Cloth is a crucial resource in the survival game Rust, used for crafting essential items like bandages, sleeping bags, and basic armor. Knowing how to obtain cloth quickly can give you a significant advantage. This guide covers the most effective methods for farming cloth in Rust, based on the latest game mechanics.
Harvesting Hemp Plants
The fastest and most reliable way to obtain cloth in Rust is by harvesting hemp plants. These tall, green plants with distinctive leaves can be found growing naturally across much of the map.
Step 1: Search for hemp plants in grassy areas, particularly near rivers, forests, and fields. They’re easily identifiable by their large, fan-shaped leaves.
Step 2: Approach the plant and press E to harvest it instantly. A fully grown hemp plant typically yields 10 cloth and 1 hemp seed.
Step 3: Collect the hemp seeds as you harvest. You’ll need these later for more efficient farming methods.
Pro tip: Focus on harvesting fully mature plants for maximum yield. Immature plants provide significantly less cloth and aren’t worth the effort.
Setting Up a Hemp Farm
While harvesting wild hemp is quick, setting up your own hemp farm provides a sustainable, high-yield source of cloth.
Step 1: Craft planter boxes using 100 wood and 10 metal fragments each. Large planter boxes are ideal as they fit perfectly on a 1x1 foundation.
Step 2: Place the planter boxes in a secure location, ideally inside a base with proper lighting.
Step 3: Fill the planter boxes with water using a water jug or by connecting them to a water pump system.
Step 4: Plant hemp seeds in the planter boxes. Each large planter can hold 9 plants.
Step 5: Monitor your plants and harvest them when fully grown, typically every 20-30 minutes depending on server settings.
For optimal results, use fertilizer from a composter to speed up growth and increase yield. Mixing animal dung with plant fiber in a composter creates high-quality fertilizer.
Recycling for Cloth
When you need cloth quickly and don’t have time to farm, recycling certain items can be an efficient alternative.
Step 1: Locate a recycler at a monument or safe zone like the Outpost.
Step 2: Collect items that can be recycled for cloth, such as:
- Tarp (yields 50 cloth)
- Sewing kits
- Rope
- Certain types of clothing
Step 3: Place the items in the recycler and activate it. Be cautious, as the recycling process makes noise that can attract other players.
Hunting Animals
While not as efficient as hemp farming, hunting animals can provide cloth along with other valuable resources like meat and leather.
- Bears yield the most cloth (up to 50), but are dangerous to hunt.
- Wolves provide around 20 cloth.
- Deer, boars, and horses give 10-15 cloth each.
- Smaller animals like chickens only provide 5-6 cloth.
Use a bone knife for harvesting to maximize your cloth yield from animals.
Trading for Cloth
In established servers, trading can be a viable option for obtaining cloth quickly.
Step 1: Gather valuable resources like scrap, metal fragments, or sulfur.
Step 2: Visit safe trading zones like Bandit Camp or communicate with other players to arrange trades.
Step 3: Exchange your resources for cloth. Prices may vary, but cloth is generally inexpensive compared to other resources.
Remember to exercise caution when trading outside of safe zones, as other players may attempt to steal your resources.
Mastering cloth farming in Rust takes practice, but it’s an essential skill for survival and progression. Start with harvesting wild hemp, then transition to setting up your own secure hemp farm for a steady supply. Supplement your cloth income with recycling and hunting when needed. With these methods, you’ll never find yourself short on this crucial resource again.