Rust Update Preview: Mortars, Workbench Upgrades, Vending Changes & More
Rust Update Preview: Mortars, Workbench Upgrades, Vending Changes & More
Rust has a lot of new content being worked on right now, and the next update is already looking pretty interesting. Some of the bigger features in development include mortars, workbench upgrades, vending machine improvements, binocular changes, and more DLC progress.
Not everything listed here is guaranteed to release at the same time, but these are some of the main things currently being worked on.
Mortars
Mortars are probably one of the biggest features being worked on right now.
From what has been shown so far, they look like a new Workbench Level 2 item that will give players another way to fight or pressure an area from a distance. They are expected to have different ammo types, including explosive rounds and fragmentation rounds.
Depending on how they are balanced, mortars could be useful for larger fights, defending an area, or creating pressure during PvP. Facepunch is still working on the UI, camera, sounds, effects, animations, and general feel of the system, so it may still change before release.
If mortars land in a good spot, they could become a pretty big deal for PvP.
Workbench Upgrades
Workbench upgrades are also moving forward.
This system would let players add upgrades to their workbenches instead of only using them for crafting and tech tree progression. These upgrades are expected to come from loot, which means running monuments and opening crates could become even more valuable.
Some upgrades may improve efficiency, while others may be stronger but come with more risk. This could make progression feel more interesting and give bases more personality depending on what upgrades players find and install.
Vending Machine UI
Vending machines are getting a cleaner and more useful interface.
The new UI should make it easier to see exactly what is being sold before buying. More item details are expected to show up in the shop menu, such as item condition, ammo, skins, genetics, and other useful info.
This should be a solid quality-of-life update, especially for servers with active shops and player trading.
Industrial DLC
The Industrial DLC is still getting polished and looks like it may be getting closer.
Recent work has focused on models, textures, icons, item unlocks, and store setup. Some of the items being worked on include industrial storage, an industrial garage door, and other matching deployables.
This DLC seems to be more in the final cleanup stage compared to some of the other features still being built.
Binocular Improvements
Binoculars are also getting some needed improvements.
The goal seems to be making them feel more useful for scouting instead of just being a basic zoom item. The update should improve the lens visuals, clean up the screen while using them, add better range details, and support ping markers.
That should make binoculars much better for watching areas, scouting bases, and calling out players during fights.
Game Room DLC
The Game Room DLC is still in development too.
A lot of the work right now is focused on making the minigames feel better, especially darts. Things like aiming, scoring, throw accuracy, and the general feel of playing are being adjusted.
Other game-room-style items, like pool tables and base props, are also being worked on. This DLC looks like it will add more social and decorative content for players who enjoy building more than just a basic base.
Other Work Being Done
There is also a lot of smaller work happening in the background. Facepunch has been working on AI movement, performance, rendering, physics, networking, vegetation, animations, weapon polish, and general stability.
- Apartment monument progress
- Deep sea loot balance
- Salvaged cleaver polish
- Crossbow model updates
- Spectator fixes
- Server browser improvements
- Spraycan and reskin fixes
- Battering ram UI fixes
- Unity 6 upgrade work
Final Thoughts
Overall, this update is looking pretty solid.
Mortars could be the biggest gameplay change if they make it in soon, especially for PvP and larger group fights. Workbench upgrades could also make progression more interesting by giving players more reasons to loot and customize their base setup.
The vending machine UI update is a strong quality-of-life change, and the DLC progress gives players more content to look forward to.
Not every feature is guaranteed to arrive at the same time, but Rust definitely has some interesting changes coming.
Posted on May 6, 2026 by ELF