There are relatively few franchises that enjoy the track record Rust has obtained. This multiplayer game was first released in December 2013, and it continues to redefine the survival genre. Players can enjoy massive open-world environments, strategy-based gameplay, fierce competition, and second-to-none levels of material crafting.
However, the skins that can be obtained over time are often thought to be just as valuable as the weapons themselves in terms of sheer aesthetics.
What are some of the ways in which these items can be gathered, and are there any tricks that could provide you with an edge? If you are still learning the ropes, the advice outlined below should come in handy.
Standard Methods
One of the most common strategies is associated with active gameplay. In other words, you can come across skins by completing specific tasks (such as defeating other players, or gaining XP over time).
Another technique involves cannibalising (re-purposing) excess materials that you might not require. These can be used to craft dedicated skin crates. As you might have imagined, rarer materials tend to yield more valuable crates (and potentially rarer skins).
We should also mention the random nature of in-game drops. Research suggests that a free crate can be obtained once every 100 hours.
So, active players will be regularly rewarded. However, frequency does not necessarily correlate with rarity. This is when other methods begin to demonstrate their merit.
Third-Party Vendors
Another useful technique is associated with trusted third-party marketplaces offering Rust skins. The main advantage here is that prices are highly competitive; enabling players to encounter rare items at significant discounts (although this ultimately depends on the skin in question).
Rust Clash is a prime example, as many feel that this is the most popular Rust unboxing platform due to the sheer number of active users, and a thriving online community.
The Steam Marketplace
There may be times when players are searching for older skins. In these situations, it could be wise to access the Steam marketplace.
The benefit here is that skins can be obtained from other players, and often at reduced price points. Users can also request a specific bundle, or keep track of the latest offers.
The Rush Item Store
What if you are governed by a tight budget? In this case, it could be better to access the in-game Rust store. It is possible to encounter newer skins before they are released into the community marketplace (and prices begin to rise based on popularity). This is also a great option for those who enjoy crafting, as the store contains many valuable resources.
Although skins are not necessary to enjoy all that Rust has to offer, they will undoubtedly provide an additional level of end-user immersion. You might even be lucky enough to walk away with an extremely rare item. At the end of the day, a bit of effort will go a long way!
