Best Monuments for Solo Players
Playing solo in Rust requires a different approach to monuments. This guide ranks monuments based on safety, loot quality, puzzle difficulty, and PvP risk - all from a solo player's perspective. Master these locations to thrive as a lone wolf.
Quick Navigation
S-Tier: Best Solo Monuments
1. Sewer Branch
Pros:
- No keycards required
- Quick in-and-out design
- Low radiation (10 rads)
- Guaranteed green/blue card spawns
Cons:
- Limited loot variety
- Often contested on busy servers
Solo Strategy: Perfect starter monument. Jump down, loot quickly, use ladder/boxes to exit. Total time: 2-3 minutes.
2. Oxum's Gas Station
Pros:
- No radiation
- Good component spawns
- Recycler on-site
- Multiple escape routes
Cons:
- Popular recycler spot
- No military crates
Solo Strategy: Great for early game. Check surroundings before recycling. Keep an eye on both road approaches.
3. Satellite Dish
Pros:
- Simple green card puzzle
- Usually less contested
- Good visibility of approaches
- 6 loot crates + green room
Cons:
- Requires green card + fuse
- Open area (sniper risk)
Solo Strategy: Scout from distance first. Use terrain for cover when approaching. Quick puzzle completion is key.
A-Tier: Good Solo Options
4. Dome
- • 4 military crates at top, respawn every 30 minutes
- • No radiation if you stay on catwalks
- • Great visibility to spot other players
- • Climbing skill required - practice offline first
⚠️ Solo Tip: Check for campers at the top before climbing. Listen for footsteps and check for bags near entrance.
5. Lighthouse
- • Perfect for fresh spawns and early game
- • Food boxes and basic components
- • Recycler available (watch for ambushes)
- • Often has boats nearby for water travel
💡 Solo Tip: Great base location nearby. Use for safe recycling runs and boat access.
6. Mining Outpost
- • Completely safe recycling (no PvP)
- • Vending machines for trading
- • Good mining node spawns nearby
- • Central location on most maps
✅ Solo Tip: Build nearby for safe recycling. Trade surplus resources at vending machines.
B-Tier: Situational Choices
7. Water Treatment Plant
Good loot but higher risk. Only run during off-peak hours or on lower pop servers.
- • Blue card puzzle with decent loot
- • Multiple entry/exit points
- • Often contested due to good loot
- • Recycler on-site but exposed
8. Train Yard
High-tier loot but very dangerous for solos. Only attempt with good gear and exit strategy.
- • Blue card puzzle with military crates
- • Complex layout favors groups
- • High radiation areas
- • Central location attracts PvP
9. Abandoned Supermarket
Green card monument with decent loot but predictable puzzle path makes you vulnerable.
- • Green card + fuse required
- • Good food and component spawns
- • Single entry/exit for puzzle room
- • Often camped by door campers
C-Tier: Generally Avoid as Solo
These monuments are extremely dangerous for solo players due to their design, loot value, or popularity with groups.
High-Risk Monuments
- Launch Site:
Red card puzzle, rooftop camping, heavy radiation
- Military Tunnels:
Long underground sections, easy to get trapped
- Oil Rigs (Large & Small):
Heavy scientist presence, counters common, no escape
Why to Avoid
- • Designed for group play
- • Multiple keycard requirements
- • Long completion times
- • Limited escape routes
- • High-value loot attracts groups
- • Heavy scientist presence
Solo Monument Strategies
General Tips
- Scout First: Always observe before entering
- Travel Light: Bring only essentials
- Know Spawns: Learn loot locations
- Quick Looting: Don't be greedy
- Exit Strategy: Always have one
Movement Patterns
- Unpredictable: Vary your routes
- Use Cover: Move between objects
- Sound Discipline: Crouch in buildings
- Check Corners: Clear systematically
- Night Runs: Use darkness
Advanced Solo Tactics
1. Bait and Switch: Drop low-value items to distract looters while you escape
2. False Trails: Open doors you didn't loot to confuse followers
3. Cache Runs: Hide good loot, return with multiple small hauls
4. Off-Peak Timing: Run monuments during server downtimes
5. Decoy Gear: Wear lower-tier visible items to appear less threatening
Recommended Solo Loadouts
Early Game
- • Bow + 30 arrows
- • Bandages x5
- • Wood armor (optional)
- • Cloth clothing
- • 1-2 Pumpkins/corn
Best for: Gas stations, lighthouse, mining outpost
Mid Game
- • Revolver/DB + ammo
- • Meds x3
- • Coffee Can/Road Sign
- • Hazmat suit
- • Green card + fuse
Best for: Satellite, dome, sewer branch
Late Game
- • SAR/Thompson
- • Meds x5
- • Metal armor set
- • Blue card ready
- • Extra gear set cached
Best for: Water treatment, train yard (careful)
Best Times for Solo Monument Runs
Optimal Times
- Very Early Morning (4-7 AM):
Lowest server population
- During Raids:
Groups distracted by PvP
- Right After Wipe:
Everyone starting fresh
- Bad Weather:
Fog provides cover
Avoid These Times
- Peak Hours (6-10 PM):
Maximum players online
- Weekend Afternoons:
Groups most active
- Just Before Wipe:
Players using stockpiled gear
- After Cargo/Heli:
Geared players roaming
Solo Player's Monument Checklist
Before Leaving Base
- Minimal valuable gear
- Know your route
- Check server pop
- Bag placed nearby
At the Monument
- 360° check before entry
- Listen for footsteps
- Quick, efficient looting
- Different exit route
Final Solo Wisdom
Success as a solo player isn't about taking on the biggest monuments - it's about consistent, safe runs that build your wealth over time. Master the safe monuments first, learn the rhythms of your server, and gradually work your way up to riskier locations only when properly equipped.
Remember: A living solo with basic loot is better than a dead solo with dreams of military crates. Play smart, not hard.