Demanding online survival game Rust sees you attempt to create a new life in the wilderness.  You can build bases, craft weapons, and do whatever you can to survive. Working with groups or going out alone, there’s plenty to do in this game.

Over time, you can unlock various blueprints. Some blueprints you’ll know right away. More complex blueprints can be found in crates and barrels. Alternatively, you can research the items you find by placing them, along with some scrap, into a research table. Once a blueprint is unlocked, you can craft that item anytime (as long as you have the necessary materials). Each blueprint serves a different purpose and these ones are particularly worth seeking out.

10 The Water Catcher

A crucial part of Rust is the struggle for survival. This includes making sure to stay hydrated. You can collect water in various ways, but one of the best methods is by constructing a water catcher. Simply use the research table to craft the blueprint for 20 pieces of scrap.

There are two versions of the blueprint to collect: a small and large version, but it’s better to go for the smaller water catcher. It requires fewer resources to build (100 wood, 50 metal fragments, and one piece of tarp) and takes up less space. With a water catcher constructed, you now have a reliable water source at your base without even having to leave it.

9 The Elevator

When you construct bases with several floors, it can be advantageous to have an elevator to navigate the building in style. One elevator component is needed for each floor of a building, so it is handy to turn an elevator component into a blueprint at the cost of 125 pieces of scrap, to be able to make multiple copies.

Once you have the blueprint, you can construct an elevator shaft that goes up to a maximum of six floors. You’ll need three pieces of high-quality metal, 200 metal fragments, and a gear to craft an elevator component. The elevator does require a little bit of setup but is a fun addition to any base. It allows you to show that you’ve come a long way since those days of running around with nothing but a rock.

8 The Code Lock

This blueprint is conveniently unlocked right away and is invaluable for security. You should create a code lock as soon as you get the chance.

The code lock is the next step up after the key lock. With a key, if you are killed, then you’ve now given away complete access to your home. The code lock allows players to set a four-digit pin to lock your doors. When others put in the wrong code, they will receive an electric shock to deter them, making your base more secure.

The code lock requires 100 metal fragments and can be placed on doors, hatches, and storage crates. It’s a simple blueprint but incredibly useful, especially for big groups that all need access to the same areas.

7 The Snap Trap

The snap trap is Rust’s equivalent of a bear trap. The blueprint requires 75 pieces of scrap to unlock. Once you know how to make them, you can produce more and more of these dastardly traps for just 50 metal fragments and a gear.

The best way to use a snap trap is to hide them from view, such as within bushes. Rival players attempting to scout out the base are likely to step on these traps without realizing it. The snap trap is an excellent way for solo players to defend their base, as you will be the only one who knows where they are hidden.

6 Signs

At first, you only have access to the small wooden sign blueprint by default. But, this isn’t the only type of sign out there. There is a wide range of sign blueprints to find, such as large wooden signs, signposts, town signs, and even neon light signs (the more specialized signs require you to purchase DLC).

Signs are straightforward to construct. For example, the large wooden sign requires 150 pieces of wood. Its blueprint requires 75 pieces of scrap to learn.

Unlike other blueprints that are focused on helping to survive, these blueprints are purely a cosmetic choice. If you have access to various signs, you can add their personal touch when decorating your base. Alongside allowing you to put up their works of art, signs can be used to keep storage organized or guide people around.

5 The Auto Turret

The auto turret can be an invaluable backup force for solo players attempting to fight off larger groups. It will search for unauthorized players within its range (20-30 meters) and lock onto them, trying to eliminate the threat.

The research table requires 500 pieces of scrap to turn the auto turret into a blueprint. To construct an auto turret, you will need to get your hands on ten pieces of high-quality metal, a targeting computer, and a CCTV camera. Your best bet for finding these items is in APC crates. The turret will also require a lot of upkeep. It needs to be powered on, have a weapon equipped, and plenty of ammo stored. But, if you are doing well in the later stages of Rust, the turret is a worthwhile investment.

4 Rechargeable Batteries

Once you have established yourself in the world with a safe house, a good supply of food and water, and some simple defenses, you can start expanding your base with modern technology. From lights to alarm systems, electricity plays a huge part in the more complex creations. If you want to do anything with electricity, a rechargeable battery is vital to secure.

A small rechargeable battery blueprint needs just 20 pieces of scrap to unlock. In comparison, a large rechargeable battery requires 75 pieces of scrap to learn. The large battery then needs ten bits of high-quality metal and two pieces of tech trash. Nevertheless, they are worth the investment, allowing you to power up a wide range of devices, such as elevators and turrets.

3 A Metal Chest Plate

Rust is a deadly game. Players are fighting one another constantly, so it is best to be heavily armored when out adventuring. The metal chest plate is one of the best pieces of armor in the game. It provides resistance to bullets, melee damage, and animal bites. The metal chest plate is excellent for defense against ranged attacks but does have the disadvantage of decreasing your cold resistance.

At the research table, its blueprint will cost 500 pieces of scrap, but it is worth it for the ability to construct the armor again and again. To craft it, you will need 50 pieces of leather, 25 pieces of high-quality metal, and eight sewing kits.

2 A Hazmat Suit

There are a variety of places to explore in Rust. Unfortunately, some locations, such as rad-towns, can be hazardous to visit without protection due to being overwhelmed by radiation. All hope isn’t lost, though, as the hazmat suit is perfect for dealing with radiation.

The hazmat suit provides 50 percent radiation resistance, allowing you to withstand surviving in radiated areas for far longer. Alongside this, the suit also offers resistances for cold, projectiles, and melee attacks.

The blueprint requires 125 pieces of scrap, and then to craft the suit, you’ll need eight pieces of high-quality metal, two sewing kits, and five pieces of tarp. It is an excellent piece of armor for early game protection but will cause you to stand out and be spotted when exploring.

1 The Assault Rifle

The assault rifle is one of the best weapons in the game. It helps take out both close-range and mid-range enemies. The blueprint requires 500 pieces of scrap and can be crafted repeatedly using 50 pieces of high-quality metal, 200 pieces of wood, four metal springs, and a rifle body.

Weapons are highly sought after in Rust. They provide quite the advantage in battles but are often looted and stolen by other players because of this. Having a blueprint for the assault rifle soon becomes invaluable. If you die, then you just need to find the crafting components once more, rather than relying on finding the weapon by chance in a locked crate.

NEXT: Rust: 15 Most Useful Resources And Where To Find Them