How to Get a Tugboat in Rust

Learn how to get a tugboat in Rust and use it to create a big advantage for yourself.

Rust constantly evolves with new updates and features. One of the most exciting additions is the tugboat, a powerful and durable watercraft that can be a game-changer for players who want to dominate the open seas. This guide will explain how to find, acquire, and use a tugboat effectively in Rust.

Key Takeaways

  • In Rust, you can find a tugboat and use it to your advantage.

What Is a Tugboat?

Tugboat in Rust

The tugboat in Rust is a large, heavily-armored vessel designed to transport loot, provide a mobile base, and navigate through water-based environments. Unlike smaller boats, the tugboat offers better durability, storage capacity, and onboard features, making it a valuable asset for solo players and groups alike.

Where to Find a Tugboat

Rust Tugboat

Currently, tugboats spawn at specific locations on the map. These are usually near harbors, large fishing villages, or oil rigs. The spawns are not guaranteed in every game, so players may need to search multiple locations to find one.

To maximize your chances of finding a tugboat, follow these tips:

  • Scout Harbors and Large Fishing Villages: These locations are the most reliable spawn points.
  • Check Near Oil Rigs: Sometimes, abandoned tugboats can be found drifting in the open sea.
  • Use Binoculars: Scan the coastline and surrounding waters for possible tugboat spawns.

How to Claim a Tugboat

Once you locate a tugboat, you’ll need to gain control of it. Unlike regular boats, tugboats are often guarded by scientist NPCs or other players who may try to defend them. Here’s how to secure one:

  1. Eliminate Any Adversaries: If the tugboat is occupied by enemies, use cover and ranged weapons to take them out.
  2. Clear the Area: Ensure no hostile players are nearby before attempting to board.
  3. Repair the Tugboat: Some tugboats spawn in a damaged state and require repairs using metal fragments and high-quality metal.
  4. Fuel the Engine: Like other vehicles in Rust, the tugboat runs on low-grade fuel, so bring a sufficient supply.

Using and Upgrading the Tugboat

How to get a tugboat in Rust

Once you have control of the tugboat, it can serve multiple functions:

  • Mobile Base: Tugboats provide a safe place to store loot and can be customized with sleeping bags and storage boxes.
  • Transport & Raiding: Use the tugboat to carry teammates and supplies to different locations, including oil rigs and other islands.
  • Combat & Defense: The tugboat’s armor makes it more resistant to attacks, making it a great choice for water-based PvP encounters.

To further enhance your tugboat, consider adding:

  • Turrets or Defensive Structures: Protect against enemy players.
  • Storage Containers: Keep more loot secured onboard.
  • Fuel Reserves: Always have extra low-grade fuel on hand.

Summary

The tugboat is one of the most useful watercraft in Rust, providing mobility, protection, and storage for players who explore the ocean. Finding and securing one requires strategy and preparation, but once acquired, it can serve as a powerful tool for survival and dominance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a tugboat in Rust?

Yes, you can.

How often do tugboats spawn in Rust?

Maps usually have 2 harbors and you get 2-4 tugboats in total.

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.