When I first got into drones in Rust, I thought I was just messing around with a camera on wings. I had no idea how game-changing they’d be—until I used one to scout a roof camper’s base layout without taking a single bullet. Ever since then, drones have become a core part of my strategy.
If you’re looking to fly a drone in Rust—actually pilot one yourself—this is everything I’ve learned from setup to advanced recon.
Step 1: What You Actually Need
You can’t just throw a drone in the air and call it a day. You’ll need two things:
- A player-controlled drone (not the auto delivery ones).
- A Computer Station to control it.
Both are mid-to-late game items. You’re looking at Tier 2 workbench requirements, plus a fair amount of components and scrap. I usually get mine by looting Rust Oil Rig or Labs, but if I’m settled, I craft them.
Here’s the short version of the shopping list:
For the Drone
- 200 Metal Frags
- 1 CCTV Camera
- 2 Tech Trash
- Tier 2 Workbench
For the Computer Station
- 5 HQM
- 1 Targeting Computer
- 1 RF Receiver + 1 RF Broadcaster
- Tier 2 Workbench
You can also research both items or buy them from vending machines (sometimes for steep prices).
Step 2: Setting It Up
Once I’ve crafted or found my drone and Computer Station, here’s what I do:
- Place the drone somewhere flat—open roofs are perfect.
- Interact with it (‘E’) and assign it a custom ID. Keep it simple, like
drone01. IDs are case-sensitive, so no typos. - Jump on the Computer Station, type the ID, and boom—you’re flying.
Step 3: Flying Like a Pro
Here are the default Rust keybinds I use:
| Action | Key |
|---|---|
| Ascend | Left Shift |
| Descend | Left Ctrl |
| Forward | W |
| Backward | S |
| Strafe Left | A |
| Strafe Right | D |
| Look / Steer | Mouse |
You don’t need fuel, batteries, or wires for the drone. The Computer Station does need electricity if you’re also controlling other electronics, but for drone flight alone, you’re good.
Step 4: Know the Range and Limits
Drones have a 600m control range, and signal fully cuts out around 750m. That means if I’m scouting deep enemy territory, I either:
- Set up a forward base with a Computer Station closer to the target.
- Launch from a Tugboat and move while flying.
If you push past the range, the drone feed starts glitching, and eventually you lose it entirely.
Step 5: Why I Use Drones in the First Place
Honestly? Intel wins fights. Here’s how I use mine:
- Scout raid targets – roof turrets, weak walls, turret coverage.
- Watch enemy movement – who’s farming, who’s online, who’s grouping up.
- Check monument activity – before I even step inside Dome or Train Yard.
- Spy from safety – while my body is tucked in a honeycomb base.
Drones are basically free eyes. I don’t risk my kit. I don’t even risk a naked run.
Step 6: Keeping Your Drone Alive
Yes, drones got buffed—they’ve got 200 HP now. But they still die if you’re careless.
Biggest threats:
- Bullets – anyone with decent aim will shoot it down.
- Crashing into things – they break on hard impact.
- Water – instant destruction.
If mine gets hit but survives, I bring it back and hit it with a Hammer or repair it at a Repair Bench. It’s cheaper than crafting a new one.
Marketplace Drone Delivery ≠ Manual Flying
Just so you know—those indestructible marketplace drones are not what this guide is about. You can’t control them. You just use the terminal at Outpost or Bandit Camp, pay 20 scrap, and your stuff gets flown in automatically.
They’re amazing for loot transfer, though. I sometimes set up my own vending machine near base, “buy” something from it at Bandit, and get the drone to deliver my real loot home safely.
Drones in Rust Are Worth It (If You Know How to Use Them)
Flying drones in Rust isn’t just for roleplayers or base builders—it’s a legit PvP and survival tool. It takes a bit of setup, sure. But once you’ve got a drone in the air, you’re operating with information your enemies don’t have.
And in Rust? Information gets you kills, loot, and survival.
So get your drone. Set your ID. And start owning the sky.
FAQs
In Rust, drones are used for scouting, spying on enemies, and transporting items safely. They’re tools for strategy, intel, and logistics.
Yes, you can fly player-controlled drones using a Computer Station. Once connected via a unique ID, you get full control with standard WASD and mouse inputs. It’s like piloting a free-moving security cam.
Using the drone delivery system costs 20 Scrap per transaction. That’s on top of the item cost when ordering from vending machines. It’s a small price for risk-free loot transport.
Player-controlled drones can fly up to 600 meters before signal degrades. At 750 meters, connection fully drops. Past that, you lose control unless you reposition your Computer Station.
