Rust Naval Update: Complete Guide to Ships, Deep Sea & Modular Boats

The Naval Update Has Arrived

Released on February 5, 2026, the Rust Naval Update is the biggest content drop in years. After being pushed back from its original December 2025 target, Facepunch delivered a massive expansion that transforms how players interact with the ocean. Here's everything you need to know.

Modular Boats

The headline feature: fully customizable boats you build from scratch.

How to Build

1. Craft a Boat Building Station — this deployable must be placed in water
2. Gather materials — wood and low-grade fuel are the primary resources
3. Attach components — snap hull sections, decks, and functional parts together
4. Launch — once built, your boat is ready to sail

Available Components

Build Tips

• Weight matters — heavier boats are slower but can carry more
• Balance your design — asymmetric builds handle poorly
• Sails + engine combo — use sails for fuel-free cruising, engine for combat or storms
• Cannons face forward — position them for broadside or bow attacks
• Always bring repair materials — boats are destructible in combat

The Deep Sea Biome

A entirely new zone beyond the southern edge of the map.

How to Get There

Sail south beyond the existing map boundary. You'll encounter increasingly rough weather as you cross into the Deep Sea zone. The transition is unmistakable — storms, larger waves, and a distinct visual change.

What You'll Find

Deep Sea Reset Cycle

The entire Deep Sea zone resets on a 3-hour cycle:

• All loot respawns
• Terrain on islands regenerates
• Ghost Ships change position
• Scientist patrols reset

This creates a repeatable end-game farming loop. Plan your Deep Sea expeditions around the reset timer.

Survival Tips

• Bring plenty of fuel — it's a long sail and there are no fuel sources in the Deep Sea
• Pack medical supplies — fights are frequent and there's nowhere to retreat
• Go in a group — solo exploration is dangerous due to scientist patrols and other players
• Use the compass — RHIBs now have a compass and map display to help navigation
• Mark your path — the Deep Sea is large and disorienting in storms

Ghost Ships

The Ghost Ships are the Deep Sea's signature PvE encounter.

What They Are

Mysterious vessels that roam the Deep Sea autonomously. They carry valuable loot, including locked crates that trigger a timed event similar to the Locked Crate on top of Launch Site.

How to Raid One

1. Spot a Ghost Ship — they're visible from a distance by their distinctive silhouette
2. Approach carefully — scientist defenders will open fire as you get close
3. Board the ship — use ladders or jump from your own boat
4. Clear the defenders — expect heavy resistance from scientists
5. Hack the locked crate — triggers a timer; defend the ship during the countdown
6. Loot and evacuate — grab everything and get back to your boat fast

Loot Quality

Ghost Ship locked crates contain military-grade loot comparable to the Locked Crate event. Expect rifles, explosives, and high-tier components.

PT Boat (Patrol Torpedo)

The new PT Boat is a pre-built military vessel found in the Deep Sea.

PT Boat vs RHIB

Tip: If you can capture a PT Boat from the scientists, it's the best combat vessel in the game.

The Floating City

A new monument that combines elements from existing safe zones.

What It Contains

The Floating City is a large offshore structure that functions as a combined:

• Fishing Village — purchase boats and fishing supplies
• Outpost — buy and sell basic resources
• Bandit Camp — gambling and higher-risk trading

Why It Matters

It serves as a neutral zone in the Deep Sea. Use it to:

• Resupply during Deep Sea expeditions
• Trade loot without returning to the mainland
• Purchase boats if yours was destroyed
• Rest and regroup between Ghost Ship raids

Updated RHIB

The existing RHIB received significant upgrades:

• New model and textures — completely refreshed visual design
• Built-in compass — always know your heading
• Map display — see your position relative to the mainland
• Navigation aids — essential for Deep Sea exploration

Improved Scientist AI

Scientists across the game received AI improvements:

This affects Oil Rigs, Ghost Ships, Deep Sea islands, and any future PvE content.

Server Hosting Implications

The Naval Update adds significant server load. Here's what admins need to know:

Server Requirements

Recommended Specs

For servers with the Naval Update active:

• 50 players: 12GB RAM minimum (up from 8GB pre-update)
• 100 players: 16GB RAM recommended
• 200 players: 16GB+ with high CPU allocation

HostedGG Rust Plans

Tip for admins: The Naval Update is included automatically. If your server is experiencing lag since the update, consider upgrading your plan. The increased entity count from modular boats and Deep Sea content demands more resources.

2026 Rust Roadmap

The Naval Update is just the beginning. Facepunch has announced plans for:

Ready to conquer the seas? Get your Rust server now and set sail with the full Naval Update from day one.

Running an Autowipe server? Our Rust Autowipe plan handles wipe scheduling automatically — perfect for keeping your server fresh with the new Deep Sea reset cycles.