Rust: Complete Raiding Guide
Raiding is the ultimate endgame activity in Rust. Whether you're planning an offline raid or engaging in intense online PvP, understanding explosive costs, raid strategies, and base weaknesses is essential. This guide covers everything from basic satchel charges to advanced raid tactics used by veteran players.
Explosive Types & Costs
Understanding the cost-effectiveness of each explosive is crucial for efficient raiding.
| Explosive | Crafting Cost | Damage to Stone | Damage to Metal | Damage to Armored |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Satchel Charge | 480 Sulfur, 720 Charcoal, 80 Metal Frags | 475 HP | 275 HP | 137 HP |
| Timed Explosive (C4) | 2,200 Sulfur, 3,000 Charcoal, 200 Metal Frags, 5 Cloth | 550 HP | 550 HP | 275 HP |
| Rocket | 1,400 Sulfur, 1,950 Charcoal, 100 Metal Frags, 150 Gunpowder | 350 HP | 350 HP | 175 HP |
| Explosive 5.56 (63 rounds) | 1,575 Sulfur, 3,750 Metal Frags, 3,150 Charcoal | 500 HP | 250 HP | 125 HP |
Raid Cost Calculator
Here's what it takes to break through different building tiers:
Stone Walls (500 HP)
💣 Satchel Charges
4 Satchels = 1,920 Sulfur
💥 C4
2 C4 = 4,400 Sulfur
🚀 Rockets
4 Rockets = 5,600 Sulfur
Metal Walls (1000 HP)
💣 Satchel Charges
10 Satchels = 4,800 Sulfur
💥 C4
4 C4 = 8,800 Sulfur
🚀 Rockets
8 Rockets = 11,200 Sulfur
Armored Walls (2000 HP)
💣 Satchel Charges
15 Satchels = 7,200 Sulfur
💥 C4
8 C4 = 17,600 Sulfur
🚀 Rockets
15 Rockets = 21,000 Sulfur
Raid Strategy Fundamentals
Pre-Raid Reconnaissance
- Scout the Base: Observe the target for 24-48 hours to learn player activity patterns.
- Count Doors: Estimate the number of doors and walls between entry and loot room.
- Identify Weaknesses: Look for soft sides, weak spots, or poorly placed tool cupboards.
- Check for Traps: Watch for shotgun traps, turrets, and landmines.
- Plan Escape Route: Always have a backup plan if defenders counter-raid.
Online vs Offline Raiding
| Raid Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Offline Raid | No resistance, can take time, less explosives wasted | Defenders may have despawned loot, less exciting |
| Online Raid | Guaranteed loot, PvP excitement, psychological warfare | High risk of death, counter-raids, more explosives needed |
Advanced Raid Techniques
Soft Side Raiding
Every wall has a "soft side" that takes significantly less damage to break:
- Identification: Soft side shows horizontal wood grain or exposed stone.
- Tools: Use pickaxes, hatchets, or jackhammers on soft sides.
- Efficiency: Soft side stone walls take ~8 pickaxes vs 4 C4 for hard side.
- Risk: Soft side raiding is loud and time-consuming, best for offline raids.
Pro Tip: Always check if external walls have their soft side exposed. Many builders forget to rotate walls correctly, leaving easy entry points.
Splash Damage Optimization
Maximize explosive efficiency by hitting multiple walls simultaneously:
- Corner Placement: Place C4 at wall corners to damage 2-3 walls at once.
- Rocket Angles: Fire rockets at 45-degree angles to hit multiple surfaces.
- Floor/Ceiling Combo: Destroy floors and ceilings together to save explosives.
Tool Cupboard Hunting
Finding and destroying the tool cupboard is often more valuable than reaching the loot room:
- Listen for Placement: Tool cupboards make distinct sounds when accessed.
- Common Locations: Usually in airlocks, central rooms, or near main entrances.
- Authorization Denial: Once TC is destroyed, you can build and block defenders.
- Grief Potential: Control of TC allows you to seal the base or add your own defenses.
Raid Defense Counter-Strategies
Defending Against Raids
- Roof Access: Build roof access to shoot down at raiders.
- External TCs: Place tool cupboards outside your base to prevent raider building.
- Shotgun Traps: Place at head level in doorways and corridors.
- Auto Turrets: Position with overlapping fields of fire.
- Landmines: Place around common approach routes.
Honeycomb Defense
The most effective raid defense is making your base too expensive to raid:
| Layers | Estimated Raid Cost | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Layer (No Honeycomb) | 4-8 C4 | Weak - Easy raid target |
| 2 Layers | 12-16 C4 | Moderate - Deters small groups |
| 3+ Layers | 24+ C4 | Strong - Only large clans will attempt |
Raid Timing & Server Dynamics
Best Times to Raid
- Early Morning (3-7 AM): Lowest player activity for offline raids.
- Mid-Wipe: Players have resources but haven't fully honeycombed yet.
- Pre-Wipe: All-out chaos, perfect for practicing raid strategies.
- After Monument Runs: Catch players with fresh loot before they store it.
Wipe Cycle Strategy
📅 Day 1-2
Focus on building and farming. Small door raids only.
📅 Day 3-5
Prime raiding time. Bases are built but not fully upgraded.
📅 Day 6+
Large clan wars. Massive raids with 50+ rockets.
Common Raiding Mistakes
| Mistake | Why It's Bad | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Not Bringing Enough Explosives | Get stuck mid-raid with no way to finish | Always bring 50% more explosives than estimated |
| Raiding Alone | Easy target for counter-raids | Bring at least 2-3 teammates for security |
| Ignoring Surroundings | Counter-raiders can ambush you | Post lookouts and watch for approaching players |
| Blowing Wrong Walls | Waste explosives on empty rooms | Use game sense to predict loot room locations |
| Not Securing Loot | Lose everything if you die | Have a nearby stash or base to store loot mid-raid |
Raid Loadout Checklist
Essential Gear
- Explosives: C4, rockets, or satchels based on target
- Weapons: AK-47 or LR-300 for PvP defense
- Armor: Full metal or hazmat suit
- Medical: 20+ syringes and bandages
- Tools: Building plan, hammer, and extra materials
- Utility: Sleeping bag nearby for respawns
Important: Always place a sleeping bag near the raid location. If you die, you can respawn and continue the raid or defend your progress.
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