Rust Patch Overhauls Blueprint Progression, Adds UZI 9mm, and Introduces Gamepad Support

What changed#

Rust has introduced a major overhaul to its progression mechanics alongside new weapons, farming adjustments, and controller features.

• Blueprint & Tech Tree Rework: Scrap is no longer spent directly on tech trees, and workbenches no longer require blueprint fragments to build. Instead, tech tree progression relies on three new currency tiers: blueprint fragments, blueprint pages, and blueprint books—one tier for each workbench level. Basic fragments drop from common sources like barrels and boxes and can be upgraded into higher tiers, though puzzle rooms remain the fastest progression path. Research tables still allow players to research items using scrap. Workbench upgrades have also been adjusted: the salvage upgrade now grants a 20% chance to not consume a blueprint, while the prototype upgrade offers a flat 25% success rate with cost doubling removed.
• UZI 9mm Submachine Gun: The new UZI 9mm features two firing modes based on stock configuration. Folding the stock sets the weapon to fully automatic and enables shield compatibility, while unfolding the stock switches it to semi-automatic mode with increased accuracy.
• Gamepad Functionality: Core gameplay now supports controllers via Steam Input. Navigating inventory and crafting menus defaults to a stick cursor, with an optional D-pad toggle and customization settings available in the gamepad options menu.
• Livestock Rework & Shears: Ownership of cows is now established upon purchase or when a cow feeds at a trough. Cows no longer die of old age and drop to 1 HP instead of dying from starvation. Troughs now display how long food supplies will last, overgrazing has been removed, and grass in pens halves trough consumption rates. Cows can store up to 3 milk, eat horse food, and carry a new “Potential” stat determined by childhood care that multiplies adult yield rewards. Players can also pet cows and sheep. Additionally, a new default Level 1 workbench item, Shears, allows players to harvest wool without injuring sheep.
• World & Crafting Additions: Repairing a lighthouse now initiates the deep sea cycle across the map, with shared progress across all lighthouses. Maps without lighthouses start with the deep sea cycle already running. Players can cook Crocodile Pie at a cooking workbench to ward off aggressive animals like bears, wolves, boars, sharks, and bees, while preventing bulls and rams from charging. A rich version of the pie provides double the effect duration. Lastly, a new Wool Armour Insert provides minor protection against melee and projectile damage.

Why it matters#

The replacement of scrap-based tech tree progression aims to reduce early-game friction for casual players who previously faced hard lockouts when unable to compete for high-value loot locations. By allowing low-tier fragments from simple barrels to be upgraded, solo players and smaller groups have a reliable path to mid-tier technology while still incentivizing trading and alliance-building.

Simultaneously, the livestock reworks streamline animal husbandry by eliminating tedious upkeep penalties like sudden starvations or age-related deaths, turning farming into a more predictable economic loop via the Potential stat and Wool Armour crafting pipelines.

What to do next#

• Gather fragments: Focus on smashing barrels and looting basic crates to assemble your initial pool of blueprint fragments, upgrading them as needed to unlock higher workbench tiers.
• Craft Shears: Build Shears at a Level 1 Workbench to safely harvest wool from sheep for crafting the new Wool Armour Insert.
• Optimize farms: Keep pens well-fed and spacious to maximize the Potential score of young livestock before they reach adulthood.
• Bake Crocodile Pie: Prepare Crocodile Pie before venturing into dangerous terrain or starting a livestock enclosure near wild predators.