Rust players can now dive into the "Breach and Clear" update, the game's September force wipe, which introduces significant alterations to base construction, resource acquisition, and group dynamics. This update aims to address game balance, particularly for solo players contending with larger clans.
Key among the changes are the new monument blockers placed in red keycard puzzle rooms. These obstacles require varying degrees of effort to destroy, with some succumbing to a single melee weapon and others necessitating multiple jackhammers. While their upkeep lasts 24 hours before decay, they are designed to slightly delay the rapid progression often seen by organized groups who frequently monopolize blueprints.
The "Breach and Clear" update also implements a new system for Tool Cupboard (TC) upkeep, which scales with the number of players in a base. Bases with up to four players incur no additional cost. However, this cost rises by two percent for six players and by four percent for each subsequent player, with a maximum upkeep tax of 300 percent. The TC calculates this tax by counting all players authorized on TCs and code locks, including those recently deauthorized within the last 24 hours, to prevent circumvention. Conversely, players who gather resources will find high-quality metal ore nodes and harvestables now available, easing the burden of acquiring HQM ore for clan farmers.
Further enhancing the importance of base infrastructure, the update builds upon August's "Power Trip" changes. Electricity, now required to power the Power Plant, is a prerequisite for Outpost drones to collect items from player shops. This makes maintaining a powered base crucial for commerce.
Beyond these major features, the "Breach and Clear" update includes numerous smaller enhancements. A new healing item, the Medical Honey Bandage, offers a healing rate between the standard Bandage and the Medical Syringe, requiring honey for its craft. Attack helicopter armor now detaches upon taking damage, and the Heavy Plate Jacket and Pants now produce sound when worn, while the Heavy Plate Helmet offers noise suppression. Certain pie buffs have been amplified, recipes have been adjusted, and the Large Medkit now has the added benefit of removing radiation.
In addition to gameplay adjustments, Rust's in-game store has been refreshed with new items. Notably, the Crystal Assault Rifle DLC is now available for purchase on Steam for $6.99. This cosmetic pack features a translucent weapon design in five color variations: diamond, ruby, pink diamond, emerald, and sapphire.