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// monument tier
Tier 3 — Red Card

Endgame puzzle monuments. Multi-card progression, scientist NPCs, high radiation, often multiple fuses. Top-tier rewards (elite crates, blueprints, weapons) and the focal points of every late-wipe meta.

Fast facts

Keycards1× Green + 1× Red
Fuses required2
Scientists / NPCs9 + Patrol Tank
RadiationVery high (full hazmat required)
RecyclerYes (×2)
WorkbenchTier 1 + Tier 2

Launch Site is the single largest monument in Rust — a sprawling rocket launch facility with a green→red card progression, two fuses, nine patrolling scientists, the spawn point of the Patrol Tank vehicle event, and the most-radiation in the game. Hazmat is mandatory; the loot is the highest-tier in the game outside Missile Silo. Late-wipe Launch Site fights are some of the highest-stakes content in Rust.

Launch Site puzzle walkthrough

The most complex single-monument run in the game:

  1. Approach the perimeter — full hazmat already on. Radiation starts before you reach the buildings.
  2. Engage perimeter scientists — initial 9 patrolling scientists across the launch facility.
  3. First fuse box + green card — opens the initial puzzle area.
  4. Push through the launch building — scientist combat continues; the layout is multi-storey and corridor-heavy.
  5. Second fuse box + red card — final puzzle door (no blue card needed at Launch Site).
  6. Loot the central control room — multiple Elite Crates, Military Crates, the highest-density loot in the puzzle-monument tier.
  7. Watch for the Patrol Tank — random event during the run; tank spawns and patrols, deals heavy damage.
  8. Use the on-site recyclers and Tier 1+2 workbenches.

Combat: scientists + Patrol Tank

Two threat tiers stack at Launch Site:

Bringing 4+ rockets even just for the run is recommended — you may not engage the tank, but if you have to retreat through it, rockets are the fastest disengage tool.

💡 Pro tips

Frequently asked questions

What keycards does Launch Site need?

A green keycard and a red keycard, plus two electrical fuses. Notably, no blue card is required despite Launch Site being a Tier 3 monument.

How many scientists are at Launch Site?

Nine patrolling scientists across the launch facility. Plus the Patrol Tank random event, which deploys an armoured vehicle that patrols and engages players with explosive shells.

How much radiation is at Launch Site?

The highest in the game — full hazmat is mandatory. Even with full hazmat, you'll need radiation pills and radiation tea to sustain a long run.

Can I solo Launch Site?

Theoretically yes, practically very difficult. The combination of nine scientists, mandatory hazmat radiation, and the Patrol Tank random event makes solo Launch Site one of the hardest soloable activities in Rust. Recommended for duos or trios.

What is the Patrol Tank?

A random event vehicle that spawns at Launch Site and patrols the perimeter. Heavy armour, explosive cannon, drops top-tier loot when destroyed (rocket launcher, multiple Elite Crates). Engaging it requires significant firepower — 10-15 rockets or coordinated team fire.

The endgame monument

Launch Site is the apex of Rust's monument design — the largest footprint, the most complex puzzle progression, the heaviest combat encounter, and the highest absolute loot ceiling. Late-wipe Launch Site fights are some of the most-discussed PvP content in Rust because the combination of high-value loot, narrow corridors and PvE pressure creates uniquely high-stakes engagements.

The Patrol Tank event raises the difficulty significantly. The tank's armoured body absorbs most small-arms fire, and the explosive cannon deals 90+ damage per shell. Most successful tank engagements use 10-15 rockets at close-but-covered range, or coordinated team fire with multiple LR-300s and bandage rotations.

Why Launch Site is worth the cost

The reward profile justifies the difficulty. Multiple Elite Crates, Tier 2 workbench access, premium component drops, and the chance at rifle blueprints make Launch Site the most-impactful single monument in any wipe. Successfully clearing Launch Site sets up the rest of your wipe — the components and blueprints alone fund 2-3 raids on neighbouring bases.

The remaining Tier 3 monuments are Military Tunnels, Arctic Research Base and Missile Silo. Raid math at the Raid Calculator.

Related monuments & tools

// hub 🗝️ All Rust Monuments Complete sortable table — every monument, every tier. // red tier 🪖 Military Tunnels Three-card red puzzle with the densest scientist roster in the game (~29 NPCs). // red tier ❄️ Arctic Research Base Snow-biome red-card monument with locked science vault and patrol heli spawns. // red tier ☢️ Nuclear Missile Silo Five-level underground bunker. Red card opens the elevator. 26+ scientists.