How to do Military Tunnels in Rust?

Navigate the challenging Military Tunnels in Rust for great rewards. Learn the best strategies for handling the radiation, NPCs, and puzzle.

The Military Tunnels are hands down one of the toughest yet most rewarding monuments in Rust. If you’re like me and love high-risk, high-reward gameplay, this is where you want to be. However, don’t go in blind—this place is crawling with well-armed NPCs, high radiation, and a puzzle that can trip you up if you’re not prepared. Let me break down how I tackle it, so you can, too.

Step 1: Gear Up Properly

Military Tunnels in Rust
via Fandom

First things first—if you’re under-geared, don’t bother stepping foot in these tunnels. Here’s my go-to loadout:

  • Hazmat Suit or radiation protection (25+ rad resistance) – The tunnels are loaded with radiation, so this is non-negotiable.
  • Green, Blue, and Red keycards – You’ll need all three to complete the puzzle and access the best loot.
  • Electric Fuse – You’ll need at least one, though bringing two is safer.
  • Weapons and Ammo – The NPC scientists in here don’t mess around. I usually pack an assault rifle, preferably an LR-300 or an MP5, with plenty of ammo.
  • Healing items – You’ll want a solid amount of medical syringes and bandages to stay in the fight longer.
  • Food – I bring pumpkins for that quick heal between firefights.

Step 2: Enter the Tunnels

There are two main entrances to the tunnels. I typically choose the one with fewer players around, which gives me time to handle the first set of NPCs without worrying about ambushes from behind.

You’ll encounter your first wave of scientists almost immediately. I like to engage quickly and with precision—try to headshot them before they swarm. Don’t hesitate to use cover; the tunnels offer plenty of it.

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Step 3: The Fuse Room

Military Tunnels in Rust
via Rustafied

Once you’ve cleared the initial scientists, you’ll make your way to the Fuse Room. Here, you’ll insert an electric fuse and flip the timer switch. T

his starts the puzzle process and gives you a limited window to swipe your Green Card at the next room, which is located across the tracks in a door marked “Storage.”

You need to be fast here. The puzzle is timed, so once you flip the switch, sprint toward the Green Card room. Every second counts.

Step 4: Solving the Puzzle

After swiping the Green Card, head deeper into the tunnels. You’ll soon come across the Blue Card room, labeled “Laboratory.” Clear out any scientists you encounter along the way, and swipe your Blue Card to proceed. In this area, scientists are well-armed with shotguns, so I typically engage them at range and use grenades if I have them.

Finally, you’ll come across the Red Card Room. Swipe your Red Card, but be ready—the NPCs here are aggressive, and this is where other players are most likely to ambush you, since the best loot is just behind this door.

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Step 5: Loot and Exit

Once inside the Red Card Room, you’ll find Elite Crates—these are where the big rewards are. I’ve found high-tier weapons, armor, and other goodies that make the entire run worth it. Just remember: you’re not safe yet.

I’ve lost count of the times I’ve been looted right after I cleared the room. Keep your guard up, and always have an exit plan.

Combat Tips

  • Use cover – The tunnels offer lots of places to hide. I move from cover to cover, and always keep my back to a wall when possible.
  • Grenades – These are lifesavers, especially when you need to clear a room quickly without exposing yourself.
  • Stay mobile – The scientists have good aim. Staying on the move makes it harder for them to land those deadly shots.

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Key Takeaways

  • Be prepared – Don’t go in half-geared or without a plan.
  • Move fast – The puzzle is timed, and hesitating can get you killed.
  • Watch your back – The tunnels are prime real estate for player ambushes, especially near the Red Card Room.

The Military Tunnels are a thrill. Whether you’re solo or with a team, the key is preparation and precision. With the right strategy, you’ll walk out with some of the best loot in the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get out of the military tunnel in Rust?

To exit the Military Tunnels, you can backtrack to the entrance or use the mine exit near the tunnel’s secondary laboratory. It leads you through a cave system that offers a safe, hidden way out.

What do you need to do Military Tunnel in Rust?

You need a Hazmat suit or radiation protection, Green, Blue, and Red keycards, at least one fuse, good weapons, healing items, and food for the radiation-filled, NPC-heavy area.

How long does it take for Military Tunnels to Respawn in Rust?

Scientists and loot typically respawn every 20-30 minutes, but this can vary based on the server’s population and activity in the area.

Are Military Tunnels hard?

Yes, they are one of the toughest monuments in Rust due to high radiation, heavily armed NPCs, and complex puzzles. Proper preparation and gear are crucial to survive.

Posted by
William Westerlund

William is an author, editor, and an avid gamer with over 10.000 hours in CS:GO (Counter-Strike 2). He also enjoys playing Rust, Dota 2, and TF2 but never became a top 1% player in any of those games.