It’s time to learn all about running the Giant Excavator in Rust, breaking down each step, from prepping to resource collection. This thing is a beast, but if you’re strategic, it’ll reward you with resources like no other monument in the game.
What You’ll Need
- Diesel Fuel: You can’t run this monster without Diesel, so stack up! You’ll need around 20 units for a full 40-minute cycle, and each unit burns every 2 minutes. You can find Diesel at specific monuments, including the Dome and Oil Rig.
- Radiation Protection: The Excavator Pit has radiation, so a Hazmat Suit or gear with high rad protection is essential if you don’t want to fry on entry.
- Weapons & Ammo: Expect opposition, both from scientists and potentially other players. There are around 18 NPC scientists patrolling the Excavator, each armed and ready. Once you fire up the engine, you’ll probably attract other players, so come prepared for a fight.
Step 1: Entering and Clearing the Excavator Pit
When you first arrive, you’ll need to clear out those scientists. Use cover and pick them off one by one.
A compound bow or sniper rifle works wonders here—ideally, stay at a distance and avoid unnecessary close encounters.
Once the area is secure, you’re good to start the mining process.
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Step 2: Fueling the Engine
Head to the Engine Room (near the base center), where you’ll find the fuel tank.
Deposit your Diesel Fuel here, keeping in mind that you’re limited to a max of 20 units per run. Once you’ve loaded up, hit the Engine Startup button to get things rolling.
Step 3: Choosing Resource
With the engine running, head over to the Control Room. You’ll find this near the spinning head of the Excavator, accessible via several flights of stairs and a ladder. Here’s where you select the resource you want to mine. You’ve got four options:
- High-Quality Metal (HQM): Great for high-end crafting.
- Sulfur: Essential for explosives.
- Metal Fragments: Used in many essential items.
- Stone: Perfect for base building.
Choose wisely based on your needs, as you can only mine one type at a time, and fuel starts burning as soon as the engine is on.
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Step 4: Collecting the Resources
Once the Excavator is operational and your resource type is set, the machine will start gathering materials. The resources will drop at two separate collection points: one on a conveyor belt leading to a rail car and another near a pile by a bulldozer.
These locations are about 30 seconds apart, so having an extra player here can help ensure no one sneaks in and steals your loot.
The yield per cycle (using 20 units of Diesel) roughly translates to:
- HQM: 2,000 units
- Sulfur: 40,000 units
- Metal Fragments: 100,000 units
- Stone: 200,000 units
Step 5: Securing the Area
Running the Giant Excavator is a loud operation, and the noise tends to draw other players looking to raid. Ideally, post a player at each drop-off point for defense.
Use the high ground or strategic angles to keep raiders at bay, especially if you’re mining HQM or Sulfur, which are highly sought-after.
Defensive building structures near the Excavator can also give you quick deposit options and let you re-engage attackers faster.
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Final Tips
- Bring Transport: A car with storage or a camper is a great way to haul your resources without having to make multiple trips. Alternatively, a small base nearby can work as a forward operating base.
- Watch the Clock: Each Diesel unit burns in 2 minutes, so a 20-fuel run lasts 40 minutes. Keep an eye on your fuel levels to avoid running out mid-cycle.
Conclusion
Running the Giant Excavator is risky but hugely rewarding if you’re well-prepared. It’s a strategic play—defend your position, choose your resources wisely, and keep an eye out for raiders. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be raking in materials that can seriously bolster your game.
Frequently Asked Questions
To use the Giant Excavator, load it with Diesel Fuel in the engine room, then go to the control room to select a resource to mine. Once started, gather resources from the two drop-off points.
Begin at the engine room in the Excavator’s base, where you’ll load the Diesel Fuel. After that, activate the engine and head to the control room to choose the resource.
The Giant Excavator requires 20 units of Diesel Fuel for a full 40-minute run, burning one unit every 2 minutes.
The Excavator only runs on Diesel Fuel, which you can find at various monuments, such as the Dome and Oil Rig.
