Oil Rig is one of Rust’s best loot runs — and one of its most contested. This guide covers Large vs Small Oil Rig, the scientists and patrol heli, the locked crate event, the loot you get, and how to take and hold a rig.
Large vs Small Oil Rig
Both are water monuments defended by NPC scientists and require a blue keycard to fully clear. Small Oil Rig has fewer scientists and is more solo-friendly. Large Oil Rig has more NPCs, more crates and the best loot — usually a team effort, and it can summon the patrol helicopter. You’ll need a boat (a rowboat or RHIB) to reach either, and proper gear and meds to fight the scientists.
The locked crate event
The big prize is the locked crate. Activating it starts a timer and summons reinforcement scientists (and on Large, the heli may arrive). You have to hold the rig until the crate unlocks — at which point it gives elite-tier loot: top weapons, components, and high-tier blueprints. It’s a defend-the-point event as much as a loot run.
How to run it
- Gear up — bring a solid gun, armour, meds and ammo; scientists hit hard.
- Clear methodically — work up the levels, using cover against the scientists’ crossfire.
- Watch for other players — rigs are PvP magnets, and people will push your boat or third-party the event.
- Use the recyclers — both rigs have recyclers for instant scrap from the components you find.
Is it worth it?
The loot is excellent — among the best non-raid loot in the game — but expect to fight for it. Go geared, bring a friend for Large Rig, and have an exit plan for your boat. For the bigger roaming event, see our Cargo Ship guide.
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