Genetics Breeder

Calculate crossbreeding results, find optimal combinations

Plant Genetics in Rust

Every plant in Rust has 6 gene slots. Each slot contains one of 5 gene types. Through crossbreeding, you can combine plants to create "god clones" — plants with all positive genes.

Gene Types

G
Growth
Faster plant growth. Weight: 0.6
Y
Yield
Higher resource yield. Weight: 0.6
H
Hardiness
More resilient, better nutrition. Weight: 0.6
W
Water
Increased water consumption (BAD). Weight: 1.0
X
Empty
Empty/null slot (BAD). Weight: 1.0

Red genes (W, X) have weight 1.0 — much stronger than green genes at 0.6. You need 2 matching green genes to beat 1 red gene(0.6 + 0.6 = 1.2 > 1.0).

How Crossbreeding Works

Crossbreeding happens when a plant enters the crossbreed phase. The game resolves each of the 6 gene slots independently.

For each slot:

  1. Sum the weights of each gene type across all neighboring plants
  2. Find the gene type with the highest total weight
  3. Compare to the center plant's gene weight
  4. Donor wins only if strictly greater than center (equal = center keeps its gene)
  5. If multiple donors tie → 50/50 coin flip

Planter Layout

A large planter has a 3×3 grid. Plants only crossbreed with neighbors within the same planter (not across planters). Neighbors include horizontal, vertical, and diagonal.

Corner3
Edge5
Corner3
Corner5
Edge8
Corner5
Corner3
Edge5
Corner3

Common God Clones

YYYYGG
YYYYGG
YYYGGG
YYYGGG
GGGGYY
GGGGYY
GGHYYY
GGHYYY
HHHYYY
HHHYYY
GGGYYY
GGGYYY

A "god clone" is any plant with 6 positive genes and zero red genes. Once you have one, you can clone it infinitely.

Tips

  • Use the center position (8 neighbors) for the seed you want to improve — it has the most influence.
  • Place 2+ copies of the same clone around the center to guarantee their green genes overpower red ones.
  • Use Smart mode in the calculator to automatically find the best combinations from your available clones.
  • Different plant types (hemp, berries, corn, etc.) use the same genetics system — but they don't crossbreed with each other.
  • Use the Scanner tab to automatically detect genes from your Rust game window — no manual typing needed.
  • Drag & drop clones from your list directly onto the planter grid for quick placement.

Keyboard Shortcuts

TabCycle through grid positions
Shift+TabCycle backwards
EscapeDeselect current slot
DeleteClear selected slot
EnterAdd typed clone