Understanding Decay in Rust
In the survival game Rust, decay is a mechanic designed to remove abandoned structures from the server to improve performance and clear space for active players. If a base's Tool Cupboard (TC) is destroyed or runs out of resources (upkeep), the decay timer begins immediately.
Use this Rust Decay Calculator to determine exactly how much time you have before a wall, door, or foundation crumbles completely. This is essential for raiders waiting for a base to decay, or owners trying to log in before losing their loot.
Standard Decay Times
Different building materials decay at different rates. The timer represents how long it takes for a structure to go from 100% health to 0% health once upkeep fails.
| Material Tier | Full Decay Time | Standard Wall HP |
|---|---|---|
| Twig | 1 Hour | 10 HP |
| Wood | 3 Hours | 250 HP |
| Stone | 5 Hours | 500 HP |
| Sheet Metal | 8 Hours | 1000 HP |
| Armored (HQM) | 12 Hours | 2000 HP |
How the Calculation Works
Decay in Rust is generally linear. The formula used to determine the remaining life of a building block is:
Time Remaining = (Current Health / Max Health) × Material Decay Time
Why is this useful?
- For Raiders: If you spot a decaying base with a stone wall at 100/500 HP, you can calculate exactly when it will break without wasting explosives.
- For Owners: If you forgot to fill your TC, this tells you the maximum window you have to log back in and repair your base before it's gone.
Decay Reset Mechanics
Remember that interacting with a structure (repairing it) or adding resources to the Tool Cupboard will stop the decay process and reset the timer. However, structures do not automatically heal; they must be manually repaired using the Hammer and the required resources.