Rust Crossbow
Highest-damage bow tier. Single-shot, slow reload, hits hard. The stealth-sniper option.
Fast facts
| Tier | T1 workbench |
|---|---|
| Ammo | Same arrow types as bows (Wooden / Bone / HV / Fire) |
| Magazine | 1 (single-shot) |
| Reload | ~2.5s (slowest of the bows) |
| Range | Medium-long (~120m effective) |
| Recoil | None |
| Acquisition | Craft at T1 workbench (default-known) — 200 wood + 75 metal frags |
| Stealth | Silent |
| Damage | ~60-70 body / ~150 headshot (community-consensus) |
The Crossbow is the heaviest-hitting bow in Rust — slower than the Compound but with significantly more damage per shot. Single hit can drop a naked, two-shot a road-sign-armoured player. The slow reload is the trade-off: miss and you're committed to a 2.5s reload before you can shoot again. Best used for stealth sniping rather than sustained combat.
Pro tips
- Make every shot count — slow reload punishes misses. Aim before you draw.
- Pair with HV Arrows for max range — Crossbow + HV is sniper-tier at 100m+.
- Craft early — T1 workbench, default-known recipe, cheap to make.
- Silent — maintain stealth advantage at longer ranges than Hunting Bow.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Crossbow silent in Rust?
Yes. All bows in Rust are silent — Hunting Bow, Compound Bow and Crossbow all make virtually no sound when fired.
How much damage does a Crossbow do?
Roughly 60-70 body damage with a Wooden Arrow at full draw, ~150 headshot damage. Bone Arrows hit harder. Crossbow is the highest-damage bow in Rust.
Crossbow vs Compound Bow — which is better?
Compound Bow has a faster draw cycle and is better for sustained ranged combat. Crossbow has higher single-shot damage and is better for stealth sniping. Pick based on playstyle: hit-and-run vs slow-aim.
How do I craft a Crossbow in Rust?
Default-known recipe at any T1 workbench. 200 wood + 75 metal frags + 1 rope. Total craft time ~30 seconds.