How to Run an Airfield in Rust

The Rust Airfield is both a treasure chest of loot and a trouble magnet. Whether it was other players, or even the ever-present Attack Helicopter, running the Airfield is like going into a lion's cage holding a steak. But fear not, as we are here to walk you through it step by step so that you (and your friends) can take that delicious loot and learn to live to tell the tale. In this article, we’ll show you how to run an airfield in Rust and provide you with additional tips and tricks.

Why Bother With the Airfield?

So now the big question: Why bother with the Airfield? In short, it is a goldmine. There are Military Crates and regular crates, and, with a touch of fortune, a Red Keycard key, which unlocks the doors of top-level monuments such as Launch Site or Oil Rig. Even though no Elite Tier Crates are spawning at this location, as is the case with certain other monuments, the loot remains the best-in-class and can put you in a good position to carry through the wipe.

But the thing is that everybody wants it. Airfield is one of the hottest locations in Rust, and with low radiation and the Attack Helicopter buzzing around it like a shark, you had better be on your toes. How do you do it then? Find out below.

Gear Up: What You Need Before You Go

Preparation is everything in Rust, and the Airfield is no exception. Think of it like gearing up for a boss fight-you wouldn’t go in half-cocked. Here’s what you need:

• Radiation Protection: The radiation level of the Airfield is low, which mainly necessitates about 10-12 radiation protection measures to be safe. A Hazmat Suit would be perfect, though you can also put several pieces of clothing on top of each other, such as burlap, hoodies, or wood armor sets, to acquire the required level of protection. Remember that there is a chance that underground places might contain quite a bit of increased radiation, so proceed with caution.
• Weapons and Ammo: On the ground, you will, in most cases, meet other players. Scientists can only generate in the underground puzzle tunnels, so you should be particularly careful going down.
• Keycards and Fuses: The underground loot room is the real prize, but it’s locked behind a puzzle. You’ll need:
  • Green Keycard: Found in places like the Lighthouse, Oxum’s Gas Station, Abandoned Supermarket, or dropped by Scientists (though the drop rate’s pretty stingy).
  • Blue Keycard: These are tougher to get. Check Tier-1 monuments like Sewer Branch, Satellite Dish, or Harbor, or buy one at the Outpost for 100 Scrap.
  • Two Electric Fuses: These spawn in basic crates or metal barrels. Grab a couple of extra if you can; they’re not hard to find but easy to forget.

Item	Purpose	Where to Find
Hazmat Suit	Radiation protection (10+ required)	Crafted or looted from crates
Green Keycard	Unlocks the tunnel door	Lighthouse, Oxum’s, Supermarket, Scientists
Blue Keycard	Unlocks the main loot room	Tier-1 monuments, Outpost (100 Scrap)
Electric Fuses (2)	Activates puzzle fuse boxes	Basic crates, metal barrels
Weapon & Ammo	Defense against players/Scientists	Crafted or looted

Entering the Airfield: Stealth or Style?

Alright, you’re geared up and ready to roll. Now, how do you get into the Airfield? It’s surrounded by a concrete wall, but you’ve got options:

• Main Gates: There are two principal entrances, one on either side of the monument. They are the least difficult, but they are also the most visible. These are the favourite camping grounds of other players, and you are throwing dice by walking through them.
• Wall Breaches: For the sneaky types, using the crumbling parts of the concrete wall is a solid strategy. These breaches are open to pickaxes or explosives, and these breaches enable you to gain entrance without having to go near the well-guarded main gates. This tactic will minimize the possibility of you being tracked down or ambushed.

Looting Above Ground: The Basics

Once you’re inside, the Airfield’s layout is your playground. It’s a big, flat area with two runways forming an X, three hangars, a two-story office building, and several watch towers. Here’s where to look for loot:

• Hangars: Each of the three hangars can spawn Large Wooden Crates and Military Crates. These are your bread and butter for above-ground loot. Check every corner, and sometimes crates hide behind barrels.
• Office Building: This is where you’ll start the puzzle (more on that later), but it also has loot like barrels and crates. Plus, it’s got a Recycler and an Oil Refinery, which are lifesavers for processing loot on the spot.
• Watch Towers: Don’t sleep on these. They often have loot barrels and give you a high vantage point to spot other players. Just don’t stay up there too long, because you’re an easy target for a sharpshooter.

The above-ground loot is solid, but it’s just the appetizer. The real feast is underground, so let’s talk about the puzzle.

Solving the Airfield Puzzle: Your Ticket to Riches

The underground tunnels are where the Airfield’s best loot hides, but you’ll need to solve a puzzle to get it. It sounds daunting, but once you’ve done it a couple of times, it’s like riding a bike. Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Start at the Office Building: Head to the two-story office at the northern center of the runway. On the first floor, you’ll find a fuse box. Insert your first Electric Fuse and flip the switch to start the timer—speed is essential.
2. Get to the Tunnels: Between Hangar 2 and Hangar 3, locate the concrete entrance with a ladder leading underground. Descend quickly.
3. Green Keycard Door: Take the left path in the tunnels to reach a door requiring a Green Keycard. Swipe it to proceed.
4. Second Fuse Box: Inside this area, insert your second Electric Fuse and activate it.
5. Blue Keycard Door: Continue through the tunnels until you reach the door requiring the Blue Keycard. Swipe it to enter the main loot room.

Inside, you’ll find Military Crates and the coveted Red Keycard. This is the jackpot, but be mindful of the timer started earlier, and doors can lock behind you if you linger too long.

Exiting Safely: Live to Loot Another Day

Getting out is just as critical as getting in. The Airfield’s open layout makes it easy to get spotted, and players love to camp exits for easy kills. Here’s how to make it out alive:

• Avoid Main Exits: Those gates you skipped on the way in? Skip them again. They’re prime ambush spots.
• Use Wall Breaches: If you entered through a breach, exit the same way. It’s less likely to be watched.
• Stay Alert: Keep your eyes peeled and your weapon ready. The moment you let your guard down is when someone’s waiting to pounce.

Pro Tips for Running an Airfield Like a Boss

Here are some extra nuggets of wisdom to give you an edge:

• Use the Recycler and Oil Refinery: The office building’s Recycler and Oil Refinery are game-changers. Process your loot on-site to free up inventory space for more goodies. 
• Beware the Attack Helicopter: This thing loves the Airfield. If you hear its rotors, find cover fast, inside a hangar or the office building. It’s not worth trying to fight it.
• Team Up: Going solo is doable, but a small team makes things easier. One person can watch your back while another handles the puzzle.
• Timing is Everything: Hit the Airfield early in the wipe or during off-peak hours when fewer players are around. Less competition means less stress.
• Know the Layout: The Airfield’s X-shaped runways, three hangars, and underground tunnels create plenty of ambush points. Familiarize yourself with the map to avoid getting cornered.

Understanding the Airfield’s Layout

Talking about the layout, we can draw a brief picture. The Airfield is a large open area and two runways that intersect in the shape of an X. On the periphery are three hangars, and the office building of two stories is at the center in the north. There are watch towers dotted about, and then tunnels beneath, through concrete ladder holes. This arrangement draws it not only as a looter paradise but also as a sniper dream, so always move with intent.

Wrapping It Up

The adventure of running the Airfield in Rust is full of stakes, but it can be a big payoff. Good equipment, proper planning, and a dash of paranoia, and you will walk out with some of the most rewarding loot in the game. Of course, it is dangerous, as there are other players, Scientists, and that damned helicopter, always in lurking mode, but that is what makes it so exciting. Therefore, put on your Hazmat Suit, reload, and go kick some walls at the Airfield. Even if your first run turns out to be sideways, don’t sweat it. When it comes to rust, it is about learning through your mistakes. Every effort makes you more focused, and soon you will be running the Airfield as your backyard.