Objective: Basic Tools & Shelter

New to Rust? Learn how to craft essential tools like the Stone Hatchet and Stone Pickaxe, and build your first basic shelter to survive the night. Get started with our beginner's guide!

Alright, welcome to Rust! The first thing you're gonna want to do when you spawn in is get some basic tools and a safe place to call home. This is crucial for surviving your first day and night. Don't worry, it's not too complicated once you know what to aim for.

What you need:

• Stone Hatchet: For chopping down trees and gathering wood.
• Stone Pickaxe: For mining stone and ore.
• Basic Shelter: A small, simple structure to keep you safe from the elements and other players at night.

Getting Started:

When you first spawn, you'll have nothing but your bare hands. Your immediate goal is to gather resources. Look around for trees and rocks. You'll need wood from trees and stone from rock nodes.

Crafting Your First Tools:

Open your inventory (usually 'Tab' key). You'll see a crafting menu. The recipes for the Stone Hatchet and Stone Pickaxe should be there by default. You'll need wood and stone for both. Just click on the recipe, then click 'Craft'!

• Stone Hatchet: Requires Wood and Stone.
• Stone Pickaxe: Requires Wood and Stone.

Once crafted, drag these tools from your inventory into your hotbar so you can quickly switch to them.

Building Your First Shelter:

With your tools in hand, start chopping down trees for wood and mining rocks for stone. You'll need a good amount of wood to build a small base. Aim for at least 100-200 wood to start.

Go into your building menu (usually 'B' key). Select the 'Foundation' and place it on the ground. Then select 'Wall' and place it around the foundation. Add a 'Doorway' and a 'Wooden Door'. Finally, place a 'Roof' piece. For your very first night, a simple 1x1 or 2x1 box is perfectly fine. Make sure you place the door and lock it with a key or code lock if you have one available (though early on, you might just have to rely on closing it quickly).

Important Tips:

• Gather More Than You Think You Need: You'll always use more resources than you expect.
• Build Near Resources: Try to build your base close to trees and rock spawns.
• Watch the Sun: Keep an eye on the in-game clock. You want to get your shelter built *before* nightfall. The night in Rust is dangerous!
• Don't Build in the Open: Find a spot that offers some natural cover if possible.
• Listen: Sound is crucial in Rust. Listen for animal growls, player footsteps, or gunshots.

Getting these basics down will set you up for the rest of your Rust journey. Good luck out there!