TheRustUpdate for February 2021 is on its way. As part of the update, the team is introducing a new softcore game mode. This “highly experimental” mode is basically going to pull the game back toward its original, vanilla form. Softcore will, essentially, make the game much more palatable for both new players and less dedicated active players. If you’re interested to see everything coming, check out the update from Facepunch Studios devRust softcore game-mode is coming on Feb 4th Update.- Lower capped Team size (4)- Auth limited to team size (4)- Ability to spawn at bandit+compound- Not all loot is lost on death, reclaimed at safe zone- New official servers on launch (Feb 4th)- Plus more— Alistair McFarlane (@Alistair_McF)July 07, 2025" target="_blank" rel=“noopener”>Alistair McFarlane.

Rust softcore game-mode is coming on Feb 4th Update.- Lower capped Team size (4)- Auth limited to team size (4)- Ability to spawn at bandit+compound- Not all loot is lost on death, reclaimed at safe zone- New official servers on launch (Feb 4th)- Plus more

While we don’t know the full story until the update actually releases and players get their hands on it, so far the community seems split. Of course, given how hardcore many players are, this makes sense. After all, they play and love the game in its current state, so they’ll always be resistant to change. Not only that, but some players in the comments are taking the opportunity to talk about other waysthe gamecould be improved for new players.

Regardless, it’s important to note that this is an experiment. Softcore mode will undoubtedly change over the course of the next few months. And, of course, it’s not like the hardcore players have to play on softcore servers. So, in all likelihood, this is a fair amount of bluster without much purpose. UnlessFacepunchjust completely messes this up with bad decisions, it’s hard to see this not being a net positive for the company and community.

Rustis available now onPC. Now seems like a good time to hop in as theRustUpdate for February 2021 is launching later today.