Top 15 rookie mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Every Rust veteran was once a clueless beginner.

1. Leaving doors unlocked

A door without a lock is an invitation. Always put a codelock or keylock on every door immediately.

2. Not putting a TC in your base

Without a Tool Cupboard (TC ) inside, any player can build over your base and effectively steal it.

3. Building the TC near a window

If your TC is visible through a window or shooting slot, raiders can shoot it from outside. Hide it deep inside.

4. No backup codelock or key

If you forget your code, you're locked out. Always have a second locked door with a different code as backup.

5. Running in safe zones with weapons drawn

In current Rust you can't even draw a weapon inside a safe zone. Drawing one as you enter triggers a hostility timer and the NPC sentries will shoot you. Holster before entering Outpost or Bandit Camp.

6. Sleeping outside your base

Your sleeping character is loot. Always log out inside a locked room.

7. Fighting players with much better gear

If you have a bow and they have an AK and full metal, don't engage. You will lose.

8. Picking up other players' TCs

You can't take a TC you're not authorized on. Don't waste your time.

9. Basing in the desert with no water plan

Scarce water and brutal temperature swings. Bring a water catcher and a plan.

10. Basing too far from your spawn

Long, dangerous run back after each death. Build within a 2-3 minute jog of a common spawn zone.

11. Ignoring TC upkeep

Your base decays unless you keep resources in the TC (wood , stone , metal, HQM ). Check daily.

12. Building right next to a road

Roads are highways for geared players. Build at least a short distance off, hidden by terrain.

13. Raiding without backup gear

If you lose your kit mid-raid, you have nothing. Stash a second full kit before raiding.

14. Fighting at night with no light

You literally can't see. Carry a torch , flashlight, or headlamp after sunset.

15. Ignoring temperature

Cold kills. Dress for the biome. Stay near campfires or heaters .

Quick recap

• Lock every door, place a TC inside, hide the TC from windows.
• Never sleep outside. Never run with weapons in safe zones.
• Don't fight players in clearly better gear.
• Check upkeep daily. Keep base off main roads.
• Always carry a light at night. Dress for the biome.

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