Rust: Complete PvP Combat Guide

PvP combat in Rust separates survivors from victims. Mastering weapon recoil, positioning, and combat tactics is essential for winning firefights and protecting your loot. This guide covers everything from basic gunplay to advanced combat strategies used by professional players.

Weapon Tier List

Weapon	Tier	Damage	Fire Rate	Best Range
AK-47	S-Tier	30 HP	450 RPM	Medium-Long
LR-300	S-Tier	25 HP	600 RPM	Medium
MP5	A-Tier	22 HP	800 RPM	Close-Medium
Thompson	A-Tier	24 HP	600 RPM	Close-Medium
Python Revolver	A-Tier	55 HP	Single Action	Medium
Bolt Action Rifle	S-Tier (Sniper)	80 HP	Single Shot	Long
Custom SMG	B-Tier	18 HP	720 RPM	Close
Semi-Auto Rifle	B-Tier	40 HP	Semi-Auto	Medium-Long

Recoil Patterns & Control

AK-47 Recoil Pattern

The AK is the most powerful weapon in Rust, but has the hardest recoil to master:

• Pattern: Strong upward kick, then S-curve (left-right-left)
• Control: Pull down hard for first 5 bullets, then compensate for horizontal sway
• Effective Range: 50-100 meters with good recoil control
• Practice: Spend 30+ minutes daily on aim training servers

LR-300 Recoil Pattern

Easier to control than AK, slightly less damage:

• Pattern: Moderate upward kick with minimal horizontal movement
• Control: Consistent downward pull throughout spray
• Effective Range: 30-80 meters
• Best For: Players learning recoil control

MP5 Recoil Pattern

Fastest fire rate with manageable recoil:

• Pattern: Tight upward climb with slight left drift
• Control: Gentle downward pull, minimal horizontal adjustment
• Effective Range: 10-50 meters
• Best For: Close-quarters combat and indoor fights

Combat Fundamentals

Positioning & Cover

Movement Techniques

1. Strafing: Move left-right while shooting to dodge bullets
2. Crouch Peeking: Crouch behind cover, stand to peek and shoot
3. Jump Shots: Jump around corners to surprise enemies
4. Bunny Hopping: Jump repeatedly to make yourself harder to hit
5. Zigzag Running: Run in unpredictable patterns when crossing open areas

Peeking Mechanics

Peek Type	When to Use	Advantage
Wide Peek	Aggressive push, close range	Surprise factor, fast engagement
Shoulder Peek	Bait enemy shots	Make enemy waste ammo, reveal position
Crouch Peek	Holding angles, defensive	Smaller hitbox, better accuracy
Jump Peek	Checking over cover	Quick info gathering, hard to hit

Armor & Protection

Armor Comparison

Armor Type	Protection	Cost	Best Use
Wood Armor	20% reduction	Very Low	Early game, disposable
Road Sign Armor	30% reduction	Low	Mid-game roaming
Metal Armor	40% reduction	Medium	Standard PvP kit
Heavy Plate Armor	50% reduction	High	Raids, heavy combat
Hazmat Suit	25% reduction + rad protection	Low	Monument farming

Optimal Loadouts

Early Game Kit (Day 1-2)

• Weapon: Revolver or Custom SMG
• Armor: Wood armor set
• Meds: 10 bandages, 5 syringes
• Total Cost: ~500 scrap equivalent

Mid Game Kit (Day 3-5)

• Weapon: Thompson or SAR
• Armor: Road sign or metal armor
• Meds: 20 bandages, 10 syringes, 5 med kits
• Total Cost: ~2,000 scrap equivalent

Late Game Kit (Day 6+)

• Primary: AK-47 or LR-300
• Secondary: MP5 or Python
• Armor: Full metal or heavy plate
• Meds: 30 syringes, 10 med kits, 5 large med kits
• Total Cost: ~5,000+ scrap equivalent

Combat Tactics

1v1 Engagement Strategies

1. Assess Threat: Identify enemy weapon and armor before engaging
2. Choose Range: Fight at your weapon's optimal range
3. First Shot Advantage: Land the first hit for psychological edge
4. Cover Management: Always be near cover to retreat if needed
5. Commit or Retreat: Don't half-commit; either push hard or disengage

Team Fighting

Coordinated team play wins fights:

• Callouts: Communicate enemy positions constantly
• Focus Fire: All teammates shoot the same target
• Crossfire: Attack from multiple angles simultaneously
• Revive Priority: Protect downed teammates, revive when safe
• Loot Management: Designate one player to loot while others cover

Countering Different Weapons

Enemy Weapon	Your Counter	Strategy
Bolt Action Rifle	Close range rush	Zigzag approach, get close before they reload
AK-47	Long range or close rush	Fight outside their effective range or rush before they react
Shotgun	Medium range kiting	Stay at 15+ meters, backpedal while shooting
SMG (MP5/Thompson)	Long range engagement	Use SAR or AK at 50+ meters

Advanced Combat Techniques

Spray Transfer

Switching targets mid-spray without releasing trigger:

• When: Multiple enemies close together
• How: Kill first target, immediately adjust aim to second target
• Benefit: Faster than reloading or re-aiming
• Practice: Use aim training servers with multiple targets

Pre-Firing

Shooting before enemy appears:

• When: You know enemy is about to peek a corner
• How: Aim at corner, start shooting just before they peek
• Benefit: Instant damage, no reaction time for enemy
• Risk: Wastes ammo if timed incorrectly

Baiting & Trapping

1. Fake Retreat: Pretend to run away, then turn and shoot when enemy chases
2. Loot Bait: Drop valuable loot, hide nearby, ambush looters
3. Sound Baiting: Make noise to draw enemies into kill zones
4. Teammate Bait: One player draws fire while others flank

Healing & Medical Management

Medical Items

Item	HP Restored	Use Time	Best Use
Bandage	5 HP	3 seconds	Quick healing between fights
Syringe	15 HP	Instant	Mid-combat healing
Medical Syringe	35 HP	Instant	Critical situations
Large Med Kit	100 HP	5 seconds	Post-combat full heal

Combat Healing Tips

• Hotbar Setup: Bind syringes to easy-to-reach keys (1-4)
• Heal Behind Cover: Never heal in the open
• Pre-Heal: Use syringes before peeking if low HP
• Bandage Spam: Use multiple bandages quickly for sustained healing

Situational Combat

Monument PvP

• Approach Carefully: Scout for enemies before entering
• Control Exits: Block enemy escape routes
• Use Environment: Leverage monument structures for cover
• Quick Looting: Grab essentials and leave, don't get greedy

Base Defense

• Roof Access: Shoot down at raiders from above
• Window Frames: Use for protected shooting positions
• Shotgun Traps: Place at head level in doorways
• Turret Support: Let auto turrets weaken enemies before engaging

Roaming PvP

• Travel Light: Don't roam with your best gear
• Avoid Predictability: Change routes frequently
• Stash Loot: Hide valuable items in bushes before fights
• Know When to Run: Retreat if outnumbered or outgunned

Common PvP Mistakes

Mistake	Why It's Bad	How to Fix
Standing Still	Easy headshot target	Always strafe and move during fights
Reloading in Open	Vulnerable to enemy push	Reload behind cover only
Chasing Too Far	Get baited into ambush	Know when to stop pursuing
Not Using Meds	Fight at low HP and die	Heal aggressively between engagements
Fighting Outnumbered	Low chance of winning	Retreat and regroup with teammates

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