Rust is a popular multiplayer survival game first released in December 2013 and is now approaching its 10th anniversary. But, even approaching 10 years old, the game is still as popular as ever and is regularly featured in Steam’s top 10 most-played games.
Over the last 10 years, developers Facepunch Studios have poured a lot of love into Rust and it has undergone many changes and updates including a recent huge graphics overhaul.
As with any modern game release, knowing the system requirements necessary to run the game at optimal settings is vital for having an enjoyable gameplay experience. In this article, we’ll explore the PC specs required to run Rust and provide recommendations for those looking to upgrade their current setup.
So, whether you are a die-hard Rust fan or a newcomer to the game, read on to discover what hardware you will need to immerse yourself in the world of island survival.
Rust Minimum Requirements
- Processor: Intel Core i7-3770 / AMD FX-9590 or better
- Memory: 10 GB RAM
- Graphics: GTX 670 2GB / AMD R9 280 or better
- Storage: 25 GB available space
Surprisingly, even with 10 years' worth of updates and graphical improvements, the minimum requirements for Rust aren’t overly demanding and have remained as they were upon initial release. Having a system that meets these should provide at least a 1080p experience with graphical settings on the lower side.
Both the CPU and GPU options are a good few generations old now so most gaming PCs made within the last 10 years should be able to handle getting the game up and running.
However, the GPUs were entry-level at launch, with only 2GB of VRAM to power a game’s visual fidelity. Although that doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of playing modern games, as this game’s specs clearly show, it does mean that you’ll have to stick to low settings on any games that are more demanding.
One area that will need attention is the RAM as 10GB is a slightly atypical amount. Usually, RAM is made in even-numbered gigabyte bundles - most notably 8GB or 16GB (going higher for those with more demanding use cases) - so hitting 10GB exactly isn’t really possible.
The game is likely still playable with 8GB just not as smoothly, but we’d recommend airing on the side of caution and opting for extra RAM at 16GB. If you currently only have 1 stick of 8GB, upgrading to 2 sticks is very easy and inexpensive.
Also, even though Rust only needs 25GB of storage space, consider upgrading your system with an SSD for faster load times, even if it's a small one. With so many assets and large multiplayer servers, fast load times will improve your Rust experience undoubtedly.
If your PC just meets these specifications, however, you will need to be content with the lowest settings. You’ll only be able to play at around 1080p at 25-30 FPS with pretty much all the settings on low, which is fine if you’re playing on a small monitor, but if you’re trying to play on a larger monitor or even a TV, it’s not going to look great.
Plus, the low frame rate will have an impact on your gameplay experience as you'll start to feel your sluggish reaction times in comparison to other players.
What PC do we recommend?
A PC that we'd recommend at this level would be the Ignition Intel Core i3 GTX 1650 Gaming PC.
As the minimum specs listed are showing their age now, anything from the last 8 years will surpass it and so that’s the case with this PC.
It houses much newer components in the form of the Nvidia GTX 1650 GPU and the Intel i3 12100. Both parts are some of the best entry-level options on the market and offer excellent value for money for those looking for a more budget system that will still allow for moderate gaming.
It also comes stocked with 16GB RAM, plus a huge 1TB SSD to store the game on giving you more than enough space for a few others too.
Rust Recommended Requirements
- Processor: Intel Core i7-4790K / AMD Ryzen 5 1600 or better
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: GTX 980 / AMD R9 Fury or better
- Storage: 25 GB available space
Systems that fall within these recommended specifications will likely provide a solid gameplay experience at 1080p, raising framerates from those achieved using the minimum specs, whilst maintaining visual integrity.
These recommended specs aren't very demanding for a modern gaming PC and aren’t that much of a jump from the minimum requirements, so you should be able to meet them with your current system, possibly with a few component upgrades.
Consider choosing a Chillblast PC with an Nvidia graphics card for this configuration, as it offers strong performance and support for features like DLSS.
What PC do we recommend?
A PC that we'd recommend at this level would be the Ignition Intel Core i5 RTX 3050 Gaming PC.
Just as with the minimum specs, this PC features much more recent parts, upgrading the CPU to an Intel Core i5 12400F and the GPU to an RTX 3050. The combination of these newer parts means more future-proofing alongside a top-tier 1080p (and even 1440p) experience.
The fact that the 3050 is part of the RTX range also means full support for RTX-driven ray tracing and the all-important DLSS upscaling technology for higher frame rates in supporting games.
What do you need to play Rust at 1440p?
If you want to enjoy Rust at 1440p resolution with maximum graphical settings, you'll need a more powerful Chillblast PC. Consider a system like the Opal AMD Ryzen 5 RTX 4060 Ti Gaming PC.
This Chillblast PC features the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X processor, which offers excellent gaming performance and multitasking capabilities. Paired with the Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti, you can expect smooth gameplay at 1440p and high settings.
With its onboard tensor cores, this GPU even supports DLSS, further boosting frame rates for a premium gaming experience.
What do you need to play Rust at 4K?
If you have the budget and want to enjoy island survival at a glistening 4K, then you’ll need a hefty PC to do so.
With that in mind, the perfect system for playing Rust at 4K is the Onyx AMD Ryzen 7 RTX 4080 Gaming PC. It combines a top-tier gaming processor with one of the top graphics cards for a high-performance gaming PC that can do absolutely anything and everything.
The AMD Ryzen 7700X is a super-powered gaming processor with clock speeds that reach astronomical heights. That pairs perfectly with 32GB of high-speed DDR5 memory, and 2TB of PCIe 4 SSD storage for the most responsive gaming experience. It’s also ready for future games with Direct Storage support for even faster game load times.
To power that 4K experience, however, we need a powerful GPU and in the Nvidia RTX 4080 we have the perfect solution. It’s one of the most powerful graphics cards Nvidia has ever made and it will find playing Rust at 4K an absolute cakewalk.
With full support for DLSS, it can drive up frame rates in supported games even more, and it even has some impressive ray tracing support in compatible games. Plus, its 16GB of VRAM makes it future-proofed against any advances in gaming technology in the years to come.
Conclusion
Overall, the recommended specifications listed by Facepunch Studios will no doubt provide you with a good Rust experience. But, if you really want to amp it up and get the best experience you can, we’d suggest upgrading to a more modern system created by our experts at Chillblast.
To explore a wide range of gaming PCs suitable for Rust and other titles, visit the Chillblast gaming PC selection here. Whether you prefer a budget-friendly option or a high-end gaming powerhouse, you'll find options to suit your gaming needs.
