Rust April Update: What is new?

April’s Rust update wasn’t massive in size, but it brought a wave of impactful tweaks, quality of life improvements, and major adjustments to Softcore mode. Whether you’re running a Softcore server or just love base optimization, there’s plenty here to catch up on.

Softcore Mode Overhauled

Softcore servers got the spotlight this time, with sweeping changes to reclaim mechanics, deployables, and more:

• Deployables: When destroyed, deployables now drop half their contents, while leaving a corpse that can be repaired to retrieve the remaining half. Locks are preserved after repair.
• Repair Bench Compatibility: These corpses can also be picked up and repaired at a Repair Bench, though locks won’t be retained in that case.
• Tool Cupboards (TCs): Destroyed TCs now leave a temporary block and a corpse. An authorized player can repair it and regain access.
• Reclaim Terminals Removed: Upon respawning, players automatically recover half of their belt, inventory, and backpack. The rest, including worn clothes, must be looted off their corpse. Dying inside a building privileged zone or using F1 kill results in a full loss.
• Balance Adjustments:
  • Bullet damage reduced by 25%
  • Team size capped at four, including TC and turret authorization
  • Door upkeep is now calculated separately
  • Tea and food effects persist after death

These changes significantly reshape Softcore gameplay, making it more punishing for careless deaths while rewarding tactical planning.

Device Visualization Ranges

A long-requested feature is finally here! You can now see the effective range of various deployables while placing them:

• Turrets
• Shotgun Traps
• Flame Turrets
• Electric Heaters
• HBHF Sensors
• Seismic Sensors
• Tesla Coils
• Sprinklers
• Igniters

This is a huge win for builders and defenders. Want a cleaner UI? There’s also a menu toggle to disable these visuals if needed.

Beekeeping Tweaks

Bee mechanics are seeing another round of balance changes and polish:

• Bee Swarm Damage has been adjusted for both single and multiple swarm stacks.
• No More Bleed: Bee damage will no longer cause bleeding effects.
• Temperature Readings are now clearly exposed for managing environmental impact.
• Snow Biome Beekeeping is now viable using enough heaters.
• Beehive Status Panels now show if your hives are producing or if there’s a problem.
• Inventory Handling Improved: More accurate handling of partial stacks and check timing.

This makes the beekeeping loop more functional and beginner-friendly, and viable in cold biomes.

Other Changes + Jungle Hype

Here’s everything else tucked into this compact update:

• Jungle Update Preview: First glimpses teased in the devblog.
• Naval Update Teasers spotted
• Bread now heals over time instead of instantly
• New Discord Trophy added (provides comfort buff)
• Easter Event Incoming later this month, with horse costumes confirmed
• Premium Server Tweaks
• Deployable Stacking Fix: Rugs can no longer be stacked under other items

Bug Fixes

• Revolver 3P animation no longer gets stuck
• Workshop DB sight issues resolved
• Reskinning snowmobile no longer causes exceptions
• Bows no longer show all arrowheads on init
• Minigun audio fixed after releasing fire
• Max health cap bug removed (no longer locked to 100)
• Hatchet bullet blocking exploit patched
• Searchlight power bug resolved
• Car radio SFX corrected
• Incapacitated player flag now resets properly on respawn

Final Thoughts

This wasn’t a flashy update, but Rust’s April 3 Soft Refresh sharpened core mechanics, gave Softcore mode some overdue love, and hinted at major content coming soon.

If you’re running a Rust server on RocketNode, remember the map wipe was forced across the board. Now’s a great time to relaunch your server with a fresh twist or test out the new Softcore mechanics.

Stay tuned and keep an eye out for that Jungle update. It’s getting closer.