Rust’s September Force Wipe Brings Tougher Clan Progression

Rust’s “Breach and Clear” force wipe update arrives with more than 100 smaller improvements and dozens of major changes. Facepunch is also adjusting early progression to give solo players and smaller groups a better chance against large clans.

The monthly wipe resets the playing field, but large teams can quickly capture monuments, secure blueprints and leave other players stuck with primitive equipment. This update aims to make that opening period less predictable without stopping established groups from progressing.

Monument blockers slow down red-card progression

New blockers have been added to red keycard puzzle rooms at monuments. Some can be destroyed with a melee weapon, while tougher versions require several jackhammers. They remain maintained for 24 hours before beginning to decay.

The blockers are not intended to halt advancement completely, but they should make the first day of a wipe more competitive. Players who want to follow broader gaming and hardware news can browse RETROCADE’s Arcade Blog.

Tool Cupboard upkeep now reflects team size

Base upkeep now increases according to the number of players associated with a Tool Cupboard. A base with up to four players receives no additional charge. Six players add a 2% increase, and each further player adds another 4%, up to a maximum tax of 300%.

The Tool Cupboard checks players authorised on the cupboard and code locks, including guest codes. It also counts players removed from those systems during the previous 24 hours, closing an obvious route for teams to avoid the fee.

There is one helpful change for larger groups: high-quality metal ore nodes and harvestables can now be mined for HQM ore, which should make upkeep management easier for clan resource gatherers.

Island-wide power matters for Outpost trading

August’s Power Trip update required players to power the Power Plant before electricity could reach the whole island. The new patch gives that system a more practical consequence: island-wide power is now required for Outpost drones to collect items from player shops.

Other notable changes in the September wipe

Facepunch has published the full patch notes in September’s devblog. Among the smaller additions and adjustments are:

• The Medical Honey Bandage is a new Tier 1 healing item. It restores more health than a Bandage but less than a Medical Syringe, and requires honey to craft.
• Attack helicopter armour now detaches as the helicopter takes damage.
• Heavy Plate Jackets and Pants make noise while moving, while the Heavy Plate Helmet suppresses noise.
• Some pie buffs have been increased and their recipes have been changed.
• The Large Medkit now removes radiation.

Crystal Assault Rifle arrives in the weekly store

The weekly store has also received new items, including the Crystal Assault Rifle DLC. The translucent weapon is available in five colour variants: diamond, ruby, pink diamond, emerald and sapphire. It is listed on Steam for $6.99.

For players interested in dedicated gaming setups beyond survival games, RETROCADE’s arcade videos cover the wider arcade scene, while the Arcade Machine Buying Guide can help with planning a home setup. Those building or repairing a cabinet can also explore arcade parts.