Complete Rust Tugboat Guide: Location, Customization & Survival Tips

With the arrival of Tugboats, Rust server hosting has introduced a fresh approach to how players handle movement and strategy on the water. These boats aren’t just for travel anymore, they’ve become valuable tools for survival. Whether you’re just beginning your Rust journey or already have plenty of experience, figuring out how to make the most of a Tugboat can give you an edge when it counts.

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Acquiring the Tugboat

Tugboats can’t be bought at Fishing Villages like other boats. Instead, you’ll have to look for them at Harbor monuments - both the smaller and larger ones. They’re not exactly common, and only a couple tend to spawn per harbor. If you’re quick to find one, you might just end up with a solid advantage early in the game.

To take over a Tugboat, step up to the control area and press the 'E' key. That will make you the captain and let you start customizing the boat however you see fit.

Turning It Into a Mobile Base

What makes the Tugboat stand out is how flexible it is. After claiming the boat, you’re free to set it up just the way you like. You can install beds, containers, furnaces, or even things like rugs and pictures to give it a personal touch. While you can’t use electrical systems yet, there’s still a wide range of practical and decorative items that fit perfectly on board.

Strategically, the Tugboat can serve as:

• A mobile base for coastal operations and raids

• A safe and secure transport vessel for teammates and resources

• A strategic outpost positioned near high-value zones or monuments

Its size and structure make it an excellent platform for staging offshore attacks or defending key waterways.

IMPORTANT

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Durability and Maintenance

The Tugboat is highly durable, boasting 3,000 health points—more than any other watercraft currently in the game. While it's tough, it is not indestructible. It takes eight Timed Explosive Charges or a comparable arsenal of rockets and satchels to destroy one.

Maintenance is relatively simple. Use a hammer and basic resources like wood and metal fragments to repair damage. Be aware of the decay timer: the Tugboat will start to decay 24 hours after being claimed, and it will fully decay after 36 hours if not maintained. Regular upkeep is essential to keep it functional long-term.

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Strategic Benefits

The Tugboat has introduced a new dimension to naval strategy in Rust. Its utility includes:

• Avoiding land routes and hostile chokepoints

• Enabling stealth raids from the ocean

• Facilitating safe long-distance transport of high-value items

The presence of these ships has rebalanced gameplay by making water-based mobility and aggression far more viable.

Tips for Effective Tugboat Use

• Always carry Low Grade Fuel to avoid getting stranded

• Install doors and locks to restrict access and protect stored items

• Repair regularly and monitor the decay timer to ensure longevity

• Position the Tugboat near high-traffic areas or valuable loot zones for strategic benefit

Result

Tugboats in Rust offer players a durable, customizable mobile base, enhancing naval strategy and survival through stealth raids, transport, and offshore operations.

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