The Rust April update has arrived, ushering in a wave of enhancements following the extensive Naval overhaul. Facepunch Studios has shifted its focus to a more streamlined approach with the ‘Spring Clean’ patch, which, despite its simplicity, introduces a host of valuable features for players. Among these is the new Water Wheel, a promising renewable energy source that could significantly aid players in the early stages of the game. Additionally, the update addresses the increasingly prevalent shield meta, making necessary adjustments to restore balance within the survival landscape.
New Craftable Items and Energy Solutions
At the forefront of the patch notes are two new craftable items. The Armored Ladder Hatch, available at tier three for 60 Scrap, requires an investment of 35 High-Quality Metal, six Gears, and a Wooden Ladder. This substantial commitment is well worth it for those seeking dependable protection for their access points.
The Water Wheel enhances the renewable energy options available to players. Ideally situated in a river, it can generate up to 30 power when optimally placed. While it can also be deployed in the ocean, its output may fluctuate due to the tides. For those willing to put in the effort, utilizing it as a human-powered wheel can yield double the energy output. Alternatively, players may opt for a more unconventional approach by enlisting a handcuffed prisoner to do the work.
Adjustments to Shield Mechanics
Facepunch has acknowledged that shields have gained excessive popularity recently, largely due to their overly generous hitboxes. With this update, the expanded blocking zone will now only apply when the shield is actively held, reverting to a smaller, more manageable hitbox otherwise. Furthermore, a bug that caused shooting shields to produce additional recoil has been resolved.
Streamlined Tech-Tree Unlocking
One of the most gratifying enhancements in Rust’s extensive history is the introduction of tech-tree unlock chaining. Players can now unlock an entire research path at once if they possess sufficient Scrap. This feature not only saves time but also includes a satisfying rapid-fire animation and sound effect, providing a delightful experience as items light up in sequence.
Enhanced Low-Light Solutions and Fishing Mechanics
A new radial menu has been introduced for toggling low-light solutions, allowing players to manually switch each equipped light source on and off individually. This feature enables the activation of night-vision goggles without inadvertently turning on a flashlight. For those who prefer a simpler approach, a single tap will still turn all lights on or off simultaneously. Facepunch has indicated plans to expand this feature into a broader “item state toggle” option in the future, potentially encompassing weapon fire modes.
In an effort to capture “the true spirit of fishing,” Facepunch has implemented a nerf to the ability to AFK farm in the same location. Overfishing a spot will lead to it being marked as ‘overfished,’ resulting in players reeling in nothing but junk until the area has had time to replenish. Server admins will have the ability to adjust this mechanic if deemed too harsh or lenient. Additionally, fishing in the Deep Sea will no longer yield Herrings or Anchovies, focusing the loot pool on more valuable catches.
Additional Features and UI Enhancements
The update also brings a variety of new colored buttons, marking the first implementation of nested radial menus in Rust. This initial rollout lays the groundwork for more complex menus in the future. Other notable changes include Chainsaws now consistently hitting the optimal part when cutting down trees, an extension of plant ripeness to a full 24 hours, and the ability to assign custom reset values for IO Counters. Players will also notice that Sleeping Bags on the death screen now indicate if they are located in the Deep Sea, and a radius has been established for Watchtower construction to prevent overcrowding.
Completing this month’s updates is a revamped UI for the F1 console, featuring a command list screen, visual remakes for the Salvaged Axe and Medical Syringe, new custom chat label colors, and an altimeter for hot air balloons. Facepunch has also transitioned to its own terrain rendering system, replacing the previous Unity model. While the visual appearance remains largely unchanged, this shift is expected to enhance CPU performance by offloading much of the work to the GPU.
The Rust Spring Clean update is now live, coinciding with the Easter Egg Hunt, which will run until Thursday, April 16. This event introduces new themed cosmetics in the Rust item store, including a rather unsettling Easter Bunny suit that may linger in players’ nightmares.
