Prevent your hard-earned base from decaying into rubble. This section explains Rust's upkeep mechanics, detailing how to maintain your base's structural integrity by depositing resources into the Tool Cupboard and managing decay timers.
Base decay is a fundamental mechanic in Rust desed to prevent the map from being cluttered with abandoned structures. To prevent your base from decaying, you must ensure it has sufficient upkeep. This is managed through the Tool Cupboard (TC). The TC is a critical building block that, when placed within your base, allows you to deposit resources to cover the upkeep cost of all connected building blocks. The amount of upkeep required depends on the size and material tier of your base. Larger bases and those made of higher-tier materials (stone, metal, armored) require more resources. When you place resources into the TC, they are consumed over time to maintain the integrity of your base. The TC displays the remaining upkeep time, indicating how long your base will be protected from decay. It's essential to regularly check your TC and replenish its resources. Common upkeep resources include wood, stone, metal fragments, and high-quality metal. The game also provides a visual indicator for decay; building blocks will start to crack and eventually disappear if their upkeep runs out. Strategically placing your TC to cover the maximum number of building blocks is also important. Consider using a single, well-defended TC for your main base to simplify upkeep management. For larger bases, multiple TCs might be necessary, but this increases the complexity of resource management and potential raid targets.