In Rust, every tool is part of your survival strategy. Some let you gather resources faster, others smash through enemy walls, and some help with reconnaissance or even digging up hidden treasures. In 2025, balance changes have shifted how some tools are used, so it’s crucial to know what to craft, what to loot, and what to always keep in your inventory.
Combat & Raiding Tools
Rock
Resources required: 10 Stone.
Pros:
- Free starter tool.
- Can be thrown at enemies.
Cons:
- Very low gather rate.
- Almost useless in combat.
Overview:
The true companion of every fresh spawn. Great for the first few minutes but replace with a Stone Hatchet or Pickaxe as soon as possible.
Craftable: No, given at spawn.
Bone Club
Resources required: 20 Bone Fragments.
Pros:
- Cheap.
- Can break barrels.
Cons:
- Poor in PvP.
Overview:
Simple, cheap, but not very practical. Better to save bones for a Bone Knife.
Craftable: Yes, no workbench
Bone Knife
Resources required: 30 Bone Fragments.
Pros:
- Great for harvesting corpses.
- Cheaper than combat blades.
Cons:
- Requires bones first.
Overview:
Ideal for hunters; efficient in skinning animals.
Craftable: Yes, no workbench.
Combat Knife
Resources required: 25 Metal Fragments, 1 HQM.
Pros:
- Best flesh-harvesting speed.
- Can attack while sprinting.
Cons:
- More expensive than Bone Knife.
Overview:
Top choice for hunters and close combat.
Craftable: Yes, Workbench Level 1.
Satchel Charge
Resources required: 4 Beancan Grenade, 1 Small Stash, 1 Rope.
Pros:
- Cheaper than C4.
- Good for early raids.
Cons:
- Random fuse time.
Overview:
A great option for beginner raiders.
Craftable: Yes, Workbench Level 1.
Timed Explosive Charge / C4
Resources required: 20 Explosives, 5 Cloth, 2 Tech Trash.
Pros:
- Instant detonation.
- Breaks any wall or door.
Cons:
- Very expensive.
Overview:
The endgame raider’s weapon of choice for armored bases.
Craftable: Yes, Workbench Level 3.
Building & Gathering Tools
Hammer
Resources required: 100 Wood.
Pros:
- Cheap.
- No durability loss.
Cons:
- Only for building interactions.
Overview:
Used to upgrade and repair structures; essential for any base.
Craftable: Yes, no workbench.
Salvaged Hammer
Resources required: 1 Metal Pipe, 50 Metal Fragments.
Pros:
- Great barrel breaker.
- Satisfying hit sound.
Cons:
- Can’t upgrade structures.
Overview:
More of a novelty item than a real builder’s tool.
Craftable: Yes, Workbench Level 1.
Stone Hatchet
Resources required: 200 Wood, 100 Stone.
Pros:
- Cheap.
- Faster wood gathering than rock.
Cons:
- Weak in melee combat.
Overview:
Perfect early-game tool.
Craftable: Yes, no workbench.
Hatchet
Resources required: 100 Wood, 75 Metal Fragments.
Pros:
- Strong against wood walls.
- No component cost.
Cons:
- Requires smelted metal.
Overview:
Solid wood-gathering upgrade.
Craftable: Yes, Workbench Level 1.
Salvaged Axe
Resources required: 1 Metal Pipe, 5 Metal Blades.
Pros:
- Fastest wood-gathering tool in game.
Cons:
- Expensive
Overview:
The king of wood harvesting.
Craftable: Yes, Workbench Level 2.
Stone Pickaxe
Resources required: 200 Wood, 100 Stone.
Pros:
- Cheap.
- Better for ores than rock.
Cons:
- Low gather rate.
Overview:
A miner’s first upgrade after rock.
Craftable: Yes, no workbench.
Pickaxe
Resources required: 100 Wood, 125 Metal Fragments.
Pros:
-
Faster than Stone Pickaxe.
Cons:
- Slower than Salvaged Icepick.
Overview:
Balanced option for resource gathering.
Craftable: Yes, Workbench Level 1.
Salvaged Icepick
Resources required: 1 Metal Pipe, 5 Metal Blades.
Pros:
- Excellent stone gather rate.
- Very durable.
Cons:
-
Expensive
Overview:
Top-tier mining tool for serious farmers.
Craftable: Yes, Workbench Level 2.
Chainsaw
Resources required: 5 HQM, 2 Gears, 6 Metal Blades.
Pros:
-
Extremely fast tree cutting.
Cons:
-
Very loud.
Overview:
Perfect for mass wood collection.
Craftable: Yes, Workbench Level 2.
Jackhammer
Resources required: Cannot be crafted; loot or buy at Outpost.
Pros:
-
Fastest ore-gathering tool.
Cons:
-
Must be looted or bought.
Overview:
Absolute speed leader in mining.
Craftable: No.
Utility & Special Tools
Torch
Resources required: 30 Wood, 1 Cloth, 1 Low Grade Fuel.
Pros:
- Portable light source.
- Free at spawn.
Cons:
-
Visible from far away.
Overview:
Helps in darkness but reveals your position.
Craftable: Yes, no workbench.
Handmade Fishing Rod
Resources required: 2 Rope, 200 Wood.
Pros:
- Cheap way to catch food.
Cons:
-
Slow process.
Overview:
Good for survival and trading.
Craftable: Yes, no workbench.
Metal Detector
Resources required: 2 Rope, 200 Metal Fragments, 5 HQM.
Pros:
-
Finds valuable items underground.
Cons:
-
Slow operation.
Overview:
For Rust treasure hunters.
Craftable: Yes.
In Rust, choosing the right tool for the right job is key. Some are for raiding, others for farming, and some for recon. Knowing their crafting recipes and best uses will dramatically speed up your progress.
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