Raiding
Torpedo Raiding in Rust
Master the submarine torpedo meta. Breach waterside bases from the water. Learn submarine mechanics and cost-effective water raiding.
Master the submarine torpedo meta. Breach waterside bases from the water. Learn submarine mechanics and cost-effective water raiding.
Torpedo raiding is a specialized but devastating tactic for breaching waterside bases. Submarines provide undetected approach via water, allowing raiders to breach walls defenders might not expect defense on. This guide covers submarine mechanics, torpedo costs, and effective strategies for underwater raiding.
Submarines are armed underwater vehicles equipped with torpedoes. They provide stealthy base access via water approaches. Waterfront bases become vulnerable to submarine attacks from angles defenders might not anticipate. Torpedo raiding is specialized but can be devastating against poorly defended waterside structures.
Submarines require fuel to operate. Multiple crew members can man different stations. One player drives while another fires torpedoes. This coordination requirement limits torpedo raiding to organized teams. Solo players struggle with submarine complexity and effectiveness.
Submarines are costly to craft and research. Plan your investment carefully. A submarine is a major financial commitment that requires skill to use effectively. Practice on undefended targets before attempting profitable raids.
Torpedoes are fired from the submarine's torpedo tube. Each shot consumes ammunition and resources. Torpedoes travel underwater and explode on impact. Multiple torpedoes can breach walls. Exact impact count depends on wall material and torpedo type.
Torpedo damage scales with wall tier. Stone walls require more torpedoes than wood. Armored walls require extreme amounts of ammunition. Calculate torpedo costs before committing to raids. Some targets are simply not worth the submarine expense.
Torpedo damage varies by wall material. Wood walls fall quickly, stone walls take several torpedoes, and sheet metal requires significantly more. Armored walls are prohibitively expensive to breach with torpedoes, making them effectively immune to submarine raids. Exact torpedo counts depend on current game balance patches, so test on a practice server or check community resources like rustlabs.com before committing resources.
Torpedo crafting costs are significant. Each torpedo requires metal fragments and fuel. A stone wall breach requiring 4 torpedoes costs substantial resources in submarine ammunition alone. Calculate total raid cost before planning.
Look for waterside bases with accessible walls. Not all water-adjacent bases are vulnerable. Some are positioned so water does not reach walls. Scout before planning raids.
Target bases with obvious external storage or visible loot. Large compounds usually have accumulated resources. Small 2x2 bases are rarely profitable. Torpedo raids require substantial payoffs to justify costs.
Avoid heavily defended waterside bases. If you see auto turrets facing water, expect heavy inland defenses. Multiple turrets complicate raids. Choose targets with minimal visible defense.
Submarines need accessible water routes to targets. Shallow water prevents submarine passage. Deep water channels allow approach. Scout routes carefully. Some bases are isolated from deep water by shallow zones.
Navigate carefully to avoid detection. Aggressive approach triggers alarms. Slow, quiet approach maximizes surprise. Surface just before attacking. Coordinate timing with your raiding team.
Position submarine directly facing the target wall. Maintain stable position. Fire torpedoes in sequence. Watch for impacts and wall degradation. Continue firing until breach is complete. Do not surface until wall is fully destroyed.
Coordinate timing. Pilot maintains position while gunner fires. Communicate constantly. If defenses activate, pilot can retreat. Gunner times shots between incoming fire. Teamwork makes the difference between success and failure.
After breach, surface and provide support. Send raiding team through breach. Pilot covers team flank. Provide escape route support. Teamwork continues throughout the raid.
Build away from water. Use elevated positions above water level. Place walls in water-inaccessible areas. Design your base so waterside walls are not critical to defense.
If you must have waterside walls, use armored material. The cost of torpedoes to breach armored walls discourages most raids. This passive defense is extremely effective. Submarine raiders often skip armored targets entirely.
Place turrets covering water approaches. Submarines are vulnerable while stationary. Armed defenses on shore provide counter-defense. Some bases mount underwater turrets. Technology defenses make torpedo raiding suicide.
Submarine raids are specialized. Land raids provide more flexible access. Submarines work only on waterside targets. Land raiding works everywhere. Most raid teams use land routes and ignore submarine tactics.
Torpedo raids are efficient against poorly designed waterside bases. If you own a waterside base, expect torpedo attempts. Design accordingly or move inland.
Successful torpedo raids require precise coordination. Pilot and gunner must communicate constantly. Raiding team waits for breach before entering. Escape vehicle waits offshore. Multiple team members have critical roles.
Practice on undefended targets first. Learn submarine controls. Perfect torpedo firing. Execute coordinated timing. Test your team before attempting profitable raids. Training saves resources and lives.
For land-based raiding perspective, see efficient raiding guide and raiding tools guide. For defending waterside bases, read raid defense fundamentals. For general base design, check base design guide. For coastal base location strategies, see map navigation guide.
Submarines require coordination and crew. Solo players cannot effectively use submarines. Invest in submarine tactics only if your team is organized and willing to practice underwater mechanics.