Landmarks are one of the best spots to head to in a game of Rust if you need some loot. Rust has a wide range of landmarks on its map, and they all act as important waypoints, allowing you to get a grasp of whereabouts on the map you are.
They also make it a lot easier for new players to get some useful items early on, so knowing which are the best can provide a massive advantage. Landmarks can provide ambushing opportunities too, so they possess a wide range of functions and uses. Here are the best ones to look for.
10 The Launch Site
The biggest landmark in all of Rust, the Launch Site also has the most loot available. Although with this comes high levels of radiation across the entire site, requiring a radiation-resistant hazmat suit to enter safely. It's also wide open too, leading to the possibility for multiple firefights in numerous directions.
As long as you prepare accordingly, the Launch Site can provide hundreds of scraps, although you'll still have to survive getting out of the area before other players arrive. There's also a recycler and research table available to use here.
9 The Cargo Ship
The Cargo Ship is unusual in terms of Rust landmarks due to its mobile nature, slowly circling the game's map several times before departing. The ship has a lot of loot to discover, although the scientist NPCs can provide a decent level of resistance if you're not well prepared.
Upon departure, the ship leaves a lot of radiation in the area it travels, so you should take care to avoid entering these areas. The fact that the Cargo Ship is only available for a small part of each game makes it well worth heading to before other landmarks.
8 The Outpost
The Outpost is one of the few places in Rust which is a safe zone to interact with other players. NPCs ensure that any players who try to engage in hostile activity are swiftly dealt with and punished accordingly. Likely due to its nature as a safe zone, there isn't any loot in the outpost, only the road loot in the surrounding area.
It's worth visiting if you need a cool down from the hectic nature of Rust, with players often using it as a spot to converse with others about their antics. There is even an option to play instruments, should you desire some music to go along with your conversations.
7 The Dome
The Dome is a great spot for looting, as well as offering some pretty fun parkour. It holds a range of barrels and loot crates, with four military crates located on the top for anyone skillful enough to negotiate their way up to them. Of course, anyone who takes this risk also stands a strong chance of dying if they miss a jump.
The Dome also has a very low level of radiation, making it a great location to head to at the start of a fresh game. It also offers a great vantage point, towering over the surrounding area and offering players a good place to spot other players from.
6 The Military Tunnels
The Military Tunnels are full of loot, radiation, and scientists intent on killing anyone who tries to enter. These scientists also shoot players on sight, unlike most who are much less aggressive, making the tunnels altogether a really dangerous place to hang around in.
It is one of the most plentiful locations for loot in Rust though, offering both large quantities and quality of items to acquire. Managing to find and escape with the contents of the two elite crates can really set you up for a successful game.
5 The Bandit Camp
The bandit camp is another safe location in Rust and is host to a wide range of Merchant NPCs from whom you can buy weapons, food, and materials. There is also a vendor who will sell you different types of mini copters with various functions.
Another feature of the bandit camp is the casino, which lets you gamble scraps on what is essentially a roulette wheel. Having such a range of vendors and functions makes the bandit camp a great location to get good items at any time.
4 The Train Yard
The Train Yard is a great balance of having good loot, whilst also providing most of the key utilities such as a repair bench, recycler, and pump jack. It also can spawn most of the containers available in Rust and spreads them out between the numerous buildings in the area.
Be warned though, the Train Yard has high levels of radiation so a Hazmat suit is essential for safe exploration. A sewer system under the surface adds an even larger loot spread, although a flashlight is needed to be able to see in the darkest parts.
3 The Airfield
The airfield is arguably the most open landmark in Rust, with large empty areas between each of its various buildings. It does offer a lot of crates and barrels to loot, although this can lead to it becoming a hotspot for combat.
Some light radiation at the edge of the field shouldn't cause too many issues, the airfield can also spawn an Attack Helicopter at certain intervals too. It's well worth visiting, just be prepared for firefights.
2 Mining Outpost
The mining outpost is one of the smaller landmarks in the game, although it's one of only three landmarks to not have any radiation. It does offer a decent amount of loot, with medical and military crates appearing at times. It's a great area for newer players who may be struggling to survive long, often being overlooked because of its smaller size.
There's also a repair bench and recycler inside too, allowing you to recycle some of your unwanted items. It's also fairly easy to use as a defensive position, with numerous windows and roof access allowing you to easily defend yourself from attacking hostiles.
1 The Oil Rig
Being one of the hardest landmarks to reach, the Oil Rig also possesses some of the best rewards Rust has to offer. With over 30 crates to loot, you can also find a locked crate which after completing a challenging combat sequence can offer high-level rewards.
The scientists guarding the rig also provide a lot of ammo and medicine, and there is no radiation present at the oil rig. As a result, it is one of the best places to go for experienced players as long as you can handle the likelihood of attacks from others looking to take some of the loot for themselves.