Starter Guide

Your First 30 Minutes on Rusting Away

A quick, friendly walkthrough to get you geared, safe, and having fun fast — with PvE, zombies, events, and smooth progression.

Difficulty: Beginner • Read time: ~6–8 min • Goal: Base + Gear + Direction

Quick Start Checklist

If you only read one section, read this.

✅ Spawn & Move
Get off the beach fast. Head inland toward trees + stone nodes.
✅ Tools First
Craft a stone hatchet + pickaxe ASAP to accelerate progression.
✅ Bag + Sleeping Spot
Place a sleeping bag near your planned build area (not in Outpost/Bandit).
✅ Starter Base
Drop a small starter base and upgrade from twig before you log off.
✅ Lock It Down
Put locks on doors + boxes. If it’s not locked, it’s not protected.
✅ Try an Event
Once stable, jump into zombies/NPC events for big loot and fun.

Minute 0–5: Spawn, Gather, Don’t Linger

The beach is a trap. Get moving.

Do this

  • Grab cloth from hemp and craft a sleeping bag.
  • Hit trees/stone with a rock until you can craft tools.
  • Move inland toward a quiet build zone with wood + stone nearby.

Avoid this

  • Don’t log off in Outpost or Bandit Camp.
  • Don’t wander in circles at spawn — pick a direction and commit.
  • Don’t start a giant build immediately. Start small, upgrade fast.

Minute 5–12: Tools, Bag, Starter Spot

A little setup now saves hours later.

Your first objective is stability: tools + respawn point + a place to put loot. Once you have a bag down and a starter base, everything gets easier — especially on a PvE server where you can focus on progression.

Pro tip
Place your first bag close enough to your build zone to be useful, but not directly on a main road or monument route.

Minute 12–20: Build Small, Upgrade Immediately

Twig is temporary. Upgrade before you step away.

Starter base plan (fast + clean)

  1. Build a small starter (ex: 2×1 or 2×2) with an airlock.
  2. Place TC, doors, locks, and a couple boxes.
  3. Upgrade from twig to wood/stone right away.
  4. Keep lights/items reasonable — no lag builds.
Important
Twig structures may be removed if you log off without upgrading them. If you’re building — upgrade it.

Minute 20–30: Secure Loot & Go Do Something Fun

Once you’re stable, start chasing PvE content.

Rusting Away is designed so you can jump into the good stuff quickly. Once your base is secure, go explore monuments, fight zombies, and try server events. This is where you’ll get your first real gear spikes.

Security basics

  • Lock doors and storage.
  • Don’t give strangers access to your base or loot.
  • If you leave it open, it can be taken — and it won’t be refunded.

First goals

  • Grab a basic ranged weapon + meds.
  • Learn one monument route you enjoy.
  • Try a zombie/NPC event when you see one pop.
Server vibe
This is a friendly PvE community. Respect others, don’t steal, and help new players when you can.

Common New Player Mistakes

Avoid these and you’ll progress smoothly.

Logging off in Outpost/Bandit

You’re not safe there. Log off at your base or a secure spot.

Leaving twig builds

Upgrade before you log off. Twig doesn’t last here.

Not locking doors/boxes

If it’s not locked, it’s not protected. Secure your stuff.

Building in the wrong places

Don’t block roads/waterways or build in restricted/monument zones.

Next up

Now that you’re stable, learn how PvE rules work and how to survive the undead at night.

Back to Guides Read Server Rules