How to play Rust – Where to buy, gameplay, streamers to watch

James Busby
Rust Steam pic

The survival video game Rust has seen a huge boom in popularity as top streamers like Pokimane, Myth, shroud, and more have begun to stream and upload content on the brutally hard survival game. Here’s everything you need to know about Rust and how you can join in the fun.

Rust is one of several older games that’s seen a huge boost in popularity on Twitch and YouTube in 2021, but what is it and why has it become so popular?

To help you get the lowdown on Facepunch’s popular survival game, we’ve covered everything from what the game is, how you can play it, where you can purchase a copy, and also give an explanation on why Rust has become so big amongst top content creators.

What is Rust?

Rust
Rust merges crafting and survival with adrenaline-fueled gunfights.

Rust is a multiplayer-only survival game that pits players against one another in a massive procedurally generated open world that is filled with all kinds of dangers. Players not only need to navigate the harsh terrain around them, but they’ll also need to manage their character’s hunger, hydration, and overall warmth levels. 

In order to survive the elements and fend off the various threats that inhabit each map, players need to gather resources to craft unique items. Everything from the clothes you wear to the weapons you wield can be forged, so be prepared to cut down trees, mine rocky outcrops, and hunt the local fauna. 

Of course, this is a lot easier said than done as other players on the server will also be trying to do all of the above as well. While you can join and form alliances through the game’s clan system, there will be times where you’ll need to raid enemy-controlled outposts or fight it out in deadly 1v1 scenarios. 

Staying alive in Rust can be extremely difficult, especially if you plan on playing solo. Rust is a game of survival and you’ll need to have your wits about you if you wish to come out on top.

Why has Rust become so popular?

Despite receiving an early access release in December 2013, Rust did not see a full release until February 2018. Since then, the game has garnered a bit of attention from various streamers and internet personalities. However, the game’s popularity skyrocketed this year, when hit streamers from OfflineTV started to host their own Rust server. 

Since then, streamers like xQc, Valkyrae, Shroud, Myth, and ItzTimmy have been streaming their raids and playthroughs for the world to see. Just like last year’s Among Us and Fall Guys streams, Rust is currently one of the big names on the content creation menu. You can catch most of the action on Twitch, where big and small streamers will be duking it out in Rust’s wilderness. 

Best Rust streamers

If you’re looking to watch some of the best Rust Streamers, then make sure you check out our handy list below:

What can I play Rust on?

Rust
Rust is filled with plenty of deadly player encounters.

At the moment, Rust is only available for players on PC. While Facepunch Studios had originally planned to release the console versions of Rust in 2020, UK-based publisher Double Eleven ended up pushing the release date to 2021.

Although the delay was frustrating for console players, there’s finally been some good news on that front: the release date for Rust’s Console Edition has officially been confirmed, and more extensive details on what those players can expect were shared as well.

In the March 26 blog post and accompanying trailer, Double Eleven revealed that the Console Edition is scheduled to release on May 21, 2021. Excited (and patient) fans on Xbox and PlayStation platforms won’t have to wait much longer to get their hands on the game.

Rust Console Edition Wallpaper
Rust will finally be coming to Xbox and PlayStation in May 2021.

Where can I buy Rust?

For players on PC, Rust can be purchased on Steam for $39.99, but previous sales have brought it down to $26.79. Of course, you may find better prices elsewhere on other key seller websites if you have the time to do a little extra digging.

With the reveal of Rust’s Console Edition, pre-order pages for both Xbox and PlayStation are now live. On both storefronts, the game’s standard edition costs $49.99, while the upgraded Deluxe and Ultimate versions will set you back $59.99 and $79.99, respectively.

So, there you have it, everything you need to know about Rust. Make sure you follow us right here to stay updated on all the latest Rust updates and streamer content. 

About The Author

James is Dexerto's Associate Games Editor who joined the website in 2020. He graduated from university with a degree in Journalism, before spending four years freelancing for GamesRadar+, PCGamesN, RPS, LoL Esports, Red Bull Gaming, and many more. You can find him covering everything from CoD, Apex Legends, Genshin Impact, and Monster Hunter. Need to get in touch? Email James at james.busby@dexerto.com.