ceiling light physics and installation guides.

Future updates

• October - major meta and balance changes.
• November - Rust Naval update with modular ships.
• Warhammer crossover details coming soon .