The Rust primitive mode update is bringing something totally different with their new Primitive Mode. If you’ve ever thought, the early game of Rust is the best part, then Facepunch just answered your prayers. This new mode ditches modern weapons, high-tech gear, and even helicopters, forcing players to survive with medieval-style tools and tactics.
With the forced wipe coming up on February 6st, 2025, get ready to trade your AKs for bows, your C4 for battering rams, and your minicopters for… well, horses. Let’s break it all down.
What is Primitive Mode?
The Rust primitive mode update is basically Rust in a distant future where advanced tech has been lost. That means no assault rifles, no C4, no metal bases—just bows, crossbows, melee weapons, and siege engines straight out of a medieval war. The game is slowing down, making survival more about skill and strategy than just rushing to endgame loot.
Weapon & Armor Changes
Rust primitive mode update says goodbye to modern firepower. Primitive Mode limits you to:
✅ Melee weapons
✅ Bows, crossbows, mini crossbows
✅ Eoka pistol (yep, still here)
✅ Beancan grenades & molotovs
✅ Shields (yes, actual shields)
And armor? No more facemasks or metal chest plates—just the basics
Base Raiding in Rust Gets a Medieval Makeover
Forget rockets, C4, and explosive ammo—The Rust primitive mode update completely removes them. Instead, we’re getting four new siege weapons that bring a fresh (and brutal) way to raid.
New Rust Siege Weapons
🏹 Ballista – A massive crossbow firing four new bolt types, including incendiary and armor-piercing bolts. Can be placed on a base or towed by a horse.
🔥 Catapult – Lobs different types of ammo, including firebombs, scattershot, and propane explosive bombs. Also… it can launch players. Use at your own risk.
⚒️ Battering Ram – A fuel-powered ram that wrecks wooden and stone buildings. Needs high-quality metal to stay operational, though.
🛡️ Siege Tower – A 3-level rolling structure with drawbridges. Helps players climb over walls or storm bases. Can even have a door at the bottom for protection.
If you’ve ever wanted to raid like it’s the year 1200, the Rust primitive mode update is your chance.
Rust World & Travel Changes
The Rust primitive mode update completely changes the map’s dynamics. Here’s what’s gone:
❌ No Oil Rig, Missile Silo, Excavator, or Underwater Labs
❌ No underground train tunnels
❌ No scientist NPCs (except vendors)
❌ No patrol heli, cargo ship, or Bradley APC events
❌ No minicopters, scrap helis, or attack helis
But, there’s double the wild horse spawns. Since horses are now the main way to travel, they’ve been completely overhauled—they can swim, auto-avoid trees, and even tow siege weapons. They also just feel way better to ride now.
New Gear: Shields & Mini Crossbow
🛡️ Shields – A new backpack slot item that lets you block incoming damage. You can’t sprint while using it, and it only lasts a few seconds before needing a break. Three types exist, each absorbing a different percentage of damage.
🏹 Mini Crossbow – A rotating-barrel crossbow with four shots before reloading. It does less damage than a normal crossbow but fires faster. A solid new addition for the early game.
Medieval Rust DLC Pack
Want to go full medieval? The Medieval Pack DLC adds knight armor skins, a medieval-themed assault rifle skin, and more. Not necessary, but if you want to fully embrace the new theme, it’s up for grabs in the Steam store.
Medieval Rust Update Thoughts
Rust primitive mode update is a total shift from the usual fast-paced gunplay. It’s bringing back slower, more tactical combat with a focus on survival, melee fights, and siege warfare. If you’ve ever wanted Rust to feel more like a hardcore survival game (or just a medieval battle sim), this is the update for you.
The forced wipe drops on February 6st, 2025 at 11am PST, so get ready to ditch your guns and embrace the Stone Age. 🏹🔥