PVP on the console edition of Rust presents a few noticeable differences. Principally, recoil control and input lag can take some time to get used to. With a fair amount of practice, recoil patterns and stick movement can be mastered. If gamers adjust their settings, input lag can be fixed as well.
The other tips in this guide are tactical mechanics that translate to all platforms. Rust has been on the market for years, so it would be a mistake to ignore successful strategies from the PC version of the game. All top-level players have a combination of precision aim, advanced movement, and unpredictability. This guide will cover a few ways to improve those three skills in Rust.
Updated on July 29, 2021 by Payton Lott: There is a lot more to PVP than gunplay and positioning. These updated Rust console PVP tips will focus on all of the other aspects of PVP. Players will need to arrive at the fight with the right weapons and have an exit strategy. Raiding and looting are other crucial aspects of PVP in Rust. Getting in and out of enemy bases can be a daunting task. As the wipe goes on, things will get more hectic and preparation will be important. Gamers will want to take a look at these additional tips to have more success in PVP.
15 Recoil Control
For those with FPS console experience, recoil will feel like many other shooters on the market. Weapon recoil will in general have more magnitude because of the recoil plots in Rust. People that played Rust on PC will notice a drastic difference between M+K and controller.
Keeping shots on target in the console edition requires some practice, as none of the weapons have traditional FPS "up and to the right" patterns. The recoil plot of each type of weapon, as well as settings to help with input delay, are explained below.
14 Different Recoil Patterns
Semi-automatic weapons have vertical recoil, which means that pulling straight down on the stick will keep shots on target. All full-auto weapons (except the M249) have an S shaped recoil pattern. The severity of the recoil and the amount of time the gun continues to kick in an S shape varies weapon to weapon.
For example, the Assault Rifle (AK-47) continues an elongated S shape for the entire clip. The LR-300, on the other hand, has a pattern that becomes more controllable as the clip empties.
13 Controlling Recoil On The Right Thumbstick
To combat the S shaped recoil, players will want to pull down on the right stick and away from the direction the gun is being pulled. All automatic guns pull to the right and then to the left. With practice, even the tricky S recoil can be combatted by pulling down and to the left, then moving the stick right while holding it down.
Players should think of it as forming a U with their right thumb as the gun pulls right and then left. Some weapons, like the Custom SMG and AK, need to be tapped at extended ranges for accurate shots. Semi-auto weapons are easier to control because they kick straight up.
- Fully Automatic: S shaped, pull down and slightly to the left, then down and slightly to the right
- Semi-Automatic: Pull straight down on the stick
- M249: Pull straight down harder than the semi-autos
12 Controller And Input Preferences
One of the most important settings is controller vibration. For a lot of players, using a controller without vibrations does not feel right. However, turning the vibration to a lower setting, or turning it off completely, will make it easier to control recoil. Auto sprint should always be set to on, and crouch input should be set to hold or toggle depending on preference. Tapping crouch is better for peeks, but crouch jumping is easier with crouch input set to hold.
- Vibration: Off or less than 10%
- Crouch: Toggle
11 Stick Settings
Sensitivity settings will almost always depend on the player, but lower aiming sensitivity will improve precision at range. Camera Inertia should be set to zero, as this will remove the perception of input delay. Likewise, dead zone settings need to be adjusted depending on what number of frames the player is getting and what type of monitor is being used. Input delay can feel quite bad if these settings are not adjusted.
- Camera Control Type: Digital Boost
- Sensitivity Settings: Aiming should be lower than sprinting
- Camera Inertia: 0
- Boost Multiplier: 100%
- Dead Zone: Varies based on console, controller, and monitor
10 Target Acquisition
Later in the wipe, there will be teams roaming the map looking for PVP and raid opportunities. When in a gunfight, or before initiating one, it helps to know how many enemies there are. Similarly, gamers will want to know each target's position before engaging.
If there are three targets all in different locations, gamers should ask themselves what target has the least cover and what target can be killed without exposing their character model. In a 1v2 or 1v3, creating a more favorable matchup without losing health is the best way to survive.
9 Strafing
All seasoned FPS gamers know that high-level PVP always incorporates advanced movement. In Rust, it is much more difficult to land shots on a strafing target than a still one. However, it will be slightly more challenging to hit shots while moving side to side.
The trade-off is worth it, as inexperienced enemies will have even more trouble with accuracy due to the fact they are unsure which way the character will move.
8 Head Glitching/Alt Look For Console
On PC, one of the best ways to have a visual advantage was to Alt look while above an enemy. By crouching in a peek spot above an enemy and looking down, players were able to identify enemies without exposing their head.
The same tactic works for Rust on console if players use Y or triangle in the controller settings to change LB/L1 to "head look". Since this bind's default setting is Quick Drop, it is a good button to use for the head glitch.
7 Jump Peeking
Jump peeking combines the movement of strafing with the surprise of a head glitch. Players can use objects like buildings, trees, and rocks to jump away from cover and hit a few shots on an enemy.
By the time an opposing player can react, the peeking player has time to jump or move back into cover. The mechanic is a top-level strategy to weaken an enemy before they push or flee.
6 Relocating
The best PVP players are impossible to predict. They never peek at the same location twice and are always on the move. For example, after peeking a rock on the left side, gamers can try a jump peek on the right, or even relocate completely to dupe opposing PMCs.
There is a creativity to effective PVP strategy, and survivors that try to do the opposite of what the opponent would expect will have the most success. Relocation is a good tactic in 1v1s, but essential when outnumbered.
5 Securing Loot
After taking out an enemy player, make sure that the coast is clear before rummaging through their items. The key when looting is to be quick and efficient. Find an item or two of value and head back to base to secure the goods. The other player will come back as soon as possible to exact revenge, so don't spend too much time sifting through the items.
Far too many people have been killed while messing around with their inventory. It will only take a minute for other users on the server to get curious and look for a third party opportunity.
4 Third Partying
Every good PVP player knows that third partying provides a greater reward for the lowest risk. If two other users are fighting, the winning party will almost always be injured. When people are looking for PVP opportunities, listen for gunshots and slowly move in.
First, players need to identify how many people are fighting. If there are only two, wait for the right moment and swoop in for double the loot.
3 Basic Raid Tips
Raiding is an even more chaotic way to PVP. The essentials for a raid are weapons that go boom and a safehouse. Sophisticated bases will have stone walls, defense systems, and hidden loot stashes. Using satchel charges or Rockets and pelting the front door is the fastest way in.
Make sure to clear the area before beginning the demolition process, as raiders will be sitting ducks while they dismantle an enemy base. If gamers die, they will have the nearby small hut to regain before trying again.
2 Best Beginner PVP Weapons
The weapons players use will determine whether they triumph or die tragically in battle. No Rust console PVP tip will save players using a rock against a military-grade weapon. Those new to the game can use a Nail Gun or Revolver to PVP before they collect the resources for more expensive weapons.
The pump shotgun is a great close-range option as well. Check out this crafted weapons guide for more information about weapons and the items needed to craft them.
1 Early VS Late Wipe
Servers are completely different at the end of a wipe. Solo users and squads will have a lot of valuable loot and gear, as well as a fortified base. This is when PVP gets out of control. Everyone will be raiding and looking for PVP opportunities.
As a result, players need to prepare by building a sufficient base and accruing raid weapons. Very few servers are quiet in the final weeks of a wipe. For those that love PVP, late wipe is the most exciting time to play Rust.