Rust (2018) (also, Rust: Console Edition) is an online survival game set in the wilderness. You explore, gather and craft materials to manage hunger, thirst, health and protection. The preparation is to ward off the threat of bears, wolves and (more commonly) other players looking to steal your hard-won spoils.

When other players attack, it's with firearms and primitive weapons. To stay safe you must build bases or team up with other players in clans. Weapons and ammunition are modelled in detail. They have to be crafted and traded and are a key element of the game. This adds a strategic element to the game and the concept of trust -- who, what and when?

This need to collaborate and forge teams is intensified as the game continues while you are not playing. Along with deploying sentry guns and traps on your base, working with others to ensure you have protection and friendly players to keep an eye on things is essential (and can be coordinated via the related app).

You play Rust on a range of different maps with hundreds of other players. YOu can pull up the map during play but then need to use the compass to navigate to the locations you require to meet. Most of these are randomly generated. Throughout the levels are computer-controlled vehicles and airdrops of key supplies. This results in frantic battles for the parachute boxes when they arrive.

Rust has become very popular online with over five million copies sold. There is a companion app to the game that runs on your smartphone and allows you to control your defences, alerts you to attacks and browse the map. This also enables you to collaborate with teammates more easily.

It is coming to Xbox One and PlayStation 4 in 2020. Before then there is a Rust Console Edition Closed Beta running to test the game.

Our examiner, Jo Robertson, first checked Rust 3 years ago. It was re-examined by Andy Robertson and updated 2 days ago.