Rust’s August 7th Update: Hardcore Reborn, Pilot Hazmat & UI Overhaul

The August 7th, 2025 Rust update is shaping up to be one of the most transformative patches in recent months, with sweeping changes to Hardcore mode, a sleek new ESC menu, and the debut of the aviation-themed Pilot Hazmat DLC. Whether you're a veteran survivalist or a server admin looking to stay ahead of the curve, this update demands attention. Here's a full breakdown of what to expect.

Fog of War Map

Hardcore Mode: Fog of War & Compass Mechanics

Hardcore mode is receiving a major refresh, aimed at balancing challenge with navigational clarity. The new Fog of War system allows players to gradually uncover the map as they explore, replacing the previous blank-slate approach. While the compass overlay remains disabled, a Handheld Compass has been introduced—crafted from 100 Metal Fragments and available as a default blueprint. This item pairs with the Fog of War map to support deeper exploration without compromising Hardcore’s difficulty.

Hardcore Mode: Weapon Tech Tree Overhaul

In a bold move, all guns have been removed from the Workbench Tech Tree across every tier. Players must now find weapons in the world or loot them from NPCs. While blueprints are no longer required for repairs, crafting ammo is now five times more expensive, and NPCs drop half as much. Vendors have also stopped selling pistol bullets, reinforcing the scarcity and tension of Hardcore gameplay.

Hardcore Mode: Map Navigation Tweaks

Players using the new Handheld Compass will now see their player marker and facing direction on the map, but only if the compass is equipped in their belt. Without it, navigation remains fully manual. This change adds strategic depth while reducing frustration for those willing to invest in basic tools. ESC Menu Redesign

The ESC menu has been completely overhauled, offering faster server search speeds (down to ~20ms even with 10,000+ servers) and a cleaner interface. Tabs now include News/Session, Play, Store, and Settings, with a persistent social section. The Store tab features improved DLC previews and a new skin viewer, while Settings now support drag-and-drop gesture customization with live previews.

Pilot Hazmat Skin.

Pilot Hazmat DLC

Taking off with this update is the Pilot Hazmat DLC, a stylish aviation-themed cosmetic pack. It includes:

• M15 Pistol: A remodel of the Semi-Auto Pistol with glow-in-the-dark sights.

• Pilot Hazmat Suit: A full-body skin with flight gear aesthetics.

• Flight Control Code Lock: A sleek reskin with aircraft panel vibes.

• Black Box Storage: A wooden box reskin inspired by real-world flight recorders.

• Salvaged Ejector Seat: A chair reskin perfect for post-raid relaxation.

These items are subject to final tweaks but are expected to launch alongside the update.

Twitch Drops & Community Events

Coinciding with the update is Home-Brewed 3.0, a community event featuring Twitch Drops for participating streamers. Players can earn exclusive skins by watching their favourite creators, with proceeds from one store item going to the mental health charity Hope for the Day. The event kicks off August 7th, so make sure to sync your account via Facepunch’s Twitch Connect.

Final Thoughts

This update isn’t just a content drop—it’s a philosophical shift in how Rust approaches difficulty, immersion, and player agency. With Hardcore mode now offering navigational tools without compromising its brutal edge, and the UI overhaul streamlining access for all players, August 7th marks a new chapter in Rust’s evolution.