What can we expect from the Rust December update? (2025)

The Rust December update is right around the corner, and the latest force wipe definitely has some of the biggest new additions in store for the community. We will see the debut of the Naval update with this patch, introducing a whole new explorable, and buildable region on Rust maps.

In this article, we will provide you with a detailed brief on what you can expect from the Rust December update. Read below to know more.

All expected changes are coming with the Rust December update

As we stated above, the December force wipe will feature the major Naval update, which has been in the works for the past few months. Here's what you can expect from the upcoming wipe:

Boat bases

With the Rust December update, players will be able to build their very own boat bases. They will no longer be restricted to the boats and tugboats available in the game, but rather, use their creativity to design vessels of their own design. These boats will serve as functional bases, providing you with options to customize them as per your needs and requirements.

The addition of boat bases will undoubtedly open up a range of new possibilities, starting from having a secret hidden boat base for storing precious loot, to building siege machines capable of raiding anything that comes in their way.

Ghost ships

Ghost ship in Rust (Image via Facepunch Studios and youtube.com/@Protoxic)

The latest Rust December update will also introduce ghost ships in the game. They will serve as monuments in the open sea, featuring a lot of collectible loot. They will be guarded by Scientists (NPCs) and will possibly harbor a locked crate. Players will be able to contest this locked crate for high-tier loot.

Upon hacking the locked crate, more NPCs will board the ghost ship, and you will have to clear them out and fend off any players who might be circling around to try a counterplay for your loot. It's going to be extremely high stakes, and the winner will sail into the open sea with a lot of high-grade loot.

Also read about: Rust "Steam auth timeout" error: Potential fixes and reasons

Islands

With the introduction of the Rust December update, players can expect the creation of numerous new islands in the open sea. Some of these islands will feature treasure hunt puzzles, while others will serve as temporary shelters. We are yet unsure whether you will be able to set up bases in these locations. If these places do allow players to set up camp, we can expect some extremely unique island bases in the upcoming force wipe in Rust.

Floating cities

Floating city in Rust (Image via Facepunch Studios and youtube.com/@Protoxic)

Alongside islands, players can also expect floating cities in the middle of the ocean with the Rust December update. These will be safe zones for players to rest, recycle, and trade in the game. These will be protected by NPCs who will shoot hostiles on sight. To enter these locations, players will have to refrain from participating in gunfights for at least a period of 60 seconds.

Check out: Blueprint Fragments in Rust: How to use, and where to find

The naval update is currently accessible via the game's staging branch, and if you want to get a chance to access the content early, simply tune into the title's test servers to do so.

That's everything that you need to know about the changes and additions coming in the Rust December update.

If this article is to your liking, check out some of our other related news and guides below:

Edited by Jay Sarma