How to Use Metal Detector – Rust

When I first started using the Metal Detector in Rust, it felt like I unlocked a whole new layer of the game. It’s not just about running around and surviving anymore—it’s about finding buried treasure. If you’ve got one of these gadgets and want to make the most of it, here’s everything I’ve learned.

Getting the Metal Detector

To start, you’ll need to craft the Metal Detector. Here’s the recipe:

• 200 Metal Fragments
• 5 High-Quality Metal
• 2 Rope

Crafting it requires a Level 1 Workbench, so if you don’t have one yet, make that a priority. Once you’ve got the materials and the bench, you’re good to go.

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How It Works

The Metal Detector is essentially a treasure-hunting tool. It helps you locate hidden loot buried across the map. When you equip it, you’ll notice:

• A beep: This tells you you’re near a Metal-Rich Zone (MRZ).
• Indicator lights: These help pinpoint the exact location of the loot. The more green lights that light up, the closer you are.

Finding Metal-Rich Zones (MRZs)

Here’s the trick: MRZs are scattered across the map, but not everywhere. Here’s where I’ve had the most success:

1. Temperate and Desert Biomes: These are the hotspots. If you’re in the Arctic biome or a safe zone, you’re wasting your time—the detector doesn’t work there.
2. Near Monuments: While you won’t find MRZs inside monuments, they often spawn nearby. Keep an eye out as you explore the surrounding areas.
3. Along Roads: Sometimes, MRZs show up near roads, but be aware that if the surface is elevated (like on a concrete road), you might need to crouch to get an accurate reading.

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Using the Metal Detector: Step by Step

When I first used the detector, it took me a bit to get the hang of it. Here’s what I’d recommend:

1. Equip the Metal Detector: Right-click to aim and start moving around. Pay attention to the sound and lights.
2. Follow the Beeps: As you get closer to a buried treasure, the beeping speeds up, and the green lights increase. Move slowly and aim to max out the green lights.
3. Mark the Spot: Once the detector locks onto a dig site, you’ll see a red flag pop up. This is your cue that you’ve hit gold—figuratively speaking.
4. Dig It Up: Switch to a melee weapon (a pickaxe or hatchet works well) and hit the red flag three times. That’s it—the loot is yours.

What Can You Find?

Metal detectors are extremely meta.
byu/Alphamoonman inplayrust

This is the fun part. The loot is random, but here’s what I’ve uncovered so far:

• Weapons: Revolvers, Semi-Automatic Pistols
• Ammo: Pistol Bullets, 5.56 Rifle Ammo
• Armor: Road Sign Jacket, Coffee Can Helmet
• Resources: High-Quality Metal, Scrap, Metal Fragments
• Tools: Salvaged Axe, Pickaxe
• Extras: Food items like a Can of Beans or a Water Jug

Different biomes seem to affect the loot pool. For example, I’ve found better weapons in open fields, while forest zones often give tools and resources.

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Pro Tips for Efficient Treasure Hunting

If you’re new to the Metal Detector, here are some tips I wish I’d known early on:

• Stay Out of Safe Zones: The detector won’t work in safe zones, so don’t waste time there.
• Watch for Other Players: The red flag marking your dig site is visible to everyone, not just you. Be quick about collecting your loot and stay alert.
• Stick to Good Biomes: Focus on Temperate and Desert biomes—they’re the most rewarding.
• Be Patient: Sometimes, it takes a bit of wandering to find a good spot. Don’t give up too quickly.

Why the Metal Detector is a Game-Changer

Using the Metal Detector has added a whole new layer to how I play Rust. It’s not just about looting bases and scavenging scraps anymore—it’s about going on treasure hunts and finding high-value items that can turn the tide of the game.

Be it solo or in a group, it’s worth the time to learn how to use this tool effectively.

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Frequently Asked Questions