Rust Naval Update (Feb 2026): Rule the High Seas
The February 2026 update has fundamentally changed how we traverse the map. Gone are the days of simple RHIBs being the pinnacle of naval tech. Facepunch has introduced Modular Boats, a massive Deep Sea Biome, and terrifying Ghost Ships.
Update Status: Live on PC as of Feb 5, 2026. Coming to Console Edition later this year.
Build Your Warship: Modular Boats
Similar to modular cars, you can now construct custom vessels at the new Harbor Drydocks.
Core Components
- Hulls: Choose from Speed, Cargo (holds large boxes), or Armored hulls.
- Engines: Tier 1 Outboards to Tier 3 Industrial Marine Engines.
- Decks: Walkable platforms where you can place deployables (small boxes, sleeping bags, and even auto turrets!).
Weaponry
The update introduces ship-mounted Cannons and Harpoon Launchers.
- Cannons: Fire
Cannonballsthat deal massive structural damage to enemy ships and seaside bases. - Harpoons: Tether an enemy ship to yours to force a boarding action.
New Biome: The Deep Sea
Venturing far from the island now reveals the Deep Sea Biome, a high-risk, high-reward zone.
The Floating City
A procedurally generated monument made of lashed-together tankers and platforms. It effectively acts as a "Water Outpost" with safe zones, recyclers, and unique vendors selling boat parts.
Ghost Ships (AI Event)
Similar to the Patrol Helicopter, AI-controlled Ghost Ships now roam the deep waters. Defeating them requires a well-armed crew and yields Elite Crates and supply signals.
Survival Tips for Captains
- Fuel Management: New heavy engines guzzle Low Grade Fuel. Bring thousands for long voyages.
- Repairs: You must carry a Hammer and huge amounts of Wood/Metal Frags. Ships take localized damage and can sink if the hull is breached.
- Boarding Actions: The meta has shifted to Close Quarters Battle (CQB). Shotguns and SMGs are king on the swaying decks of a ship.
Server Performance Impact
For server owners, this update increases the entity count significantly due to modular vehicle parts. Ensure your `server.cfg` is optimized:
Want to host your own naval warfare server? Rent a High-Performance Rust Server capable of handling the new ocean physics without lag.