The Server Store: An Introduction
Running a Rust server takes 2 things to be enjoyable: People to play with, and money to keep the lights on. Serenity Valley is a server that is run for the community, by the community. One of the ways we reward those who choose to donate their time or money to the server is through an in-game store, and bonus currency (Reward Points, or RP for short) for our supporters. To access this store in-game, type /s. In the bottom left of your screen, you’ll be able to see your current balance of Reward Points. Beyond becoming a supporter, most activities in Rust, from gathering resources to killing other players will reward the player with RP to be used in this shop. At no point will currency acquired with real money be able to purchase weapons, gun ammunition, or anything including sulfur or explosives as a part of their recipe. We are very committed to avoiding the Server Store from turning into a pay-to-win mechanic, and should we overlook something that creates an unfair advantage, we will pay a bounty to those who bring these exploits to our attention so they can be fixed.
Alongside the Reward Points, Anti-Radiation Pills are also used as form of currency at the community center, allowing those dedicated hunters and gatherers out there to overcome some of the bottlenecks in the early and mid-game by allowing them to purchase special resources at the community center, such as rare, collectible items, weapons, and other goods that are not craftable and only appear as game drops. These items tend to be very expensive in their pill cost, so guard well your pills, and don’t hesitate to sell your services and items, or beg, borrow, and steal to get your pill count high enough to grab the items that you want!
RP for Supporters:
Dying can deplete your RP balance, and one of the ways that we make it possible for players to squirrel their RP away safely is through purchasing Duct Tape that can then be stashed or traded, keeping it safe from loss through death. Earning an allotment of duct tape to sell to the store is simple, and works in any of 3 ways: Server Supporter Subscriptions, Volunteer Work, and from the Pill Store.
Server Support: We currently offer a per-wipe stipend of Reward Points monthly patronage. Additionally, if someone chooses to do so they can pre-pay for an entire year through Patreon, and will have a Pookie Bear added to their available benefits each wipe.
Volunteer Work: In addition to money, a server needs PEOPLE to function! That requires an active community, as well as spreading the word of where we’re located and inviting people to join us. As this is an ongoing effort each wipe, Duct Tape earned through volunteering doesn’t roll over wipe after wipe, but can always be gained. Volunteer work can be something as simple as sending a note to an admin to let us know of an inappropriate sign on a base, helping us with server moderation, streaming and using our logo and tags in your channel, as well taking on special projects when we post for help on Discord. Basically, Mr. D’s philosophy is that if you’re going to spend time or money to help the server thrive, your time and energy should be respected and repaid. Since we’re all here to have fun, that’s the best way we can find to offer that.
“Other Stuff:” I’m not omniscient. I don’t know what I don’t know, and to that end, you might come up with a badass suggestion for something we need, or have some other way to help us out that I’ve not outlined here. Message me; we’ll figure it out and make sure that you’re compensated for your work with Duct Tape appropriate to the work you’re doing for us.
FAQ:
- I donated before this new system rolled out! When does my tape expire?
In thanks for helping the community make it this far, everyone who made a one-time donation prior to 2 November 2017 will have their donation amount grandfathered, letting them claim their duct tape awards for as long as the community remains.
- Can I donate and subscribe?
Yes. All donations and support are both welcomed and cherished. We’ll work with you in the event of a one-time donation and get you all set with access to the support tiers that most closely match the level and duration of your donation amount.
- Wait, if these are mostly participation-based rewards, why don’t we get duct tape just for playing?
Rather than paying out benefits in Duct Tape or Pills, we convert this directly to RP to avoid taking up extra space in your inventory and add it to your balance for every 45 minutes of activity on the server. Going idle will reset the timer for these awards.
- Duct Tape is just pay to win!
We hear this one often, and almost invariably from people who haven’t actually looked at what’s available to purchase through the store. Supporters do receive some head start bonuses through their access to tape, but it does help them to defend their bases, but I’ve yet to hear a compelling argument as to how “surviving” is the same as “winning.” Additionally, with the levelling system we have in place, players who gather materials for themselves will have a substantial advantage over someone relying solely on their supporter rewards, meaning that over time, most free players will gather materials at a far higher rate, and far higher amounts than those who donate. As ever, the tape store cannot purchase weapons, armor, nor the crucial materials to make or recycle into explosives or ammunition.
- OMFG, Patrons can get pumpjacks and recyclers? THAT is pay to win!
These items, while powerful, are not placed in the control of patrons; merely conveniently placed near their base, but in the open, and accessible to all players–just like the ones that exist in the monuments at present. The only difference is that these donors have the option to make a monument come to them, rather than having to build close to a monument. They have added freedom in building, not more power. They still must expose themselves to access these tools, and other players can still attack and/or utilize these locations, as anywhere else in the game world.