How to Fly the Drone in Rust
How to fly the Rust Drone: connect via Computer Station, controls (WASD movement, Q/E yaw), drone marketplace use, and basic recon flight.
The Drone in Rust is a small remote-piloted flying vehicle, controlled from a Computer Station. Used for recon, marketplace deliveries, and exploring without exposing your character.
Step-by-step
Craft or find a Drone
Drones are crafted at Tier 2 workbench: 100 metal frags, 100 wood, 1 Targeting Computer (rare loot). They also drop occasionally from elite crates and the Cargo Ship.
Place the Drone
Hold the drone item and place it on flat ground (shows green outline). Once placed, the drone is its own deployable entity that you control remotely.
Connect via Computer Station
Place a Computer Station inside your base. Sit at it (E to interact). Add the drone's identifier (a 6-digit code shown on the drone) to access it. Click the drone in the list to start piloting.
Controls
W/S = forward/backward. A/D = strafe left/right. Q/E = yaw rotation. Mouse = pitch (camera up/down). Space = ascend, Ctrl = descend. Press F to disconnect.
Drone marketplace use
Bandit Camp / Outpost have drone vendors that deliver items via drone to your base. Order through the in-game marketplace UI when at the safe zone.
Frequently asked questions
How do you control a Drone in Rust?
Through a Computer Station — place the station in your base, sit at it, add the drone's ID code, then pilot it remotely with WASD/Q/E/Space/Ctrl. The drone is independent of your character and continues hovering when you disconnect.
What's the range of a Drone?
Drones lose signal beyond ~500m from the Computer Station. Past that, the drone hovers in place until you reconnect or send a return command. Plan flight routes within base range.
Can drones be shot down?
Yes — drones have ~150 HP and any rifle round can destroy them in 1-3 shots. They're meant for recon and marketplace use, not combat.
Is a Drone the same as a Minicopter?
No. The Minicopter is a manned vehicle you sit in and fly directly. The Drone is a small remote-controlled craft you pilot from a Computer Station inside your base.