The world of Rust is a hostile place, as anyone who’s spent more than five minutes playing the survival game eagerly recounts. In an effort to offer a little more safety, dampen hostility, and possibly promote a healthier social aspect to the title, Facepunch have released the Rust compound update. It seems they want us to play nice.
The update introduces a safe zone, known as the ‘Compound’, where players can shop, craft, barter and simply just relax free of the threat of imminent death. You can visit an array of vending machines selling items ranging from weapons through to building supplies, and use recyclers, repair benches and the like. Part abandoned town, part post-apocalyptic nightmare (strangely reminiscent of Fallout), the area is patrolled by vigilant scientist NPC’s and peace keeping turrets. Their sole purpose is ensure the following four basic edicts are strictly respected: no weapons, no looting, no killing, and no sleeping.
Players are free to navigate the streets of the compound, restock supplies, and interact with their fellow survivors as long as they stick to the rules. Should they not, swift retribution is delivered to the offender in the form of a shower of bullets and a ‘hostile’ marking for the next five minutes.
The update is an interesting addition to Rust. The game has an established reputation as a sandbox for griefing, backstabbing, and general recreancy, as well as the toxicity that naturally comes hand in hand. Though, we’ve yet to get a grasp of the long term implications, it will be interesting to see how the update changes the basic mechanics of the game. As is always the case, players will invariably find a way to exploit the ‘safe spaces’. In our minds, we conjure up images of clans walling off the area for their own benefit. Only time will tell.
In addition, the Rust compound update adds scuba gear granting access to a network of underwater loot spawn locations, like sunken boats and caverns. The gear consists of four components, each with specific benefits. The mask allows underwater visibility. The tank grants oxygen for up to 10 minutes. While the flippers greatly accelerate underwater movement, they hinder the player on land. Finally, the wet suit ensures a steady body temperature even in the freezing waters to the north.
As always, the Rust compound update patch includes performance improvements and anti-hack features. Facepunch have also implemented first person view models for clothing, as well as audio updates for the chainsaw and boat – a recent addition to Rust.
