I need to stress that this is community art, and not something we're planning: the top image is andy_tomahawk's attempt at re-imagining zombies back into Rust.. It's actually a paint-over of a screenshot, but it's simple and effective and makes his point very well. I quite like the ominous nature he's managed to evoke out of a few silhouettes and some glowing eyes.
In 'celebration' of Youtube Gaming's launch, I thought I'd once again show off the best of Rust's Let's Players, Raid-Cammers, and whatever-the-pithy-plural-of-guide-makers-is. We have some dedicated, talented, and downright terrifying players putting the time and effort into capturing Rust. Here's their latest videos. Go click and subscribe to encourage them to make more.
Phaedo82
Phaedo82 is the man who started the Raid Cam phenomenon. His relaxed videos (a third of all the world's internet traffic is actually people commenting on his videos, saying they like his voice) are spectacular and informative. You'll learn things. Promise.
He gets right into this one: a breach with rockets and ladders gives the attackers an immediate advantage, but the noise and fury they unleash on a busy server brings attention from elsewhere.
An interesting twist on the usual base: a raid on a cave base. It's also the first time I've seen the raiders landing on a beach near the base. There's also a really interesting shift in the dynamics of the fight thanks to the cave's predictable entrance points.
Two raids for the price of one!
Vertiigo
The New Alliance attacks FTA's base, and Vertiigo is there, floating amidst the carnage like an ethereal wrestling commentator. It seems like a simple setup, but things soon get very complicated. The defending clan is raiding elsewhere, other clans get involved along the way. There's lots of cuts to other parts of the server where the teams are moving around, oblivious to the large scale troop manoeuvres going on. There's a lot of setting up in this, and the first shot on the main base isn't fired until 10 mins 30 secs into the 19 minute video.
If you think about the mass of coincidences that happens then it's perfectly Rusty. Servers aren't levels, but worlds with cycles of activity. This couldn't be staged because it's all so messy.
Shadowfrax
Shadowfrax has the best intro string of any Youtuber. FACT! He's also pretty good at coming up with conceptual videos. In this case he's spectating and commenting on a Battle Royale game with a new ruleset: primitive weapons only. No guns, no rockets, no exoskeletons (that I just made up). The shtick doesn't end there, with Frax following the winner of the previous round until he's killed, then following the killer, and the killer, and the killer, all the way along the chain of death until he reaches the end of the battle. He's also edited it, removing lots and lots of running.
For all his classy chat, the best bit is his disgust at the end when he learns the name of the winner. I think you can hear his monocle fall out.
Ser Winter
Ser Winter demanded I share Little Lou with the world. He's an innocent in the world of Rust. There's something really disturbing hearing his child-like voice amidst the screaming and gunshots. Get past the singing to the story about ten mins.
Oh god, he's swearing. What have you done? Aside from whatever the hell that was, Ser Winter also does Rust For Dummies. It's a guide series that focuses on one hint per video, so you can learn loads from the playlist here.
Max Mofo
"We'll find someone, I'll stab the shit out of them as you shout 'WorldStar'," is worth a link to maxmoefoegames. This short video packs a lot into under five minutes: ghosts, travelling musicians, and the inevitable tea-bagging.
He's only just started a new Rust series, but after four videos his playlist is a lot of fun.
Argyle Alligator
The Godfather of Rust Youtubers, Argyle Alligator almost never takes the easy route of just videoing his escapades. Instead he finds those niches that Rust has and exposes them. This one, for instance, is what happens when a group of naked best friends mingle together for the first time, before going on an adventure. Led by Argyle.
So friendly! Less friendly is the time he lead a siege using the recent melee weapons and crossbow.
We already have signs, but that doesn't stop players from imagining newer, more powerful versions. How can that work? Over on Reddit, 1vertical came up with a concept for an electricity based sign.
As you can see, it's well thought-out, and made to be customised.
Just a note to say that the previously mentioned Rust building planner tool, Rubled, is now up on Steam Greenlight.
It's looking good, so upvote if you're feeling generous as it'll give the developer a reason to carry on coding.
Think you're working on something awesome? Tell me all about it. Now's the time to share your base designs, or get into the growing Raid Cam business, or to make a lovely shirt.
There's a dedicated forum post, or you can fish for upvotes in the Subreddit. I also shuffle around the the Steam Community, so feel free to show me to things from there. You can follow and respond to Rust on Twitter, and I'm on there as well.
I can't respond to everything, but I read every comment and take it all in.
As you can see, it's well thought-out, and made to be customised.