Category Rust, Rust Guides

Tugboat Rust Guide: Spawn Locations, How to Get & More

Author William Westerlund Published on 4 min read
Learn all you need to know about Tugboats in Rust

Rust, the survival sandbox game, constantly evolves with new content and mechanics. One of the most exciting recent additions is the Tugboat, a powerful watercraft that can serve as a mobile base or a transportation vehicle.

In this guide, we’ll explore where to find Tugboats, how to acquire them, their advantages, and essential tips for using them effectively.

Tugboat Overview

TF2 Tugboat Guide

The Tugboat is a durable and spacious boat in Rust, offering significant advantages over smaller watercraft. It provides ample storage, can be used as a floating base, and allows players to travel across the ocean efficiently.

Unlike simple rowboats or RHIBs, the Tugboat is a formidable presence on the water, making it highly sought after by players looking to establish dominance in aquatic territories.

Tugboat Spawn Locations

TF2 Tugboat How to Get

Tugboats spawn at specific locations across the Rust map. They can typically be found:

• Harbors – These industrial zones often contain docked Tugboats ready for use.
• Fishing Villages – Occasionally, Tugboats may appear near these coastal NPC-run locations.
• Oil Rigs (near coastline) – In some cases, players can locate Tugboats near the edges of the ocean close to the Oil Rig monuments.
• Random Coastal Spawns – Some Tugboats may be found at various coastal spots, especially near large water bodies.

Since the Tugboat is a rare vehicle, players should scout these locations frequently to find an available one before others claim it.

How to Get a Tugboat

TF2 Tugboat

There are two primary ways to obtain a Tugboat in Rust:

• Finding and Claiming One – If you locate a spawned Tugboat, you can simply board it and take control. However, be cautious of other players who may try to contest it.
• Buying from NPC Vendors – Some fishing villages or other NPC vendors may sell Tugboats, though the price can be steep, requiring a significant amount of scrap.

Since Tugboats are in high demand, securing one early can give players a considerable advantage in exploring and controlling the waters.

Tugboat Features and Advantages

Here’s why you might want to get your hands on a Tugboat in Rust:

• Durability – Tugboats are much tougher than small boats, making them harder to destroy.
• Storage Space – Players can store loot, weapons, and supplies onboard, making it a functional base on the water.
• Mobile Base Potential – The ability to build small structures or use the deck for storage makes the Tugboat an excellent option for players looking to stay mobile.
• Superior Defense – Compared to smaller boats, the Tugboat provides better cover, reducing vulnerability to enemy fire.
• Ideal for Raiding – Players can use Tugboats for strategic coastal raids, allowing for quick getaway options.

Tugboat Fuel Requirements

Like other watercraft in Rust, the Tugboat requires low-grade fuel to operate. Given its size, it consumes more fuel than a rowboat but offers better longevity and utility.

Always stockpile fuel before embarking on long journeys to avoid getting stranded in the open ocean.

Best Strategies for Using a Tugboat

TF2 Tugboat Locations

Here are the best Tugboat strategies in Rust:

• Use it as a Mobile Stash – Store weapons, explosives, or extra loot safely away from your primary base.
• Patrol the Waters – Dominate Rust’s ocean areas by controlling access to key water monuments like Oil Rigs.
• Establish a Floating Base – With storage and mobility, the Tugboat can serve as a backup base or a temporary outpost.
• Team Raiding – Use the Tugboat to transport multiple players and gear for water-based raids on enemy bases.

Tugboat Maintenance and Defense

When using a Tugboat in Rust, make sure to:

• Keep it Fueled – Running out of fuel in the middle of the ocean can leave you vulnerable to enemy attacks.
• Arm Yourself – Always carry weapons on board to defend against pirates or hostile players.
• Dock Securely – Hide your Tugboat near cliffs or secluded areas to reduce the chance of theft.

Summary

The Tugboat is a valuable addition to Rust’s ever-expanding sandbox experience. Whether used for transport, storage, or as a floating base, it provides numerous benefits for survival and domination. By securing one early, properly maintaining it, and using it strategically, players can maximize their effectiveness on the water.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to destroy a Tugboat in Rust?

The best method is to use 8 Time Explosive Charges.

How to drive a Tugboat in Rust?

Simply use WASD.

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.

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