Wipe Day Survival Guide: Getting Ahead of the Competition

Wipe day in Rust represents both opportunity and danger—a fresh start where everyone begins on equal footing, but also the most chaotic and competitive time on any server. The decisions you make in these crucial first hours can determine your success for the entire wipe. This guide will help you navigate wipe day efficiently and establish a strong foundation for the days to come.

Pre-Wipe Preparation

Mental Preparation

Before the server even wipes, set yourself up for success:

• Plan your strategy: Decide if you'll focus on monument runs, base building, or PvP
• Coordinate with teammates: Assign roles and establish communication protocols
• Rest up: A fresh mind makes better decisions in high-pressure situations

Server Selection

Choosing the right server can significantly impact your wipe day experience:

• Consider population: Higher population means more competition but also more potential loot from PvP
• Wipe schedule: Some servers wipe BPs, others don't—choose according to your preference
• Map size: Larger maps offer more space but require more travel time

The First Hour: Critical Decisions

Initial Spawn Strategy

Your first moves after spawning are crucial:

• Gather basic resources: Collect stone, wood, and cloth immediately
• Craft essential tools: Make a stone hatchet and pickaxe as soon as possible
• Scout for base location: Look for areas with access to resources but away from high-traffic zones

Securing a Sleeping Bag

A sleeping bag should be your first major craft:

• Place strategically: Put it near your intended base location but hidden from view
• Consider multiple bags: If possible, place backup bags in different areas
• Remember the location: In the chaos of wipe day, it's easy to lose track of your bag

Base Establishment

Starter Base Priority

Your initial base doesn't need to be fancy—it needs to be functional:

• 2x1 or 2x2 design: Simple, resource-efficient, and quick to build
• Secure the TC first: Place and lock your Tool Cupboard immediately
• Double airlock: Even a simple base should have proper door security

Resource Management

Efficient gathering and usage of resources is essential:

• Prioritize metal and stone: Wood bases won't last long on wipe day
• Cook metal while building: Set up furnaces as soon as possible
• Save scrap for research: Don't waste it on unnecessary items early on

Monument Runs and Progression

Low-Risk Monuments

Start with safer monuments to build your resource base:

• Lighthouses and supermarkets: Less competition and decent loot
• Road crates: Often overlooked but provide steady resources
• Underwater labs: If you have diving gear, these can be gold mines early on

Progression Path

Have a clear path for technological advancement:

• Workbench progression: Plan how you'll gather the scrap needed for each level
• Key BPs first: Prioritize researching essential items like metal tools and doors
• Weapons and armor: Security should come before luxury items

PvP Strategy

Choosing Your Battles

Wipe day PvP requires strategic thinking:

• Avoid unnecessary fights: Conserve resources and stay focused on your goals
• Opportunistic PvP: Target players returning from monuments with potential loot
• Defensive positioning: Use terrain and buildings to your advantage

Primitive Weapons Mastery

Early wipe weapons require different skills:

• Bow combat: Practice headshots and leading moving targets
• Eoka plays: Master the timing for close-quarter ambushes
• Spear throwing: A well-aimed spear can take down better-equipped opponents

Night Time Efficiency

Using Darkness to Your Advantage

Many players waste valuable night time hours:

• Night farming: Gather resources with less competition
• Base building: Expand your base with reduced visibility to enemies
• Sneaky monument runs: Some monuments are significantly safer at night

Communication and Team Coordination

Effective Teamwork

If playing with others, clear communication is vital:

• Resource pooling: Share materials to reach goals faster
• Role assignment: Have some team members build while others gather or run monuments
• Uniform appearance: In early game chaos, identify teammates quickly with similar clothing

Common Wipe Day Mistakes to Avoid

• Building too large too soon: Focus on security before expansion
• Hoarding unnecessary items: If you won't use it soon, don't keep it
• Neglecting upkeep: Calculate TC resources needed before expanding
• Over-committing to PvP: Balance combat with progression
• Building in high-traffic areas: The perfect location isn't perfect if everyone raids you

Final Thoughts

Wipe day is intense, unpredictable, and often frustrating—but it's also the most exciting time to play Rust. Embrace the chaos, learn from your mistakes, and remember that adaptability is often more valuable than perfect planning. Even if things go wrong (and they often will), the experience gained will make you better prepared for future wipes.

Join our Discord to find teammates for the next wipe, or hop onto our servers to put these strategies into practice. Good luck, and may your first day be productive and your base still standing on day two!