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Monuments in Rust are large, explorable landmarks scattered across the in-game map. These locations are typically the heart of progression in the game, as many players travel to these areas to gather valuable loot or to test their combat skills. So, keep reading to learn more about these diverse yet beneficial locations.
Rust has over 20 notable monuments at the time of writing. These areas offer puzzles, strategic chokepoints, and varying levels of loot. Players can find a mix of things, such as barrels, crates, and even favorable utilities like Recyclers.
Below are the monuments in Rust players can experience today:
The Abandoned Cabins may look like a seemingly impractical monument in Rust. However, this primitive monument can still be an excellent location for early-game players, thanks in part to its unique buildable nature.
Rust players can generally find this monument in forest or plains biomes. You’ll easily identify it by the two cabins connected by a walkway in a swampy environment.
Apart from its early-game structural benefits, players can also find resources such as Sulfur, Brown Crates, and Green Cards in this area. The freshwater swamps in Abandoned Cabins can also be suitable for farming, solidifying this location’s status as a great early-game stop.
Rust’s Abandoned Military Base is a tier-2 monument typically situated in the desert biome. Players can identify this establishment with its sand wall enclosure and military-focused aesthetics.
Inside, you can find the powerful MLRS rocket system, which shoots 1-12 MLRS rockets. Use this weapon to bombard enemies, regardless of their location (as long as they’re outside of monument protection).
Early- and late-game players will generally seek an Abandoned Military Base for its excellent offensive and defensive nature. Additionally, this location typically holds various loot, including Military and Component Crates.
Generally called the “Sperm Ket” in the Rust community, the Abandoned Supermarket is a tier-1 monument. This location offers minimal tactical loot but draws many players for its exceptional food abundance.
The Abandoned Supermarket also has a guaranteed Green Keycard, allowing players to swipe it on a green door access panel. Additionally, this establishment can spawn recyclers and military crates.
As for its allure as a base, Rust players can transform this monument into a relatively small encampment. For instance, control its rooftop to dictate engagements in your favor.
One of the largest monuments in Rust is the Airfield. This procedurally-generated location has been renowned in the community for its high loot density. Here, players can gather about twenty crates, making it a haven for campers and scavengers. The Airfield is also home to a Red Card puzzle, an essential item used to access the puzzle areas of tier-3 monuments in Rust.
Successfully overtaking this monument rewards players with an establishment with many defensive options. For instance, use its rooftops for vantage points or exploit peekholes to gain the upper hand against raiding enemies.
The Arctic Research Base is a snow-covered monument generally located at the map’s edge. This establishment’s location makes it highly contested, thanks in part to its exceptional loot, particularly crates, food, and Low Grade Fuel.
However, taking over the Arctic Research Base may not be an easy task, especially for early-game players. The compound is the typical home to self-healing scientists, requiring players to engage these enemies aggressively.
Despite the apparent dangers, many players also want to claim the Arctic Research Base, as it’s the exclusive source of two snowmobile variants: the Tomaha and “Tin Can” variants. Apart from their dissimilar appearances, these snowmobiles start with 20x Low Grade Fuel, 300 HP, and 12x storage slots. Players who are able to grab these vehicles can use them in both snow and sand.
Players who are up for a round of gambling (or many) can travel to the Bandit Camp. This unique swamp-based safe zone offers respite and solace to players, regardless of faction or alliance.
Enter it, and NPCs enforce a “No Weapon” policy, ensuring that all players stow their weapons while inside the monument’s area. This place functions as a trading hub, allowing players to purchase items that includes helicopters.
As mentioned earlier, the Bandit Camp also offers gambling opportunities, thanks to its bustling casino. Here, players can try to woo lady luck while playing games like Roulette, Poker, and Slots.
There’s also a Lumberjack NPC next to the Building Supplies section of the Bandit Camp that gives you a quest that rewards two excellent early-game weapons: the Crossbow and Hatchet. Complete this quest by following these steps:
Renowned for its gratuitous amount of Military Crates, the Dome is a tier-2 monument with exceptional loot and defensive features. Its funnel-like design allows residents to control chokepoints, especially in known locations like the “Old Jump Spot.”
Defenders should typically prioritize quick loot runs to avoid camping threats. On the other hand, attackers who want to claim the Dome for their own may want to be tread lightly when entering the confines of the establishment.
Players looking to amass vast quantities of resources should look into one of the more profitable monuments in Rust – the Giant Excavator. Travel to the desert to find this monument and claim materials like Sulfur, Metal, and High Quality Metal.
However, players must activate the digger to excavate the resources hidden in the area. This massive contraption will only function if it has Diesel Fuel. Additionally, hostile parties, especially enemy players, may notice what you’re doing and try to steal the monument for themselves.
So, establishing optimal defenses while gathering resources at the Giant Excavator is crucial. Use the contraption’s moving arms to help reduce damage from enemy fire. Alternatively, use Smoke Grenades offensively to ensure the survival of your team.
The Junkyard is one of the largest monuments in Rust. It offers a bountiful amount of resources to its claimants, making this location a high-risk PvP hotspot.
Players can find this monument in either the forest or plains biomes. It’s also noticeable by its distinct rusty appearance.
Take advantage of the Junkyard’s high ground for defensive and offensive strategies. Additionally, prioritize defending the upper half of the monument, particularly its left side, as this area is where the key loot spawns. It's also the typical location where players can find the Shredder and Modular Car Lift.
Note that the Shredder and Magnetic Crane are functional features of the Junkyard. Players can use these to harvest Scrap from unwanted vehicles, such as an old snowmobile. Doing so grants 50x to 125x Scrap Metals and Metal Fragments.
The Large Barn provides more rest and respite to its residents than fighting and looting. Generally locate in the plains or forest biomes, this location also serves as a horse shop, which is ideal for players looking for the sought-after thoroughbred.
Aside from horse purchases, the Large Barn offers a safe haven with various features, such as defensive auto-turrets and hobo barrels.
Players looking to farm the riches of the deep should consider traveling to the Large Fishing Village. This NPC-protected settlement is a premier safe zone that allows players to purchase watercraft ranging from boats to submarines.
Beyond the water vehicles, the Large Fishing Village also has other shops, particularly those that sell diving gear. This location also has a Fish Exchange, letting players trade their catches for essential equipment.
The Large Fishing Village also has three quests. Note that two of these quests require you to have a Diving Set and Harpoon Gun. Complete these quests by following these steps:
The Large Harbor is a tier-2 monument in Rust that’s noticeable by its cranes, coastal concrete platforms, and rusted boats. Albeit the location only offers decent loot at best, the quantity of the obtainable items makes up for the lack of top-tier items.
Additionally, the Large Harbor has a reasonably simple Blue Keycard puzzle, making it a worthwhile location for early- to mid-game players. Players can also take advantage of key areas as defensive options, including the Cranes, Train Room, and Recycler Building.
Endgame Rust players may consider challenging the monument known as the Large Oil Rig. This location provides a complex yet highly rewarding challenge.
Players start from the Dock, where they must deal with various challenges and dangers to reach the top. The boss, known as the Heavy Scientist, awaits at the 6th and final level. Unprepared players will find this enemy more than a normal challenge. Defeat the Heavy Scientist and receive valuable loot like the Auto Turret, Semi-Automatic Rifle, and Hazmat Suit.
Like the Junkyard, the Launch Site is one of the largest monuments in Rust. Some players might argue that this location is the biggest monument in the game and it has the most loot.
This high-risk, high-reward location has extreme levels of radiation, particularly when venturing into the factory building. So, Hazmat Suits are requirements for every player who wants to gather the loot within. Brave players who are successful in conquering this challenging area can access its Military and Elite Crates.
The Lighthouse is a valuable early-game monument known for its peaceful atmosphere. Here, players can gather a good amount of resources, including various loot crates, attracting those who wish for a strong start. However, it also means that this location can be a haven for campers, so always watch your surroundings before entering.
Nonetheless, taking control of this monument promotes excellent defenses. Players can take advantage of various vantage points, promoting survival tactics like camping. On the other hand, large groups can create human walls surrounding the Lighthouse, converting it into a defensible base.
Players who wish for high-risk, high-reward monuments in Rust should consider traveling to, and perhaps claiming the Military Tunnels. Inside, hostile scientists and potentially other players guard valuable loot.
Successfully conquering this location grants rewards like Elite Crates and a Red Keycard, albeit the latter requires players to first solve a puzzle. However, this monument’s intricate hallways and numerous sections generally demand effective team communication and callout knowledge.
Despite its fairly small area, the Mining Outpost can still be a serviceable tier-1 monument in Rust. Players can loot an abundant supply of items from various crates from within. Additionally, its straightforward layout makes this location ideal for engaging in classic low-tier PvP skirmishes, especially for those looking to partake in some good old deathmatch.
Many players would argue that the Outpost is Rust’s central monument. In particular, players can generally find this location at the center of the map. This heavily fortified safe zone boasts the best-stocked shop in all of Rust. Players can also take advantage of various essential utilities, such as Recyclers and Repair Benches.
Strategically, players maximize their visits to the Outpost by taking advantage of shop restocks. In particular, all shops in this monument have a restock timer, allowing players to check and purchase valuable items, such as Tactical Gloves and Smoke Grenades when they're available.
As one of the smallest tier-1 monuments in Rust, Oxum’s Gas Station offers valuable loot while providing various offensive and defensive features for medium to large groups. Early-game players can loot essential items from within, including food, tools, and car parts.
Oxum’s Gas Station is also a great way to kick start your way into mid-game, as a Green Keycard and Military Crates spawn here. It also has a built-in storage room, cave, and garage, making this location an excellent early- to mid-game base.
The Power Plant is a player-favorite monument thanks to its dynamic, vertical layout that's fairly easy to navigate. Its design can be ideal for various combat encounters, as players have great flexibility in choosing different strategies to control this location.
This monument is also home to Green and Blue Keycards, albeit they’re behind two puzzles that require fast reflexes and excellent timing. Players should also be aware of this location’s common exit points, such as the roof and sewers, to prevent surprise attacks from enemy parties.
Rust players typically stay out of the Quarry, as it’s an underwhelming monument because of its slow and low-grade-intensive operation. Players can generally find better loot and a good exercise of their time, effort, and resources in other Rust monuments.
However, those who wish to venture into this location can still find some loot. Some notable items include High Quality Metal Ore, Sulfur Ore, and Stone.
As for PvP, this location’s layout can be difficult to defend. Enemy factions can take advantage of the high ground surrounding the central area to gank players within the compound.
Also called the Stables, the Ranch is a small, safe-zone alternative to the Large Barn. Like its larger variant, players can purchase horses and associated tack in the Stables.
Inside, the Ranch also has a fireplace, a useful structure for slow healing. Additionally, players must stow weapons upon entry to prevent NPC aggression, which also makes this location a quick respite from hostile NPCs and players.
The Satellite Dish is a highly accessible tier-2 monument favored by many players for its open layout and tactical dynamism. Its four elevated platforms are the defining features of this location, as they provide valuable loot and a vital height advantage for players controlling this area.
However, players who wish to claim this monument should be vigilant against flanks because of the layout’s openness. Nonetheless, the Satellite Dish offers unique camping spots, such as the Broken Satellite near the Recycler, providing opportunistic ambush points.
The Sewer Branch is a must-visit tier-2 monument, praised for its plentiful amount of crates, a Blue Keycard, and accessible parkour. Its layout also promotes strategic gameplay focusing on elevation.
Claiming this location generally requires an understanding of its three levels. The highest level has a Recycler, which offers excellent utility but leaves players exposed. The middle ground offers cover for enemy players taking advantage of the high ground. Finally, the low ground promotes covert movement.
Another one of the safe monuments in Rust is the Small Fishing Village, which has functions similar to those of its larger counterpart. Like the Large Fishing Village, NPCs protect this small fishing outpost, preventing players from engaging in PvP skirmishes.
Nonetheless, players can catch Fish, purchase items, and buy water vehicles, like boats and submarines, from this location. It also has the same quests as those found in the Large Fishing Village.
Introduced in the Oil Rig Update, the Small Oil Rig is similar to its larger counterpart. Like the Large Oil Rig, players must complete this raid-like experience to grab valuable loot.
However, players must prepare to deal with heavily armored opponents, especially the five Heavy Scientists at its topmost level. Additionally, players must defeat these enemies in 15 minutes, or else they’ll fail the challenge. Restarting this endeavor requires players to leave the monument’s vicinity for its enemies and loot to respawn.
As one of the tier-3 monuments in Rust, the Train Yard serves as a high-traffic, high-reward location for veteran players. The presence of a Recycler, Red Keycard access, and train car unloader provides significant wipe progression.
Still, early-game players may take on this challenge, albeit careful movement and proper application of strategies are of utmost importance. Endgame players, on the other hand, may dedicate their efforts to the Blue Keycard puzzle, unlocking a Red Keycard and other top-tier loot.
Like the Train Yard, the Water Treatment Plant is a tier-3 monument, notable for being the only one in this category without radiation, making this location highly accessible for most players. Although the amount of loot is considerably fewer than other monuments in Rust, it still offers valuable rewards, such as the multiple crates pawning in the Wheel Room.
Players can also take advantage of strategic locations within this monument, including a sewer system that promotes flanking. There’s also a Water Tower for players that want to assert ranged dominance.
Rust Monuments: Every Location, Loot, & More
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The Abandoned Cabins
Abandoned Military Base
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Abandoned Supermarket
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Airfield
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Arctic Research Base
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Bandit Camp
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- 1. Trigger the part of the dialogue wherein the Lumberjack talks about a “very dear object” after answering “Yes” to his questions.
- 2. Find the lost bottle item marked on the map and collect it.
- 3. Return the lost bottle to the Lumberjack, rewarding you with the Hatchet.
- 4. Talk to the Lumberjack again to start another mission, which is to collect 2000x Wood.
- 5. Return to the NPC to receive the Crossbow and 25x Arrows.
Dome
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Giant Excavator
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Junkyard
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Large Barn
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Large Fishing Village
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Fishing Quest #1
- 1. Talk to the Fisherman NPC, and select the dialogue option “I need a fishing rod.”
- 2. Travel to the marked location on your map and get the tackle from the toolbox.
- 3. Return to the Fisherman to receive the following rewards: Handmade Fishing Rod and 10x Grub.
Fishing Quest #2
- 1. Talk to the Fisherman NPC again after finishing the first quest.
- 2. This time, select the dialogue option “I need a kayak.”
- 3. Catch 3x Fish and return to the Fisherman to receive the following rewards: Kayak and Paddle.
Fishing Quest #3
- 1. Talk to the Fisherman NPC again after finishing the second quest.
- 2. This time, select the dialogue option “I need some scrap.”
- 3. Open eight oil barrels (the red ones) and collect 100x Crude.
- 4. Give the 100x Crude to the Fisherman to receive 100x Scrap.
Diving Quest #1: Shark Hunt Mission
- 1. Talk to the Dive Master NPC, and select the dialogue option “I’d like to hunt.”
- 2. Travel to the dive site marked on your map and go underwater.
- 3. Defeat the shark and return to the Dive Master to receive the following rewards: Jackhammer, 3x Medical Syringe, and 25x Scrap.
Diving Quest #2: Dive Master Mission
- 1. Talk to the Dive Master NPC, and select the dialogue option “I’d like to dive.”
- 2. Travel to the dive site marked on your map and go underwater.
- 3. Untie ten Crates while remaining hidden.
- 4. Return to the Dive Master to receive the following rewards: Pump Shotgun and 12x 12-Gauge Buckshot.
Large Harbor
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Large Oil Rig
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Launch Site
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Lighthouse
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Military Tunnels
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Mining Outpost
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Outpost
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Oxum’s Gas Station
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Power Plant
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Quarry
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Ranch
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Satellite Dish
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Sewer Branch
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Small Fishing Village
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Small Oil Rig
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Train Yard
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Water Treatment Plant
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