Cargo Ship Loot Guide: Complete Event Strategy
Cargo Ship Overview
Key Information
- • Type: Timed world event
- • Duration: 50 minutes on map
- • Scientists: ~8-10 blue scientists
- • Radiation: None
- • Locked Crates: 3 (hackable)
- • Regular Crates: ~8-12
Important Warnings
- • Ship automatically leaves after 50 minutes
- • Players on ship when it leaves will die
- • No building allowed on cargo ship
- • Scientists respawn every 10 minutes
- • Ship horn sounds 5 minutes before departure
The Cargo Ship is one of Rust's most contested events, offering high-tier loot without radiation requirements. Its predictable path and time limit create intense PvP scenarios as teams race to secure the best loot before escape.
Spawn Mechanics & Timing
Spawn Schedule
- • Frequency: Every 2-4 hours (varies by server)
- • Announcement: Map-wide horn 5 minutes before arrival
- • Entry Point: Random map edge
- • Path: Straight line across map
- • Speed: ~8-10 knots constant
Event Timeline
Ship horn soundsT-5 minutes
Ship enters mapT-0 minutes
Reaches map center~T+25 minutes
Warning hornT+45 minutes
Ship leaves mapT+50 minutes
Server Commands
For server admins and practice:
- • spawn cargoship - Spawns cargo ship
- • env.cargoshipspawntime - Check next spawn
- • cargoship.event_duration_minutes - Event length
All Loot Locations
Deck Layout
Front Deck (Bow)
- • 1 Locked crate (center container)
- • 2 Regular crates
- • 1 Tool crate
- • Multiple barrels
Mid Deck
- • 1 Locked crate (left container stack)
- • 3-4 Regular crates (various containers)
- • 1 Food crate
- • Scientist spawn points
Bridge Area
- • 1 Elite crate (captain's room)
- • 1 Regular crate (crew quarters)
- • Medical supplies
Rear Deck (Stern)
- • 1 Locked crate (rear container)
- • 2 Regular crates
- • 1 Medical crate
- • RHIB spawn location
Hidden Locations
- • Container tops: Check all container roofs
- • Between stacks: Narrow gaps often have crates
- • Engine room: Below deck has 1-2 crates
- • Crane base: Often missed regular crate
Complete Loot Tables
Locked Crate Contents
Weapons (40% chance)
- • AK-47: 12%
- • L96 Rifle: 3%
- • M249: 2%
- • LR-300: 8%
- • MP5A4: 10%
- • M39 Rifle: 5%
Explosives (15% chance)
- • C4: 5% (1-2)
- • Rockets: 8% (4-12)
- • Explosive Ammo: 2% (40-80)
Other High-Value Items
- • Auto Turret: 3%
- • Metal armor set: 20%
- • 16x Scope: 5%
- • Large Medkit: 25%
- • Supply Signal: 8%
Elite Crate (Bridge)
- • Tech Components: 40% (cameras, computers)
- • Weapon Attachments: 30% (scopes, lasers)
- • High-tier clothing: 20%
- • Rare Components: 10% (rifle bodies)
Regular Crates
Components
- • Springs: 30%
- • Gears: 25%
- • Pipes: 20%
- • Tech Trash: 15%
- • Rope: 35%
Resources
- • Scrap: 15-40
- • HQM: 10-30
- • Metal Frags: 100-300
- • Cloth: 50-150
Average Total Haul
- • From Locked Crates: 1-3 high-tier items
- • Total Scrap: 200-400
- • Components: 15-25 various
- • Ammo: 200-500 rounds
- • Medical: 10-20 syringes
Scientist Guide
Cargo Ship Scientists
Stats & Equipment
- • Health: 150 HP
- • Armor: Hazmat suit
- • Weapons: MP5, LR-300, M92
- • Accuracy: Medium-High
- • Damage: Standard
Behavior
- • Patrol in groups of 2-3
- • Investigate gunfire
- • Use cover effectively
- • Can shoot while moving
- • Will pursue briefly
Respawn Mechanics
- • Timer: 10 minutes after last scientist killed
- • Amount: Full squad respawns (8-10)
- • Location: Mid-deck containers
- • Alert: No warning before respawn
Combat Tips
- • Clear systematically from one end
- • Use container height advantage
- • Compound bow works for silent kills
- • They can't swim - knock them overboard
- • Watch respawn timer during looting
Boarding Strategies
Approach Methods
🚁 Helicopter Drop
Fastest method. Land on rear helipad or drop team onto containers. Loud but gets you there first.
🛥️ Boat Chase
Most common method. Match ship speed and jump aboard from RHIB. Keep boat close for escape.
🎈 Hot Air Balloon
Stealthy approach. Float above and drop onto deck. One-way trip unless you find the ship's RHIB.
🏊 Swimming
Ultra-stealth but slow. Approach from front, climb anchor chain. Bring diving gear and meds.
Boarding Tips
- • Board from the rear - fewer scientists patrol there
- • Bring a diving tank for emergency escapes
- • Clear scientists before starting locked crates
- • Leave one teammate with transport
- • Set timers - don't get stranded!
Escape Methods
Exit Strategies
- Ship's RHIB:Spawns at stern. Fast and free but often taken.
- Your boat:Keep it close and protected. Most reliable method.
- Parachute/Glider:Jump and glide to shore. Good for solo escape.
- Swimming:Last resort. Bring diving gear and meds.
- Helicopter pickup:Coordinate with teammates for extraction.
Timing Your Exit
- • 45 minutes: Warning horn sounds
- • 47 minutes: Stop looting, head to exit
- • 49 minutes: Be off the ship
- • 50 minutes: Ship leaves (instant death)
PvP Considerations
Common PvP Scenarios
- Multiple teams boarding:Control bridge and locked crate areas first
- Counter-raiders:Teams wait for you to clear scientists, then attack
- Exit camping:Players wait at ship's path to intercept escapees
- Heli battles:Air-to-air combat over cargo ship
Defensive Strategies
- • Control the bridge - best defensive position
- • Use container maze for cover and confusion
- • Place team members at key choke points
- • Keep someone watching your boat
- • Use ship horn timing to predict arrivals
High-Risk Areas
- • Locked crate containers: Everyone knows the locations
- • Rear ladder: Common boarding point
- • Bridge stairs: Fatal funnel
- • Open deck areas: Sniper vulnerability
Pro Tips & Tricks
Efficiency Tips
- • Start all 3 locked crates simultaneously
- • Designate a "mule" for low-value items
- • Drop heavy items before swimming
- • Use flares to mark cleared areas
- • Bring a jackhammer for faster barrel farming
Advanced Tactics
- • Use cargo to reach Large Oil Rig
- • Camp ship path for easy boarding
- • Coordinate multi-team operations
- • Use ship as mobile raid base
- • Time arrival for low pop hours