Open world multiplayer survival games are currently enjoying something of a golden age. The likes of DayZ and The Forest are amongst some of the most popular in the genre. One other title that counts itself as an integral addition is Facepunch Studio's/Double Eleven's difficult online world Rust. The game receives numerous updates to keep it in tiptop shape, and now a new patch has been announced which tweaks the game but also adds some new features.
In a recent post on Steam, the "Contacts Update" was revealed which will not only improve on Rust but also introduces a new system which will help players keep track of those they interact with during play. Referred to as the "contact system," hence the name for the patch, this feature will give people the chance to flag other players as either a friend or enemy through the contacts panel in the inventory. The post also adds that players that kill one another will automatically be added to an enemy list.
Rust, which was recently ported onto consoles, is well known for its harsh environments and wildlife. From chickens that can be killed and cooked, to horses that can be ridden, to bears and wolves that attack players, the island is positively teeming with furry NPCs that can be just as dangerous as other players. With this in mind, the new update revamps the game's wild animals, with the developer admitting that the animals in the game have "sucked for far too long," so models have been touched up in the hope of making them less of an eyesore, it seems.
The game can already be a bit of a challenge and for that reason, there are a host of guides and beginner tips to give new Rust players some basics. One thing that some find difficult is the inclusion of AI human characters, some of whom reside in the abandoned underground tunnels and will shoot human players on sight. The Contacts Update states this AI system will be tweaked. While it doesn't say whether it will make it any easier, the post on Steam says it will be changing it to a single AI system rather than multiple ones to make updating it easier.
With rumors that the game could be receiving DLC, Facepunch Studio's/Double Fine's unforgiving open world survival game is proving to be a popular one for PC and now console gamers. For those interested, the update is available now through Steam.
Rust is available now on PC, macOS, PS4, and Xbox One.
Source: Steam