Rust is one of the veterans in the survival genre that keeps on giving, much like No Man’s Sky. The latest Naval update introduces player-made boats, opening a new way to cross the map and explore the Deep Sea region.

You start by placing a boat building station, which can be deployed in deep water. Then grab a boat building plan and assemble a vessel using building blocks. You can add a helm, sails, engines, anchors, ramps, and cannons to match the role you want, whether your boat is for exploration, trading, or raiding.

Boat design is important because where you put engines and sails changes turning and top speed, so careful layout and testing will save you from trouble later on. Both sails and engines can be reversed from the radial menu to help with tight parking. The steering wheel includes a lock function so owners can prevent theft.

While the boat building plan acts like a planner for boats., the boat building station lets you build and edit in place. Small ramps and planks make boarding and bridging easier. Cannons let you threaten or sink other ships, while anchors keep you steady near islands or floating monuments.

The Deep Sea is where the update really changes the game. This offshore region offers high risk and high reward. You cannot build there and nothing respawns, so loot is limited and highly contested. The Deep Sea opens and closes occasionally, creating event like windows for players to push out and fight over fresh rewards. Expect tropical islands, floating cities, ghost ships and guarded locations crewed by scientist boats.

Ghost Ships act like loot monuments on the water and while they contain valuable crates, they are patrolled by scientists and their controlled boats. Some crates are locked and require hacking while you fend off both AI and other players. Floating cities are harbors made from barges and unfinished rigs. They offer traders, docks to secure your boat, and a central Deep Deck Casino where players can meet, trade and relax. Fortunately, security turrets keep troublemakers in check.

Seemingly, the latest update aims to shift some of Rust’s fights away from land and into the expanding sea region, making it a good time to revisit the game.