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Cargo Ship Loot Guide: Complete Event Strategy

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.

📖 12 min🎯 Medium to Hard🔄 Updated June 2025

Quick Navigation

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

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

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%

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

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

Ready to Master More Events?

Check out our other monument guides and calculators!

Oil Rig & Cargo Ship GuideOil Rig Loot TablesPvP Tips & Strategies