11/3 - Updated this whole article to reflect recent changes on staging.

1:00pm EST - Our update preview stream is live! twitch.tv/rustafied

12:00am EST - The first week of Rust development for the month is complete and we’ve got some initial looks at the upcoming monument on the staging AUX branch.

Our update preview stream goes live at 1pm EST. Follow @Rustafied for news throughout the day.

Overview of the Abandoned Military Base

The newest monument coming to Rust has hit the staging branch and is set to go live for the November 4th update! The Desert Military Base as per the commits (or Abandoned Military base as it’s known on the map label) is an interesting specimen. An initial iteration at the moment, much of this is subject to change.

Currently there are one of these monuments spawning on a default map size (4500). As the name alludes, they only spawn in the desert biome. There appear to be 4 variants of this monument, with some variation in overall size, all which include one humdinger of a new weapon. Very often there is a computer module which allows you to view the several CCTV cameras around the monument.

Loot opportunities and AI

As expected in a Rust monument, there are some loot opportunities and opposing AI elements. It appears there are upwards of 10 scientists protecting this monument. They feature the same loot as the scientists on Oil rig. There’s also a couple barrels, food crates, wood crates (around 6) and green military crates (upwards of 2). Keep in mind, given there are a couple variants, the specific amount of AI and loot may shift from map to map.

MLRS overview

Now let's get to the real meat and potatoes of this monument. Killing scientists and looting some crates is cool and all, but what is this monument really for? That’s where the MLRS comes into play. This ‘multiple launch rocket system’ allows you target places on the map and launch a barrage of up to 12 rockets at said target. These rockets damage people, vehicles, and even bases, so watch out!

You’ll need an aiming module and some rockets prior to getting this going. Once you fire, you’ll have to wait the 10 minute cool-down period before you can fire again (and get a new aiming module, as they are one time use).

Stocking the MLRS

Before you can blow a local base or person up, you’ll need the required goods to operate the MLRS. First, the MLRS Aiming Module must be inserted in the cabin. Second, you’ll need some Artillery Rockets to load from the back outside of the MLRS.

As it stands, MLRS rockets can be found in elite crates (~50%), Bradley crates (~100%), and Heli crates (~5%). Aiming modules are found in Chinook crates (50%) and locked Oil Rig crates (25%). Neither can be researched or crafted, making them a scarce commodity.

Targeting and range of MLRS

Once you’ve acquired and loaded the required materials, you’re ready to blow some shit up! To do so, simply mount the MLRS and look for the #SET_TARGET option to pop up. Upon clicking ‘e’ on the set target, a map and retro interface will load up. You can either click to select a target or use WASD to aim for a target.

The MLRS can fire rockets at pretty much any target on the map (with the exception of safe zones). Upon clicking a target, the MLRS will take a second or two to rotate in the correct direction. When you’d like to fire, simply press ‘e’ on the lever in the cabin which shows #FIRE_ROCKETS. This will fire a random amount of loaded rockets at the specified target. Occasionally a few rockets will fail to fire properly, so not all rockets will be a confirmed hit.

Damage stats of the MLRS

It’s hard to gauge the exact damage stats of the MLRS. This is because several rockets fire and land close together, and much of the damage done appears to be splash damage. Nevertheless, it can break the shit out of nearby buildings.

From the looks of things now, it seems like around 6 rockets will destroy a stone wall. A barrage of 12 will likely demolish a stone 2x2. As with all of this, it’s subject to change and we’ll update here as it does.

MLRS defense

So this thing can fire a barrage of rockets pretty much anywhere on the map. So how the hell do you protect your base from the inevitable firestorm? That’s where your good ole’ SAM Sites come into play. SAM Sites will automatically counter any incoming artillery rocket barrages.

One SAM won’t quite cut it. Two SAM’s will block a couple more rockets. But to protect fully from a 12-rocket attack, you’ll want at least three SAM sites set up around your base.

Driving the MLRS

Although it looks like a vehicle which could be driven to places, the MLRS is very much static. You can mount it to load and fire rockets, however, you cannot move the thing anywhere.

Other things about the monument

All of this is subject to change
There is no radiation at these monuments
There is not a train stop at the each military base

Other development news

The new monument isn’t the only thing being worked on in the realm of development this week. Here is a summary of some other commits.

Change hurt trigger on deployable elevator lift to a Crush Trigger to prevent damaging players standing on elevator lift
Fixed ore node sparkles occasionally appearing in the air away from the node
A fuckton of hidden commits this week