Rust is a multiplayer survival game developed by Facepunch Studios. It first came out in early access back in December 2013, and after a strong run, the full version dropped in February 2018 for both Windows and macOS.
The game has been super successful and became one of Steam’s top games. It even sold over 12 million copies! In May 2021, Rust expanded to consoles, launching on both Xbox and PlayStation.
What’s Rust About?
In Rust, your main goal is simple: survive. The game throws you into a harsh wilderness where you must gather or steal materials to stay alive. You’ll need to manage your hunger, thirst, and health carefully, while also fending off dangerous wildlife and other players who are out to get you. With no one to trust and the constant threat of being attacked, every decision matters, and every moment can be a fight for survival.
The game leans heavily on PvP (Player vs. Player) combat, so your skills in both strategy and combat will be tested constantly. Whether you’re sneaking around to avoid enemies or going head-on in a fight, the tension never lets up. Naturally, this makes people wonder if they can team up or face off against their friends across different platforms.
So, let’s break it down — is Rust cross-platform?
Is Rust Cross-Platform?
When it comes to crossplay, Rust is a bit of a mixed bag. Yes, there’s crossplay between Xbox and PlayStation. If you’re on a PS4 or PS5, you can easily play with friends who are using an Xbox One or Xbox Series X. That’s good news for console players!
But, here’s the downside — there’s no crossplay between consoles and PC. If you’re on PC, you can only play with other PC players. It can be a bummer for players who want to play with friends across different platforms, but this decision might be for the best. Why? Because PC players using a keyboard and mouse would have a pretty big advantage over console players using controllers.
At least Rust does better than DayZ, which doesn’t allow crossplay between Xbox and PlayStation at all.
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Will Rust Ever Be Cross-Platform With PC?
Right now, there’s no sign that Rust will include PC in the crossplay system anytime soon. Facepunch Studios hasn’t said anything about adding it, and honestly, it probably won’t happen anytime soon.
As mentioned, PC players have an edge with a keyboard and mouse, especially when it comes to building and fighting. To keep things fair, keeping PC and console players separate makes sense.
Plus, Facepunch Studios is working on a different development plan for Rust Console Edition than the PC version. They’re focusing on optimizing the game for consoles and slowly adding new features, so merging the two versions isn’t likely for now.
Some players think it would be cool to have the option to play with PC friends, even if it meant tougher competition. Other games, like Dead by Daylight, let players turn crossplay on or off. While some hope Rust might do something similar in the future, there’s no news of that happening right now.
Is Rust Cross-Progression?
Yes, Rust supports cross-progression. This means if you’re playing on a console and decide to upgrade, like moving from a PS4 to a PS5, all your progress, items, and game data will carry over seamlessly. You won’t have to start from scratch or worry about losing any of your hard-earned gear.
This is especially helpful for players who are thinking about upgrading their gaming setup or switching devices. Your character, skills, and everything you’ve worked on stay with you, making the transition smooth and hassle-free. It also ensures that no matter where you play, your experience stays consistent.
So, whether you’re swapping consoles or just switching between devices, Rust has you covered with cross-progression, making it a flexible option for gamers on the go or those looking to upgrade their systems without losing progress.
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Summary
So, to wrap it up — is Rust cross-platform? For Xbox and PlayStation players, yes. You can play with your friends on both consoles. But for PC players, the answer is no, and it’s unlikely to change anytime soon. If crossplay between PC and consoles is super important to you, you might want to check out Ark: Survival Evolved, which allows crossplay across all platforms.
Rust is a survival game where you gather materials and fight other players. It supports crossplay between Xbox and PlayStation, but not between consoles and PC. Cross-progression is available, meaning your progress moves with you if you switch consoles. If you’re after full cross-platform play, you might want to try Ark: Survival Evolved.