In Rust, survival is all about efficiency and nothing makes traversing the map faster and easier than a trusty horse.
Whether youβre raiding, farming, or simply exploring, a horse can save precious time and protect you from hostile players or wildlife.
This guide covers everything you need to know about horses in Rust: how to find them, feed them, and even purchase one if you’re looking for a reliable mount with solid stats.
How To Get a Horse in Rust
There are two primary ways to acquire a horse in Rust: finding one in the wild or buying one from a Stable.
1. Finding Wild Horses
Wild horses roam randomly across the map, particularly in open biomes like the Desert, Grasslands, and Forest areas.
You’ll usually spot them grazing alone or in small groups. Simply walk up to the horse and press the E key to mount it. Once mounted, the horse is claimed by you, but be warned: anyone else can take it if you leave it unguarded.
Wild horses have random stats, which influence speed, stamina, and acceleration. Some may be sluggish, while others are extremely fast. Still, finding a wild horse is the quickest way to get started with mounted travel.
2. Buying Horses from the Ranch
For those who want a horse with guaranteed good stats, the Ranch Monument is your best bet. Here, youβll find Horse Stables run by NPC vendors. A Saddleless Horse can be purchased for 75 Scrap, while Saddled Horses (with a basic saddle already equipped) cost 100 Scrap.
Buying from a Stable has several advantages:
- Horses have decent base stats.
- You can also purchase Horse Armor and Saddlebags.
- The horse is ready to ride immediately.
How to Feed a Horse in Rust
Just like any living creature in Rust, horses need food to survive and perform well. If you neglect your horse, it can starve to death or run out of stamina quickly.
1. What Horses Eat in Rust
Horses primarily consume the following:
- π½ Corn
- π Pumpkins
- π Apples
- π« Berries
- 𧡠Cloth (yes, surprisingly)
- π¬ Sugar Cubes (from roadside crates or food boxes)
Place the food into your horse’s inventory or directly feed it while mounted. A well-fed horse:
- Recovers health faster.
- Maintains stamina longer.
- Lives significantly longer, especially when left unattended.
You can also place a Horse Trough or a Food Trough next to where your horse is tethered (such as at your base). This ensures it will automatically eat when hungry.
2. Watering Your Horse
While not essential for survival, hydration boosts stamina and health recovery. Build a Water Trough and fill it with water from a Water Catcher or Jug for maximum efficiency.
Horse Tiers and Stats
Horses in Rust are not all created equal. They fall into three main tiers based on their base attributes:
π Horse Tiers in Rust
-
Tier 1 (Slow): Weak speed, poor acceleration, and low stamina.
-
Tier 2 (Medium): Balanced stats, suitable for most players.
-
Tier 3 (Fast): High top speed, great for raiders and nomads.
Stats to watch:
π Key Horse Stats
- π Top Speed
- π Acceleration
- π Turn Speed
- π Stamina Duration
To determine your horseβs tier, observe how it moves when galloping or sprinting. High-tier horses will feel significantly smoother and faster.
Horse Upgrades in Rust
In Rust, you can upgrade your horse in multiple ways:
π Horse Gear & Upgrades
-
Basic Saddle: Required for riding. Comes with space for the rider and a small storage area. -
High-Quality Saddle: Allows for a second rider.
-
Saddlebags: Add additional inventory slots β perfect for farming runs.
-
Wooden Horse Armor: Provides basic protection.
-
Roadsign Horse Armor: Offers better defense against gunfire and melee attacks.
These upgrades can be purchased at stables or found in loot crates.
Keeping Your Horse Safe
Once you have a good horse, you’ll want to protect it:
π‘οΈ How to Protect Your Horse in Rust
- πͺ’ Use a Hitching Post: Prevents despawning and keeps the horse tethered.
- π₯ Keep It Fed: Starving horses lose health and may die.
- π Shelter It: Build a stable or enclosed pen to protect it from gunfire and weather.
- π Use Code Locks: Saddlebags and storage are not protected unless your base is secure. Horses themselves canβt be locked, but keeping them inside a locked compound works.
Summary
Horses are one of the most valuable assets in Rust. Whether you’re crossing the map in record time or hauling back a full inventory of loot, a well-fed and properly equipped horse can give you a major edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to feed a horse in Rust?
Approach the horse, look at it, and press the interaction key (usually E) with food in your inventory. Corn, pumpkins, apples, and sugar cubes are great choices.
How to buy a horse in Rust?
Go to a Stable monument. Interact with the NPC vendor to buy a horse using Scrap. Prices vary by horse type.
How to get a horse in Rust?
You can find horses roaming the map or purchase one from a Stable monument. Wild horses can be claimed by mounting them.
What do horses eat in Rust?
Horses eat corn, pumpkins, apples, berries, cloth, and sugar cubes. Feeding improves stamina regeneration and prevents starvation.
How to feed horse Rust?
Use food items like corn or pumpkins from your inventory and interact with the horse directly to feed it.
How to buy horse Rust?
Visit a Stable and trade scrap for a horse via the NPC vendor. Choose the saddle and armor setup you prefer.
