The biggest changes of the new Rust Primitive Update are the following:
- New Primitive Mode – Strips away modern tech for a raw survival experience.
- Siege Weapons – Includes catapults, ballistas, siege towers, and battering rams.
- Shields & Mini Crossbow – New weapons for defense and combat.
- Medieval DLC – New skins and items inspired by knights and castles.
The Rust Primitive Update is Here!
Survival in Rust just got a whole lot more brutal, raw, and medieval. The Rust Primitive Update, launching on February 6, 2025, introduces an entirely new game mode where high-tech weaponry is out, and siege weapons, shields, and old-school combat are in.
Whether you’re storming a castle with a battering ram, setting fire to enemy bases with a catapult, or fending off raiders with a wooden shield, this update completely changes how Rust is played.
Let’s dive into everything new in the Rust Primitive Update and what it means for your next wipe.
What is the Primitive Mode?
The new Primitive Mode is a fresh game mode that strips Rust back to its survival roots. Forget about assault rifles, rockets, or high-tech gear—this mode is all about bows, melee weapons, and medieval warfare.
Key Changes in Primitive Mode:
- No high-tech weapons – Say goodbye to AKs, C4, and rockets.
- Limited armor – Metal chest plates and face masks are removed.
- Basic building materials – Metal and armored structures aren’t craftable.
- Reduced sulfur spawns – Makes crafting explosives much harder.
- New raiding options – Use battering rams, catapults, and siege towers instead of rockets and C4.
- Increased wild horse spawns – Perfect for towing your siege weapons.
If you’ve ever wanted to experience Rust as a true primitive survival game, this is your chance!
New Siege Weapons
With rockets and explosives removed, raiding now relies on old-school siege warfare. The update introduces four new siege weapons, each with unique mechanics.
1. Catapult
Launch projectiles over walls to damage enemy bases or set them on fire. Can even launch players for risky but hilarious base jumps.
- Ammo Types:
- Firebomb – Spreads fire on impact.
- Propane Explosive Bomb – A weaker, primitive explosive.
- Scattershot – A spread of heavy rocks for area damage.
- Players – Yes, you can launch yourself.
2. Ballista
A giant crossbow that fires powerful bolts at structures and enemies.
- Ammo Types:
- Piercer Bolt – Penetrates armored doors.
- Incendiary Bolt – Sets targets on fire.
- Hammerhead Bolt – Great for breaking down wooden defenses.
Available in two versions:
- Mounted Ballista – Towed by horses, great for mobile attacks.
- Stationary Ballista – Can be placed on bases for defense.
3. Siege Tower
Ever wished you could just climb over a walled compound? Now you can.
- 3 levels tall, with retractable drawbridges on each floor.
- Can be pushed by players or towed by horses.
- Secure with a door to prevent enemy use.
4. Battering Ram
A brute-force raiding tool that smashes through wooden and stone structures.
- Drivable, making it easy to ram enemy bases.
- Must be repaired with high-quality metal after multiple hits.
- Perfect for storming compound doors.
New Weapons & Armor
Since modern firearms are gone, Rust players will rely on primitive combat weapons.
Mini Crossbow
A four-shot, rotating-barrel crossbow that’s fast, accurate, and deadly.
- Fires 4 bolts before reloading.
- Lower damage than a normal crossbow, but great for sustained fights.
- Perfect for stealth or quick skirmishes.
Shields
For the first time in Rust, shields provide actual protection against attacks.
- Equipped in the backpack slot.
- Blocks damage from the front, but restricts movement.
- Auto-equips when using compatible weapons (bows, pistols, melee weapons).
Types of Shields:
- Wooden Shield – Basic protection, cheap to craft.
- Reinforced Wooden Shield – Stronger, with added durability.
- Metal Shield – Blocks bullets and melee attacks, but heavier.
Medieval DLC – New Skins & Items
Alongside the Primitive Update, Rust is dropping a Medieval DLC Pack with new skins and decorative items.
DLC Highlights:
- Medieval Assault Rifle Skin – A knight-themed AK skin (for non-primitive servers).
- Knight’s Armor Set – Scrap-metal helmet, cuirass, and skirt plates for that knightly look.
- Medieval Large Wooden Box – A castle-style loot storage.
- Medieval Sheet Metal Doors – Reinforce your base with castle gates.
Other Changes & Fixes
The Rust Primitive Update isn’t just about new weapons—it also improves gameplay mechanics and fixes longstanding issues.
Horse Improvements:
- Horses can now swim.
- Auto-avoid obstacles like trees.
- Can tow siege weapons (catapult, ballista, siege tower).
Gameplay Fixes:
- Sleeping bags can now be picked up (within TC range).
- Junkpiles no longer despawn instantly when no players are around.
- Bow turrets added – Auto turrets can now fire bows instead of guns in Primitive Mode.
Is Primitive Mode Worth Playing?
If you love hardcore survival, base raiding, and intense hand-to-hand combat, the Rust Primitive Update is a must-try. It completely changes how the game plays, making survival feel gritty, challenging, and fresh.
Expect:
• More strategic raiding (no instant C4 destruction).
• Slower progression (no high-tech weapons).
• Balanced combat (no OP guns).
• A fresh survival experience with shields, bows, and siege warfare.
Will you embrace the Primitive life, or will you miss your AK? To take your Rust experience to the next level, Shockbyte has your back. Check out all of our Rust Server Hosting deals waiting for you right now!
At Shockbyte, we think you will also enjoy the following blogs:
