Rust's Mortar Mayhem and Workbench Revolution: July Update Breakdown
A Fresh Wave of Chaos and Strategy in Rust
Facepunch Studios has unleashed another monthly update for Rust, and this one is packed with features that promise to shake up the gameplay loop. While the team recently launched S&box as a spiritual successor to Garry's Mod, development on Rust hasn't slowed. Dubbed Upgrade Hard, Raid Harder, the July patch introduces a complete revamp of workbenches and adds a devastating new weapon: mortars. Both additions aim to encourage players to venture out of their bases and engage in riskier encounters, fueling the friction that makes Rust so compelling.
Workbench Overhaul: Nine New Upgrades
The most significant change in this update revolves around workbenches. Facepunch has implemented a brand-new upgrade system that offers nine distinct bonuses. Each upgrade enhances a workbench's functionality in unique ways, but there's a catch — these upgrades cannot be crafted. Instead, they are relatively rare finds that must be scavenged from the wilderness. This forces players to explore, compete, and defend their discoveries, adding a layer of risk-reward to base building.
Why This Matters for Gameplay
The workbench upgrade system is another deliberate push by Facepunch to foster competitive play. By making these upgrades valuable yet vulnerable, the developer hopes to coax players out of their fortified bases and into the sights of other survivors. This friction is the lifeblood of Rust, and if the system lives up to its potential, it could breathe new life into the mid-to-late game.
Mortars: Powerful but Tricky
Now for the explosive highlight: mortars. These portable artillery pieces let players bombard enemies from a distance, but mastering them requires patience and skill. Facepunch has intentionally omitted a visual guide for landing shells, meaning players must rely on trial and error. To aim effectively, you'll need to pair the mortar with binoculars to estimate the trajectory and adjust for distance.
Realistic Recoil and Spotting
Adding to the challenge, each shot's recoil shifts the mortar's position. This means you cannot simply lock onto a target and fire repeatedly without recalibrating. The need for proper spotting and adjustment should prevent mortars from being overpowered, making them a tool for coordinated teams rather than solo players. It will be fascinating to see how the community adapts.
Additional Updates and Quality of Life Changes
Beyond the headline features, several smaller changes enhance the game. Tin can alarms can now be customized with trap items — think flashbangs, Molotov cocktails, and even bee grenades. This opens up new possibilities for base defense. The vending machine interface has also been overhauled, making trading smoother. And for those who want a constant reminder of their virtual mortality, a new crypt stone building skin is available in the Rust store.
Sale and Availability
If you're among the few who haven't yet jumped into Rust, now is a great time. The game is currently 50% off at $20 (£17.50), though this discount ends tomorrow. With the addition of mortars and upgraded workbenches, there's never been a better moment to dive into the survival sandbox. For more upcoming titles, check out our 2026 games list. If you're after classics, browse the best PC games or best FPS games.