You've just spawned into the harsh world of RUST and you're feeling vulnerable. The environment is unforgiving, resources are scarce, and danger lurks around every corner. But don't panic - with the right armour combination, you'll be surviving and thriving in no time. In this guide, we'll show you how to craft the best protective gear to defend yourself from raiders, scientists, and wild animals. Whether you prefer stealth, mobility or maximum defence, we've got you covered. Read on to find out how to build wood, road sign, metal and high-quality armour so you can explore the island without fear. The secrets of survival in RUST await! Stay sharp, trust no one, and gear up - it's time to get tough.

Understanding Armour in RUST

Armour is essential to surviving the harsh world of RUST. Without it, you're easy pickings for bandits and beasts alike. But don't worry, we've got you covered - literally! Let's dive into the different armour types so you can gear up and get out there.

The most basic armour is Hide, crafted from animal skins. It may not look like much, but Hide protects over 60% of your bod from damage. For early game, it's a life-saver.

As you progress, you'll want Metal Armour. Whether you prefer the flexibility of Metal Chest Plate and Metal Facemask or full Metal Plate Armour, metal protects 70-80% and lets you last longer in fights.

The ultimate armour is Road Sign Jacket and Kilt. At 85% protection, you'll feel nearly invincible! The downside is reduced mobility, but for raiding or defending your base, Road Sign is a must.

No matter which armour you choose, be sure to wear proper head protection like a Beanie, Cap or Helmet. Your brain is the most vital organ, so keep it safe!

With the right armour and a little caution, you'll be taking on rad towns and rival clans in no time. But always remember, no armour makes you truly invulnerable. Play smart, trust your instincts, and watch your back! The world of RUST is unforgiving, but with good gear and sharp wits you can overcome any challenge. Now get out there, survivor - glory and loot await!

Early Game Armour - The Basics

So you've spawned on the beach and the first thing you need is protection from radiation, animals and other players. The early game armour in Rust will get you started.

Hide Armour

The Hide Armour set is the best armour for early game survival. You can collect leather from any animal corpse (except chickens!) to craft this. The full set provides decent protection and warmth.

To make the gear, chop trees for wood and kill some animals for their hides. Then craft the armour parts at a workbench - you'll be styling in no time! The hood provides head protection, the poncho and pants shield your core, and the boots keep your feet cosy.

Wood Armour

Wood armour is the first step towards bulking up your defences. Chop trees to collect wood, then craft the gear at a workbench.

The wood armour set includes:

• Wood chest plate: Provides chest protection and some radiation resistance.
• Wood leggings: Shields your legs.
• Wood helmet: Protects your head from damage.

This basic set will give you an early game boost before you upgrade to stronger metal armour. Every bit of protection helps when you're first starting out in Rust!

With the hide and wood armour sets, you'll be well equipped to explore the island, gather resources and defend yourself from threats. Now get out there, gear up, and survive! The adventure awaits.

Mid Game Armour Combinations

Once you’ve got the basics down and have survived your first few nights, it’s time to upgrade your armour! At this stage, you’ll want combinations that provide solid protection while still being relatively affordable. Here are some of the best mid-game options:

Coffee Can Helmet and Road Sign Kilt

This duo is a fan favourite for good reason. The Coffee Can helmet will shield your noggin from most threats, while the Road Sign Kilt protects your legs. Both are easy to craft once you’ve got some scrap metal and the blueprint. This combo is a perfect balance of protection and mobility.

Road Sign Jacket and Kilt

If you’re looking for a bit more coverage, pair the Road Sign Kilt with the matching Road Sign Jacket. This ensemble will protect your core, arms and legs from damage. While slightly more expensive, the added protection for your vitals is well worth it. This is one of the most popular mid-game getups.

Best End Game RUST Armour Sets

It’s time to gear up for end game in RUST! Once you’ve crafted high-quality weapons and have a secure base, the next step is obtaining the best protective armour. The top armour sets will allow you to defend your base, raid other players, and explore irradiated areas without fear.

Heavy Plate Set

The Heavy Plate Helmet, Jacket and Pants provide the highest protection in RUST. This armour set is your best friend for raiding other bases and defending your own during online raids. The heavy metal plates can withstand substantial damage from gunfire and melee weapons. Pair the Heavy Plate set with the Metal Facemask for maximum protection.

Once you’ve looted some crude oil and have a furnace going, Heavy Plate armour parts become craftable. The Heavy Plate set provides the most robust protection of any mid-game option. While the heaviest and most resource intensive, the helmet, jacket and pants will make you a formidable foe. Worth the investment if you’re planning to take on some serious combat.

With the right armour combination equipped, you’ll be ready to confidently explore the island, engage in combat, raid monuments and defend your base. Mix and match pieces to find the perfect balance of protection, mobility and cost for your needs. The possibilities are endless - now get out there, gear up and conquer RUST!

Metal Facemask and Chestplate

The Metal Facemask and Chestplate are a dynamic duo for base defence and raiding. The facemask protects your most vulnerable area, your head, from incoming fire. The chestplate provides essential torso protection. Together they make a lightweight but effective armour set for fighting other players.

Hazmat Suit

The Tier 2 Hazmat Suit is essential for exploring irradiated areas of the map. This bright yellow suit provides 100% radiation protection so you can loot military tunnels, abandoned military bases and irradiated forests without taking rad damage. The hazmat suit has low protection from weapons though, so only wear it when exploring radiated zones.

With these top armour sets, you’ll be ready to take on anything in RUST! Raid your enemies, defend your base in online raids, and explore the most dangerous areas of the map. The Heavy Plate set is your best all-round protection, the Metal Facemask and Chestplate are great for PvP, and the Hazmat Suit allows you to loot radiated areas. Now get out there, gear up, and survive!

Advanced Tips for Maximising Your RUST Armour

You've mastered the basics, now it's time to take your RUST armour game to the next level! Follow these advanced tips to maximise your protection and dominate the server.

Layer Up

Wearing multiple pieces of armour at once increases your overall protection. Start with basic cloth or leather gear, then add metal chest plates, helmets, and boots on top. The more you layer, the higher your resistances become. With the right combination of items, you can reach 70-80% protection or more!

Gloves Are a Must

Don't forget to protect your hands! Gloves provide an extra 5% chest protection and allow you to handle dangerous items like torches, weapons, and tools without injury. The higher the glove quality, the more protection they offer. Metal or road sign gloves are ideal for high-level play.

Focus on High-Tier Gear

Once you've mastered crafting basic armour, set your sights on the top-tier gear like metal face masks, heavy plate jackets, and riot helmets. These provide the highest resistances and durability, allowing you to withstand attacks from even the strongest weapons. They do require a lot of resources to craft, so team up with other players to gather the necessary materials.

Utilise Attachments

Attachments are modifiers you can add to certain armour pieces to boost their stats. For example, adding padding to a metal chest plate increases its bullet resistance, while a visor on a coffee can helmet provides extra head protection. Always be on the lookout for attachments to further enhance your gear.

Stay on the Offensive

The best defence is a good offence! When raiding or in combat, don't just focus on defending yourself. Actively attack other players to gain the upper hand, using weapons that match the level of your armour. Overwhelm your opponents before they have a chance to land serious hits on you. With the right aggressive tactics and high-tier gear, you'll be unstoppable!

Follow these tips and you'll be strutting around the server in no time, fully geared in the best armour RUST has to offer! Now get out there, craft some epic gear, and show everyone who's boss!

Conclusion

You now have all the information you need to gear up and survive the harsh world of RUST. Put together the armour combinations that suit your playstyle and get out there, explore the map and take on other players with confidence. The road ahead will still be dangerous but with high-quality protection and the right tools for the job, you'll be ready for anything. Who knows, maybe one day you'll craft that elusive full metal kit! The possibilities in RUST are endless. So don't sit around your base - get armoured up and get fighting because glory and loot awaits! Victory will be yours if you follow this guide. Now get out there, be bold and may the odds be ever in your favour! The wilderness is calling, adventures await, get your RUST Server Hosting Service now!