14 July — Incoming Wipe, and a brief note on server events

It’s looking more and more like Facepunch will be pushing out a forced wipe for this week’s update.  While we’re a little disappointed with how this plays out, it means a few things for the server. Right now, we intend to keep the same map, but some of the rumors are suggesting that the wipe will change how the server generates the map based on map seeds–so the map we’re currently using may become inaccurate. As soon as an update on that is available, I’ll follow up. It also means that our work to date will reset.  I know it’s a pain, but that also means that we’ll all be back on the same footing, with another chance to jump back in, only now with a better grasp of what’s contained in the XP system. It’s also a great chance for folks to get together and see about planning some housing partners, if you’re feeling a little exposed, out there alone!

There has been some rumbling surrounding the weekend event(s), particularly Airdrop Rush. As with last week, we’ll be evaluating how progression has moved forward. If people are already crafting the same tier of loot as what’s found in the airdrops, we’ll move ahead with this event. If not, there are others on tap. In response to some of the feedback we’ve received, I would like to note that I closely watch who is at what levels and what items are already available in-game before I unleash loot in an event. I’d also like to point out that there is a forum with a section for event feedback and a Steam group with a place for posting feedback as well. That’s also the right place to suggest some new events or changes to existing ones.

This by is by no means a suggestion NOT to discuss these things in chat.  I very much invite that! I just also want you to know that I don’t read all the logs; if there’s something that the server’s population wants done differently, this is how to make it happen.

That’s all from me for today!  Love you all–be excellent to one another!

Coming together, at last..!

So here we are, just over a week from the big launch of our humble little server, and we’re finally seeing the lights coming on. If you’re reading this, it’s happened:  The website is alive!  From here, folks will be able to find our current server map, buy a copy of Rust via a Steam link, donate to the server, or find the latest news.

As of this writing, the forum is turned on and functioning, but the actual design elements have yet to be applied. That should be resolved rather soon.

In the time since we started this server, we’ve tuned spawn rates, turned the helicopter’s difficulty WAY, WAY up, way back down again, and then very carefully tweaked it upward from there. It seems fairly well-balanced. Right now, there’s a little more work to be done to settle the giveaway schedule; Gina and I will be discussing that in the coming days to make sure that the daily boosts aren’t overpowered/overpowering. We also have a huge and growing list of events that can be sprung on the server in a moment’s notice.

The best news of all came today when I found that I might get some of my free time back from the chaos that’s kept me away for the last few weeks. That means faster updates, more events, and much more in the way of breathing a sense of life, suspense, and chaos into the server to keep things lively and active.

July 7 is our launch date. We’re going to be going loud then, starting a larger map, and kicking off from scratch. It’s going to be epic!  Mark your calendar. Bring some friends. Get ready to play Rust like you mean it! I can’t wait to see what those first few days of intensity look like, and I am thrilled to get to spend those days with all of you!

–Mr. Disproportionate Response