In a recent turn of events, the survival game Rust has taken a bold step back to its roots with the introduction of the “Hardcore update.” This update marks a significant shift in gameplay, particularly for those who thrive on challenge and intensity. Developers at Facepunch have reintroduced elements that heighten the stakes, ensuring that players are fully immersed in the unforgiving world of Rust.
Key Changes in Hardcore Mode
The Hardcore update revives the fog of war on the in-game map, compelling players to explore their surroundings without the luxury of a detailed layout. This means that the only way to uncover the terrain is through personal exploration, a venture fraught with risk. Additionally, players will need to craft a compass to mark their location on the map, which will only indicate their position without revealing the direction they are facing.
Further intensifying the experience, the update introduces increased respawn cooldowns—15 minutes for sleeping bags and 10 minutes for beds. Base upkeep costs have also doubled, pushing players towards more efficient and strategic base designs. Perhaps the most dramatic alteration is the complete ban on crafting firearms in hardcore mode. While players can still repair weapons once acquired, crafting ammunition comes at a significantly higher cost compared to other modes. This change not only enhances realism but also encourages a more thoughtful approach to engagement in the game.
Facepunch emphasizes that these modifications are not indicative of a broader shift in the game’s direction. Instead, they aim to provide varied gameplay experiences through modes like Primitive and Hardcore. The studio acknowledges that these modes are typically short-lived, serving as experimental playgrounds rather than focal points of development.
Additional Features and Enhancements
Beyond the hardcore experience, the update brings a comprehensive redesign of the game menu, crafted from the ground up to enhance user experience. Players can expect optimized loading times, with Facepunch claiming that the transition from desktop to server is now up to 65% faster. Other enhancements include improved functionality for metal detectors, allowing them to detect weapons dropped by other players, and visual upgrades such as new volumetric clouds and directional self-shadowing for trees and bushes.
In a strategic move to attract new players, Facepunch has also halved the price of Rust, reducing it from (£35) to (£17.50). This price adjustment presents an opportune moment for those seeking a more rigorous survival challenge to dive into the world of Rust.
