Is Rust Cross-Platform?

First released in early access in December 2013, Rust is a multiplayer survival video game developed by Facepunch Studios. After a very successful early access period on steam, the game finally received its full release in February 2018 for Windows and macOS. After a few more successful years (and becoming one of Steam’s most popular games since its full release), Facepunch Studios made the game available on consoles as well, releasing for both Xbox and Playstation on May 21st, 2021. Rust is recognised as one of the most popular games in the world, with over 12 million copies sold worldwide.

Survival multiplayer games have been growing in popularity in recent times. The main objective of Rust is to survive in the wilderness by using gathered or stolen materials. Players must manage their hunger, thirst, and health whilst also constantly fighting off both hostile animals and enemy players. Because of the heavy focus on PvP combat in this game, many players will want to know if they can play with or against their friends on other platforms. So is Rust Cross-platform?

Does Rust have Crossplay?

We have seen with some of the other best crossplay games that the most successful titles support full cross-platform compatibility, for example, with Minecraft cross-platform. Sadly this is not the exact same case for Rust crossplay.

So is Rust Cross-platform? Yes, Rust crossplay is available between Xbox and Playstation. So if you are playing on a Sony console such as the PS4 or PS5, you can easily play with your friends who own an Xbox One or Xbox Series X.

Unfortunately, however, Rust crossplay is not available between console and PC. PC players will only be able to play against those who are on the same platform. Whilst this is frustrating for those wanting to play with their friends, it might be overall for the better, as mouse and keyboard players would have a significant advantage over controller players.

Rust crossplay is at least better than DayZ crossplay, which does not even allow crossplay between Xbox and Playstation and the developers have not announced any plans to release a crossplay feature any time soon.

Will Rust be Cross-platform With PC?

At the time of writing this, Facepunch Studios have made no indication that they plan to include PC into their Rust crossplay system, and they most likely will not be doing so any time in the near future for a number of reasons.

As previously mentioned, keyboard and mouse players would have a great advantage over any opponent that is using a controller. It has been proven that both building and combat is significantly easier to do on PC, and in order to keep the game fun and competitive for all players, it is probably for the best that PC players are separated from the console ones.

In addition to this, Facepunch Studios have been following a separate development map for Rust Console Edition since its May 2021 release than that of the PC version. The developers are working to improve the experience by optimizing this version of the game for console players while gradually introducing new features to the game.

Some fans think that the decision not to allow Rust crossplay for PC is actually not in the players’ best interest. Many console players would be willing to play against higher-skilled individuals for them to be able to enjoy fighting alongside their PC friends online.

We have seen many games, such as Dead by Daylight, include a toggle on/off option for crossplay to allow the players to choose whether or not they play with and against players from another platform. Many players think that this could be an option for Rust in the future, but as mentioned before, it does not look likely.

Is Rust Cross-Progression?

Yes, Rust is cross-progression as well as cross-play. If you want to play on a different device, your progress, items and all game data will carry over and stay the same. For example, your progress will be saved if you decide to move from your PS4 and switch to a PS5.

We hope that this has answered the question: is Rust Cross-platform? Whilst Rust crossplay is available for console players, many will be unhappy that they cannot share the experience with their PC friends.

If you are looking for a different way to play a similar multiplayer-only survival game with your friends on all different platforms, maybe consider trying Ark: Survival Evolved. Ark Survival cross-platform supports all platforms and allows console players to play with their PC friends, unlike Rust.

Alternatively, if you are looking for other ways to better your Rust experience, here you can find the best Rust settings.