Rust Livestock Update Adds Farming and Animal Breeding

Rust is preparing a substantial expansion of its animal systems, with a future update set to add livestock, breeding and more ways to care for animals. The changes could give role-players a gentler farming experience inside the survival game, although the update is not yet live and has no confirmed release date.

Livestock is already available for early testing

Animal features have been added to the AUX01 staging branch, allowing players to preview the work in progress. The planned livestock includes cows, goats and sheep, which can be purchased from non-player characters in a similar way to horses.

Once acquired, animals can be raised, bred and eventually processed for meat, animal fat, cloth and leather. The broader roadmap also lists dogs, decorative animals, additional animal types and improved animal artificial intelligence.

The update may be especially appealing to players who enjoy building and managing a homestead. New fences and gates can be used to create an enclosure, helping protect livestock from hostile wildlife including bears and wolves.

Animal care and bonding

Livestock needs grass, water and the company of a herd to remain happy. Players can lead an animal only after forming a bond with it, while regular care reduces the animal’s aggression towards its keeper.

The current friendship progression is listed as Stranger, Knows You, Tolerated, Bonded and Herd. At the highest level, the animal becomes part of the player’s herd. These systems are still being developed and may change before release.

Breeding brings genetics into Rust

Breeding appears to be the most involved part of the planned livestock system. Animal gender and genetics will both affect reproduction, giving players the opportunity to produce stronger or more desirable offspring.

The concept is comparable to seeking ideal genetics when cultivating hemp, vegetables and berries. For players who enjoy optimisation, building a carefully managed herd could become its own long-term project.

How to access the staging build

Players who want to test the early livestock build must open the Rust Staging Branch options, choose Game Versions & Betas and enter the private version password livestock2026. This enables access to the AUX01 staging branch.

As with any staging build, the available features are unfinished and may be adjusted before the update reaches the main game. The final release timing remains unannounced.

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