Efficient resource gathering is the backbone of Rust. Beyond hitting trees and rocks, there are more advanced methods:
- Quarry: Craft a Quarry and place it on a resource-rich area (stone, metal, sulfur). It passively gathers resources but requires Low Grade Fuel to run.
- Pump Jack: Similar to a Quarry, but specifically for gathering Crude Oil. Requires Low Grade Fuel.
- Mining Outpost: A monument with a large excavator that can be controlled by players to gather massive amounts of stone, metal, or sulfur. Requires Low Grade Fuel and a Green Card.
- Farming: Grow crops like corn, pumpkins, potatoes, and hemp in planters. Requires water and light. Can be automated with sprinklers and electricity. Provides food, cloth, and a source of Low Grade Fuel (from converting corn/potatoes to crude oil).
- Fishing: Craft a Fishing Rod and bait. Fish in rivers or the ocean for food and sometimes scrap or components.
Investing in these activities can provide a steady, passive income of resources, freeing you up for other tasks.