Rust's weapon progression moves from primitive tools to military-grade firearms. Early game weapons include the hunting bow (cheap and effective for early fights), the eoka pistol (unreliable but craftable with minimal resources), and spears. The crossbow is a significant upgrade — it's quiet, accurate, and deals solid damage, making it the go-to weapon before you unlock guns.
Mid-tier weapons include the revolver, semi-automatic pistol (SAP), and semi-automatic rifle (SAR). The SAR is widely considered the best mid-game weapon due to its accuracy, damage, and relatively low crafting cost. The Thompson SMG and custom SMG offer automatic fire for close-range fights. These weapons require Workbench Level 2 and are the backbone of most players' arsenals during the early-to-mid game.
End-game weapons require Workbench Level 3 and are expensive to craft. The assault rifle (AK-47) is the premier weapon with high damage and controllable recoil once you learn its spray pattern. The LR-300 is easier to control but only obtainable from certain sources. The bolt-action rifle is the main long-range option with devastating headshot damage. The M249 and rocket launcher are rare finds from locked crate events and helicopter crashes.
Armor ranges from basic cloth and hide sets to road sign armor (mid-tier, good protection) and metal armor (high-tier, excellent protection but slows you down). Hazmat suits provide good all-around protection and radiation resistance, allowing access to irradiated monuments. Always match your gear to your activity — full metal armor for base defense, roadsign for general roaming, and lighter armor when you need mobility. Healing items include bandages, syringes (instant health), and med kits (healing over time). Always carry medical supplies when venturing out.