Rust: Complete Monument Guide
Monuments are the primary source of high-tier loot, blueprints, and components in Rust. Understanding monument layouts, puzzle solutions, and optimal loot routes is essential for progression. This guide covers all major monuments, their radiation levels, and the best strategies for efficient farming.
Monument Tier System
| Tier | Radiation | Loot Quality | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 0 | None | Basic | Fishing Villages, Abandoned Cabins |
| Tier 1 | Low (0-25 rads) | Common | Gas Station, Supermarket, Lighthouse |
| Tier 2 | Medium (25-50 rads) | Uncommon | Satellite Dish, Junkyard, Mining Outpost |
| Tier 3 | High (50-500 rads) | Rare/Elite | Launch Site, Military Tunnels, Power Plant |
Keycard System
Keycard Types & Locations
🟢 Green Keycard
Found at: Supermarket, Gas Station, Lighthouse, Harbor
Opens: Green card rooms at Tier 2 monuments
🔵 Blue Keycard
Found at: Green card puzzle rooms
Opens: Blue card rooms at Tier 3 monuments
🔴 Red Keycard
Found at: Blue card puzzle rooms, elite crates
Opens: Red card rooms (best loot)
Fuse Requirements
Most puzzle monuments require electric fuses to activate:
- Green Puzzles: 1 Fuse
- Blue Puzzles: 1-2 Fuses
- Red Puzzles: 2-3 Fuses
Pro Tip: Always bring extra fuses. Other players may have taken fuses from the monument, and you'll need replacements to complete puzzles.
Major Monument Guides
Launch Site
Radiation: Very High (500 rads) | Loot: Elite Crates, Military Crates
Puzzle Solution
- Enter through the main building (requires hazmat suit)
- Insert fuse in the electrical box on the first floor
- Use blue keycard on the second floor
- Navigate to the third floor for elite crates
- Use red keycard on the fourth floor for the best loot
Loot Route
- Main Building: 3-4 elite crates, 2-3 military crates
- Rocket Factory: 2 military crates
- Warehouse: 1-2 military crates
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes for full run
Military Tunnels
Radiation: High (100-300 rads) | Loot: Elite Crates, Scientists
Puzzle Solution
- Enter the tunnel system (bring hazmat suit)
- Clear scientists (they drop keycards and guns)
- Insert fuse in the first electrical box
- Use green keycard to access the first room
- Insert second fuse and use blue keycard for elite loot
Scientist Behavior
- Count: 10-15 scientists patrol the tunnels
- Weapons: MP5, LR-300, Pump Shotgun
- Tactics: Use corners and doorways for cover
- Loot: Each scientist drops 1-3 items including meds and ammo
Oil Rig (Small & Large)
Radiation: None | Loot: Elite Crates, Heavy Scientists
Access Methods
- Boat: Most common, requires RHIB or rowboat
- Helicopter: Fastest but expensive (low grade fuel)
- Swimming: Risky, vulnerable to sharks and drowning
Small Oil Rig Route
- Dock at the platform (watch for campers)
- Clear 10 scientists from bottom to top
- Insert fuse and use blue keycard
- Loot 2-3 elite crates and locked crate
- Escape: Use zipline or boat
Large Oil Rig Route
- Dock and clear 20+ scientists
- Navigate to the top deck (multiple floors)
- Insert fuses and use blue + red keycards
- Loot 4-6 elite crates and multiple locked crates
- Locked Crate Timer: 15 minutes (defend while waiting)
Warning: Oil rigs are high-traffic PvP zones. Always bring a teammate to watch your back and secure the loot.
Power Plant
Radiation: High (100-400 rads) | Loot: Elite Crates, Recycler
Puzzle Solution
- Enter the main building (hazmat required)
- Insert fuse in the ground floor electrical box
- Use green keycard to access the first room
- Navigate to the second floor and use blue keycard
- Loot elite crates and recycle components
Recycler Location
Power Plant has one of the safest recyclers in the game:
- Location: Inside the blue card room
- Safety: Single entry point, easy to defend
- Strategy: Recycle components before leaving to reduce inventory weight
Tier 1 Monument Quick Guide
| Monument | Crates | Special Features | Time to Loot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Station | 3-4 Basic | Recycler, Green Keycard spawn | 2-3 minutes |
| Supermarket | 4-5 Basic | Food crates, Green Keycard | 3-4 minutes |
| Lighthouse | 2-3 Basic | Green Keycard, high vantage point | 2 minutes |
| Harbor | 5-6 Basic | Recycler, Crane puzzle, Green Keycard | 5-7 minutes |
Tier 2 Monument Quick Guide
| Monument | Crates | Puzzle Type | Time to Loot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Satellite Dish | 3-4 Military | Green Keycard | 4-5 minutes |
| Junkyard | 4-5 Military | Green Keycard | 5-6 minutes |
| Mining Outpost | 3-4 Military | Green Keycard | 4-5 minutes |
| Train Yard | 5-6 Military | Green + Blue Keycard | 8-10 minutes |
Radiation Protection
Suit Requirements by Monument
| Radiation Level | Required Protection | Monuments |
|---|---|---|
| 0-25 rads | None or basic clothing | Gas Station, Supermarket, Lighthouse |
| 25-100 rads | Wood armor + rad pills | Satellite, Junkyard, Dome |
| 100-300 rads | Hazmat suit or full metal armor + pills | Military Tunnels, Airfield, Power Plant |
| 300-500 rads | Hazmat suit (mandatory) | Launch Site |
Radiation Pills
- Anti-Radiation Pills: Reduce radiation by 25 per pill
- Duration: 5 minutes per pill
- Stacking: Effects stack, max 3 pills at once
- Crafting: 10 Cloth + 3 Berries
Monument Farming Strategies
Early Game Route (Day 1-2)
Focus on Tier 0-1 monuments for basic components:
- Gas Station → Supermarket → Lighthouse
- Collect green keycards and basic components
- Recycle at Gas Station or Harbor
- Goal: Get 500+ scrap for workbench level 1
Mid Game Route (Day 3-5)
Progress to Tier 2 monuments with green keycards:
- Satellite Dish → Junkyard → Train Yard
- Collect blue keycards and military crates
- Research key blueprints (guns, armor)
- Goal: Get 1,250+ scrap for workbench level 2
Late Game Route (Day 6+)
Farm Tier 3 monuments for elite loot:
- Military Tunnels → Launch Site → Oil Rig
- Collect elite crates and red keycards
- Full hazmat suit and weapons required
- Goal: Get AKs, C4, and high-tier components
PvP Hotspots & Safety
High-Risk Monuments
- Oil Rig: Constant PvP, bring a team
- Launch Site: Large monument, many hiding spots for campers
- Military Tunnels: Chokepoints make it easy to ambush
- Cargo Ship: Limited escape routes, high player traffic
Safety Tips
- Scout First: Watch the monument for 2-3 minutes before entering
- Listen: Gunshots and footsteps indicate other players
- Escape Route: Always know the fastest way out
- Stash Loot: Hide valuable items in nearby bushes before continuing
- Timing: Farm monuments during off-peak hours (early morning)
Important: Never loot monuments with your entire inventory. Bring only essentials (meds, keycards, fuses) and leave room for loot.
Recycler Locations
| Monument | Recycler Count | Safety Level |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Station | 1 | Low (exposed) |
| Harbor | 1 | Medium (semi-enclosed) |
| Power Plant | 1 | High (inside blue card room) |
| Outpost (Safe Zone) | 1 | Very High (no PvP allowed) |
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