Modular Vehicles have revolutionized gameplay in Rust, offering players new ways to traverse the map and transport goods. However, finding a functional car chassis is just the beginning. To truly utilize these vehicles, you’ll need to know how to repair and maintain them. This guide will walk you through everything you need to get those rusty engines roaring and your modular vehicle in top condition.
Locating a Vehicle Chassis in Rust
Your car repair journey begins with finding a vehicle chassis. These can be located scattered along roadsides throughout the Rust map. Keep an eye out for the telltale signs: smoke and sparks emanating from a broken-down vehicle. These chassis often come with some modules already attached, which can be a bonus. Remember that these pre-attached modules and the chassis itself will likely need repair. You can use resources like Metal Fragments, High-Quality Metal, and Wood to fix them up.
To initially move a chassis, Low Grade Fuel can be used, or you can even push it manually. Be cautious when pushing, as these vehicles can roll downhill and cause significant damage if they hit you!
Essential Components for Rust Car Repair
Before you can take your newly acquired chassis for a spin, engine repair is crucial. Several key components are required to get a Rust car engine running. These parts can be sourced in a few ways: you can purchase them from vendors, find them in toolboxes scattered around the map, or craft them yourself if you have the blueprints. It’s also worth noting that different quality tiers (low, medium, and high) exist for each component, influencing the vehicle’s performance and durability. Engine parts can be researched at a research table to unlock crafting blueprints. Here’s a list of the essential engine parts you’ll need to repair a car in Rust:
- Spark Plug: Essential for ignition.
- Carburetor: Mixes air and fuel for combustion.
- Shift Stick/Crankshaft: Transfers power from the pistons. (Note: The original article mentions “shift stick/crankshaft” but it is likely referring to Crankshaft).
- Valves: Control the flow of air and exhaust.
- Pistons: Move within the cylinders to generate power.
To install these parts, interact with the engine section of the vehicle. Crafting these components, especially higher quality ones, will require a significant amount of Scrap for blueprinting and crafting, so be sure to loot as much as possible. Investing in higher-grade parts will noticeably improve your car’s top speed, fuel efficiency, and acceleration.
Purchasing Medium Quality Parts from the Air Wolf Vendor
For players looking for a convenient source of medium-quality engine components, the Air Wolf vendor at the Bandit Camp is your go-to location. This vendor also sells vehicle lifts for Scrap. Blueprints for medium-quality components will cost around 125 Scrap each from the Air Wolf vendor. While high-quality components can’t be researched, they can be found at vending machines in the Outpost, offering an alternative for top-tier parts.
Utilizing a Vehicle Lift for Car Modification
While basic repairs can be done with a Hammer, modifying your vehicle with modules requires a vehicle lift and a power source. The vehicle lift can be purchased from the Air Wolf vendor for approximately 175 Scrap. Alternatively, if you have Workbench Level 2, you can research it for 125 Scrap and craft it yourself. Crafting a vehicle lift requires 1000 Metal Fragments, 10 High-Quality Metal, and three Gears.
Placement of the vehicle lift is important. It needs a minimum 6×3 foundation space, requires one unit of power to operate, and must be in an accessible location for vehicles. Once powered, you can use the vehicle lift’s power station to add or remove modules.
With a vehicle lift, you can combine crafted or looted modules to customize your car. For security, crafting a Metal Key for 15 Scrap is highly recommended to prevent unauthorized use. Remember to keep the key with you, as leaving it behind defeats its purpose.
Exploring Vehicle Modules for Customization
Vehicle modules are what truly allow you to tailor your Rust car to your needs. There are various modules available, each offering different functionalities. Crafting these modules is resource-intensive, requiring substantial amounts of Metal Fragments, High-Quality Metal, and Wood. Here’s a table outlining some of the available modules and their crafting costs:
| Vehicle Module | Crafting Cost | Research Cost | Workbench Level Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Armored Cockpit | 250 Metal Fragments, 5 High-Quality Metal, 50 Wood | 125 Scrap | Level 3 |
| Cockpit | 250 Meal Fragments, 5 High-Quality Metal, 100 Wood | 125 Scrap | Level 2 |
| Cockpit with Engine | 250 Metal Fragments, 8 High-Quality Metal, 100 Wood | 125 Scrap | Level 2 |
| Engine | 250 Metal Fragments, 5 High-Quality Metal | 125 Scrap | Level 2 |
| Fuel Tank | 400 Metal Fragments, 5 High-Quality Metal, 100 Wood | 125 Scrap | Level 2 |
| Passenger Module | 500 Metal Fragments, 5 High-Quality Metal, 250 Wood | 125 Scrap | Level 2 |
| Rear Seats | 250 Metal Fragments, 5 High-Quality Metal, 100 Wood | 125 Scrap | Level 2 |
| Flatbed | 250 Metal Fragments, 5 High-Quality Metal, 100 Wood | 125 Scrap | Level 2 |
| Large Flatbed | 400 Metal Fragments, 5 High-Quality Metal, 250 Wood | 125 Scrap | Level 2 |
| Storage | 250 Metal Fragments, 5 High-Quality Metal, 250 Wood | 125 Scrap | Level 2 |
Keep in mind that vehicle components left outdoors will decay over time, highlighting the importance of upkeep. Chassis sizes vary, occupying two, three, or four Socket slots depending on their size. For a visual guide to modular vehicles, consider watching TheMeemishGamer’s video for a more in-depth look.
Rust is currently available on Steam and is anticipated to launch on PS4 and Xbox One in the near future.
