Submarine Guide for Rust

Submarines are advanced vehicles that let you explore underwater, transport cargo, and engage in naval combat. They have sonar to detect threats, torpedoes for attacking, and significant cargo capacity. Submarines decay like buildings, so you need fuel and resources to maintain them. Two types exist: Solo subs (single-seater) and Duo subs (two-seater).

Solo Submarine Specifications

The Solo submarine is a fast, maneuverable single-player vessel perfect for quick cargo runs or solo exploration. It accelerates quickly and is nimble in tight underwater spaces. Use it for fast resource gathering, solo monument runs, or escaping dangerous areas. The small cargo does not hold much, so plan multiple trips for large hauls.

Duo Submarine Specifications

The Duo submarine is larger, slower, but carries more cargo and has two weapon stations for coordinated combat. It is slower than the solo but tanks damage better. One player pilots while the other operates torpedoes. This setup dominates underwater combat but needs coordination. The large cargo makes it ideal for transporting loot from underwater monuments or safe storage runs.

Fuel and Flight Duration

Submarines consume Low Grade Fuel when moving. Plan routes before you go. Check fuel before leaving harbor. Always leave enough to get back home. Duo subs last longer because they start with twice the fuel. Never fly with less than 30 fuel remaining. Always maintain a safety margin for unexpected detours or landing emergencies. Stock at least 200 Low Grade Fuel at your base for frequent runs.

Sonar System

Sonar is your underwater radar. It shows nearby submarines, players, and objects within range. The pilot can rotate the sonar view and interpret blips. Active sonar range is 300 meters in all directions. Green blips are friendly subs. Red blips are hostile subs. White blips are wrecks or structures. Sonar updates every 3 seconds with slight delay.

Use sonar to avoid enemy subs and locate wrecks. Enemies can see you too, so do not linger in enemy territory. Sonar reaches 300m but visibility underwater is much shorter, so sonar is your main warning system.

Torpedoes and Combat

Submarines are equipped with torpedoes for underwater combat. Only the gunner position can fire. Torpedoes move slowly but hit hard. Lead your target and anticipate movement. Larger duo subs can fire two torpedoes simultaneously for doubled damage. Destroy enemy subs by coordinating with your pilot to keep them in range.

Torpedo Specs: Damage 150 HP per hit, fire rate 1 torpedo every 4 seconds, range 500 meters, solo sub has 1 torpedo gun, duo sub has 2 torpedo guns.

Underwater Navigation and Depth

Submarines can go 100 meters deep before pressure damage starts. The deeper you go, the more environmental damage you take. 0-50 meters is safe zone with no pressure damage. 50-100 meters has minor pressure (1 damage per second). 100+ meters has heavy pressure (5 damage per second).

Stay in safe depths unless you have a specific target deeper. Deeper areas have better loot but faster damage. Learn the map's underwater terrain. Wrecks and structures appear as sonar blips, guiding you to resources. Reverse gear is slower but precise for docking.

Where to Buy Submarines

Submarines are sold by NPCs at various harbors around the map. Main Harbor (center of map) sells solo and duo subs. Small harbors (scattered on islands) sell solo subs only. Underwater Lab has specialty submarines. Buy at main harbor for best selection. Small harbors are closer but have limited stock. Once you buy, the sub appears at the dock ready to launch.

Solo vs Duo Strategy

When to Use Solo Submarine - Use solo subs when playing alone or when you need speed and agility. Solo subs zip around monuments faster, burn less fuel on short trips, and are cheaper. Ideal for quick scrap runs or escaping. The limited firepower means you avoid conflict underwater.

When to Use Duo Submarine - Use duo subs for group play, cargo hauling, or underwater combat. The larger fuel tank handles longer expeditions. Two players can defend themselves with dual torpedoes. The cargo space means fewer trips to move resources. Duo subs dominate tunnels and underwater bases because of tank.

Coordinated Duo Tactics - Driver focuses on positioning and evading. Gunner watches sonar and fires at threats. Call out enemy positions using sonar blips. Position broadside to enemy subs for maximum firepower. Back up slowly to maintain range. Rotate while firing to present less target area.

Decay and Maintenance

Submarines decay like buildings. Hourly decay varies by submarine size. Repair at docking stations with Metal Fragments. Store fuel inside before logging off to prevent theft. Use submarines regularly to slow decay. If you do not use your sub for weeks, it will fully decay and sink.

Decay Factor: Solo submarines lose 5 HP per hour (100 hours to fully decay). Duo submarines lose 10 HP per hour (100 hours to fully decay). Repair cost per 100 HP: Solo needs 10 metal fragments, Duo needs 20 metal fragments.

Pro Tips

Keep extra fuel in storage and bring full tanks on long runs. Solo subs are sneaky, use speed to evade combat. Duo subs are tanky, hold the line and out-damage enemies. Do not let solo subs flank you in duo combat. Use sonar every 30 seconds to check for threats. Store your sub in a protected lagoon or dock when offline.

Repair frequently if traveling dangerous waters. Stock Metal Fragments for repairs. Toggle sonar on and off to save processing power if needed. Multi-crew means better chances of survival. Trust your pilot's positioning.

Related Guides

For underwater diving see the Underwater Diving guide. For deep-sea monuments see the Deep-Sea guide. For underwater bases see the Building guides.