Rust: What Forced Wipes Are (& When They Happen) - Screen Rant

Since releasing in early access in 2013, Rust has developed a loyal following and continues to grow in popularity. However, the survival game receives regular forced wipes that new players may not be familiar with. A forced wipe causes progress to be lost, so it's good to understand what it is and when it happens.

Rust receives forced wipes monthly. This deletes everything players have created from the server. Buildings and objects are completely removed from the map. The latest update even wipes blueprints, which can make rebuilding even more difficult. The world of Rust is already pretty dog-eat-dog, and the regular forced wipes certainly reflect that.

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However, these wipes are also a way to clear servers, and keep them from being overloaded and crashing. Despite Facepunch Studios adding in more servers, though, forced wipes are now a regular and familiar part of playing Rust online. Now that Rust is more popular than ever, many new players are flocking to the game and may be surprised to find their progress has been deleted. And much like characters must prepare in order to survive in Rust, new players need to prepare for the next forced wipe.

When Rust's Forced Wipes Happen

Forced wipes occur in Rust every month, whenever the game is being updated. Facepunch Studios keeps the same schedule, though, so it's not hard to predict when this will occur. Forced wipes in Rust happen on the first Thursday of each month, although the time this occurs depends on what time zone players are in. The forced wipes begin at 11 am PST, or 2 pm EST. Once updates are installed, a player's progress for the month is wiped and they must begin crafting and foraging all over again.

The forced wipes affect every server in Rust, so even players in a private server will have their progress removed. However, hosts of a private server have the freedom to wipe progress more often. The forced wipes occur as a way to keep servers from being overcrowded, all while playing into Rust's survival theme. This way, maps aren't full of buildings, vehicles, and equipment created by people who may not even be playing anymore. And once Rust moves to consoles, it will probably get even more crowded. So, while forced wipes may seem frustrating, they're pretty much necessary.

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For longtime players, forced wipes are just a regular part of Rust. However, newcomers may be surprised to find their progress wiped today, since the latest wipe just occurred. Forced wipes in Rust occur on the first Thursday of every month, at 11 am PST, 2 pm EST.

Next: When Rust Will Be On PS4 & PS5