Imagine a world of Rust without modern technology. No rifles, no helicopters, no computers. Instead – bows, spears, catapults, and horses. That’s exactly the atmosphere brought by the latest Primitive update, which takes players back to the brutal, raw roots of survival. A new game mode, new siege machines, technological restrictions, and a completely different pace – Primitive is more than just an update.
Primitive Mode
Primitive Mode transports players into a world stripped of advanced technology, focusing on harsh survival using primitive tools and weapons. The main changes introduced in the update are:
- Weapon changes – Only melee weapons, bows, crossbows, and basic explosive devices are available. Shields have also been added as a new piece of equipment, which activate automatically when using one-handed weapons.
- Building changes – Players can only construct wooden and stone structures. The ability to build metal or armored buildings has been removed.
- World changes – Advanced monuments such as oil rigs, rocket silos, and laboratories have been removed from the map. The underground train system and scientist NPCs have also been taken out.
- Siege machines – Four types of siege machines have been introduced: the catapult, siege tower, battering ram, and ballista.
- Wild horses – These noble animals, previously used only as a means of transport, have gained more importance. Their numbers on the map have been doubled, their movement improved, and most importantly, they can now be used to pull siege machines.
Siege Weapons
The update introduced four new siege machines:
- Catapult – a powerful device capable of launching projectiles over long distances. There are three types of ammunition such as scattershot (multiple scattered stones, ideal when facing a group of enemies), firebomb (ignites on impact, spreading flames across the area of effect), and propane explosive bomb (a high-powered explosive, effective at destroying structures). There is also a unique feature allowing players to be launched by the catapult.
- Siege Tower – a massive structure that provides access to hard-to-reach places such as enemy walls. It is heavy and has limited mobility, but can be pushed manually or pulled by horses. It has three levels, each equipped with a bridge.
- Battering Ram – a heavy fuel-powered vehicle designed to destroy stone and wooden structures. It has a reinforced arm that effectively breaks through walls and enemy doors. It requires regular repairs using high quality metal to maintain its effectiveness.
- Ballista – a giant crossbow designed for long-range combat, which can be moved with the help of horses. It supports four types of bolts: pitchfork bolt (a large projectile with a wide damage area), piercer bolt (a bolt that penetrates armored vehicles), hammerhead bolt (a bolt for destroying doors and fortifications), and incendiary bolt (a bolt that causes fire upon hitting the target).
Horses
Horses have become even more important than before. With all modern vehicles removed from the mode, horses have taken over as the primary means of transportation. Their population on the map has been doubled, making them more accessible than ever. Their movement and controls have been improved, resulting in smoother and more responsive riding. The biggest addition, however, is the ability to use horses to pull siege machines. This makes horses useful not only for travel, but also as real tactical support during raids and sieges.
New Armors and Weapons
Shields are a completely new type of equipment in Rust, introduced specifically for the Primitive mode. When equipped alongside a one-handed weapon, they activate automatically, allowing players to block incoming attacks. This mechanic adds depth to close-quarters combat, enabling more tactical and strategic duels. Shields can also provide temporary protection against projectiles and are available in three versions:
- Wooden Shield
- Reinforced Wooden Shield
- Metal Shield
In a world without modern firearms, the crossbow becomes one of the most vital tools for ranged combat. It offers an excellent balance between damage, accuracy, and silence. Unlike the standard bow, it deals more damage, has better range, and delivers higher precision.
Medieval Pack DLC
With the Primitive update, a themed DLC called Medieval Pack was introduced, featuring new items that match the harsh, medieval atmosphere of the game. The pack gives players the ability to visually transform their characters and bases to resemble the era of knights and sieges. To enhance player appearance, the Knight Armor was added — a set of skins resembling a suit of armor forged from metal. The pack also includes the Medieval Metal Barricade, a new barricade with a wood-and-metal design, perfect for defending your base. Doors can be decorated with skins such as the Medieval Sheet Metal Door and Double Door, both styled to look like heavy castle gates. The highlight of the pack is the Medieval Assault Rifle skin, which gives modern weaponry a decorative, historical look. For storage, there’s the Large Wooden Box, styled like a treasure chest with ornate metal fittings.
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