Cows, Flatbeds, and Biofuel: Rust Details Upcoming Livestock Update

Facepunch Studios has unveiled the full feature set for Rust's upcoming monthly patch, titled the Livestock Update. Scheduled to deploy on Thursday, October 1, 2026 (19:00 BST / 14:00 EST), the expansion fundamentally shifts post-apocalyptic base logistics, elevating agrarian survival into a powerhouse industry for fuel production.

At the heart of the update is a dedicated animal husbandry system introducing sheep, cows, and temperamental bulls. Survivors can tame roaming wildlife or purchase domesticated stock from vendors stationed at the Ranch and Large Barn monuments. Managing livestock requires sturdy fenced pens, proximity-based bonding, and dedicated feeding. Transporting mature cattle demands modular vehicles outfitted with large flatbed chassis. In return, compliant herds supply a steady harvest of milk, cream, wool, leather, and premium butchered steaks.

The biggest shift in server economy arrives via the Biofuel Generator. Historically, securing Low Grade Fuel demanded high-risk excursions to offshore Oil Rigs or relentless animal hunting. Accessible at a Level 1 Workbench for merely 60 scrap, the Biofuel Generator burns electricity to convert organic food calories and accumulated animal dung directly into Low Grade Fuel. A functioning farmstead can now fully automate fuel logistics for base refineries, lights, and minicopter hangars.

Ecosystem diversity and base fortification also receive notable upgrades:

• New critters and swimmers: coastlines and rivers now host crabs, frogs, turtles, and jellyfish, while temperate forests feature squirrels and rabbits.
• Specialized cooking buffs: butchered livestock unlocks culinary recipes such as Beef and Mutton Pies, granting temporary buffs against charging bulls alongside expanded hunger reserves.
• Barricade overhaul: sandbag defensive barricades receive revised hitboxes, improved placement logic, and elevated ballistic damage absorption against high-caliber raids.

The Livestock Update goes live alongside the mandatory global map wipe across all official and community servers.