Complete Rust Raiding Guide 2026
Raiding is the endgame of Rust. Whether you are blowing into a neighbor's 2x1 or hitting a clan compound, this guide covers everything you need to know about efficient raiding in 2026.
Raid Types: Online vs Offline
Online Raiding
Online raids happen while defenders are active. This is significantly harder but more rewarding and respected in the community.
- Defenders can repair walls, move loot, and counter-attack.
- Bring extra boom to account for wall repairs (roughly 20-30% more).
- Seal off flanks with high external walls before starting the raid.
- Have designated shooters watching windows and roof while breachers work.
- Use raid bases: build a small armored 1x1 within 50m to stage supplies.
Offline Raiding
Offline raiding is when you hit a base while its owners are logged off. It is easier but you risk less loot since players often despawn valuables when logging off.
- Check if the base is truly offline: no sounds, furnaces off, no movement.
- Time it for off-hours (early morning on the server) to minimize counter-raids.
- Be efficient: calculate the exact path to TC and loot rooms beforehand.
Explosive Costs Comparison
Knowing how much boom you need prevents over-committing or falling short mid-raid.
Sheet Metal Wall
- 4 Rockets
- 2 C4 (Timed Explosive Charges)
- 4 Satchel Charges + some patience (duds)
- ~63 Explosive 5.56 Ammo (for soft-side with jackhammer + explo ammo)
Stone Wall
- 2 Rockets
- 1 C4
- 10 Satchel Charges
- ~49 Explosive 5.56 Ammo (to soft side)
Armored Wall
- 8 Rockets
- 3 C4
- Not practical with satchels (23 needed)
Sheet Metal Door
- 1 C4
- 2 Rockets (inefficient due to splash waste)
- 4 Satchel Charges
- 63 Explosive 5.56 Ammo
Armored Door
- 2 C4
- 4 Rockets
- 12 Satchel Charges
Pro tip: Door raiding is almost always more efficient than going through walls. Count doors on the path to TC and compare the cost to wall blowing.
Base Design Weaknesses to Exploit
Before committing explosives, scout the base for these common weaknesses:
- Exposed TC: If you can see a tool cupboard through a gap or window, you might be able to destroy it with fire arrows, despawning the base over time.
- Twig floors above: Some players forget to upgrade floors on upper levels. Check for twig by hitting with a tool (1 hit destroys twig).
- Wood/stone soft sides: The back of stone walls takes half damage. Look for walls placed backwards (lighter texture facing out).
- Roof access: Many bases are weakest from the top. Build up with twig and check if you can access through roof pieces.
- Window bars without shutters: You can throw explosives through window bars into TC rooms or loot rooms.
- Single-layer honeycomb: If a base only has one layer of honeycomb, it is often worth going through walls rather than the multi-door airlock.
- Garage doors: While strong (3 C4), players sometimes use multiple garage doors in a row which makes splash damage very efficient with rockets.
When to Raid
Timing your raid correctly is the difference between profit and waste:
- Day 2-3 of wipe: The best time to raid. Players have accumulated loot but have not fully upgraded or expanded their bases yet.
- After a successful farm run: If you watched someone bring home a full inventory from a monument run, that loot is sitting in boxes right now.
- Low server pop: Fewer potential counter-raiders. Check player count and time your raid for off-peak hours.
- When you can afford to lose everything: Always assume a raid might fail. Never commit your last set of boom.
- Avoid late wipe: By day 5-7, many players have already been raided or have moved their best loot to secondary bases. The risk/reward drops significantly.
Important: The golden rule of raiding: if you cannot afford to lose what you are spending, do not raid. Farm more, accumulate excess boom, and only then commit to a target you have scouted thoroughly.