Rust Rocket Launcher
Single-shot rocket launcher. The standard raid weapon. Fires Rockets, HV Rockets, Incendiary.
Fast facts
| Tier | T2 workbench |
|---|---|
| Ammo | Rocket / HV Rocket / Incendiary Rocket |
| Magazine | 1 (single-shot, manual reload) |
| Reload | ~3.5s |
| Damage | Variable by target — see raid calculator |
| Range | Medium (~50-100m, drop varies by ammo) |
| Recoil | Heavy — reposition required between shots |
| Acquisition | Craft at T2 workbench. Default-known after research. |
The Rocket Launcher is Rust's primary raid weapon. Single-shot, manual reload, fires Rockets that demolish bases at the appropriate cost (see the Raid Calculator for sulfur math). The standard 'we're raiding tonight' weapon — a 4-rocket loadout will crack most stone walls.
Pro tips
- Use HV Rockets vs Bradley — most cost-effective per kill.
- Standard Rockets vs walls/doors — see Raid Calculator for exact counts.
- Carry 4-8 rockets per raid — typical small-base entry cost.
- Watch the back-blast — stand clear of the launcher's rear when firing.
Frequently asked questions
How much sulfur does a Rocket cost?
1,400 sulfur per Rocket (rolled-up ingredient cost). HV Rocket is ~200 sulfur. See the Raid Calculator for full breakdown by target.
How many rockets to break a stone wall?
4 rockets at ~5,600 sulfur. Cheaper option: 2 C4 at 4,400 sulfur. See the Raid Calculator for every wall and door tier.
When to use the Rocket Launcher
The Rocket Launcher is **the** raiding weapon in Rust. Hard-target damage, long range, no other tool deletes a stone wall as efficiently. It's not a PvP weapon (the splash damage to yourself, the slow projectile, the giant tracer telling everyone where you are) but if you're attacking a base, the rocket launcher is the centerpiece of every raid kit.
Effective range for raiding is point-blank — get to the wall, fire, reset. Effective range for **anti-personnel** is 0-30m on stationary targets, almost useless against moving players past 10m. The rocket travels slowly enough that mobile defenders can sidestep it.
Loadout & attachments
The rocket launcher takes no attachments. The whole loadout decision is **rockets and protection**:
- **Standard Rocket** — 590 sulfur per craft, 1× rocket. Default.
- **Incendiary Rocket** — fire damage area denial after the breach. Less direct damage, more denial.
- **High-Velocity Rocket** — anti-personnel, almost useless for raiding hard structures.
- **Smoke Rocket** — pure utility, no damage.
Rocket math: a sheet metal wall costs ~2 rockets, an armoured wall ~16. Stock at least 8 standard rockets per raid you intend to seriously attempt.
Rocket Launcher vs alternatives
Vs **C4**: C4 is more sulfur-efficient per damage, but heavier and louder. Rockets are faster to deploy and let you raid from outside the base. Most serious raids use a mix.
Vs **Satchel Charges**: Satchels for soft targets (wood doors, sheet metal doors). Rockets for armoured doors and stone walls. Different cost-tiers entirely.
Vs **MGL**: completely different tools. MGL is anti-personnel area denial. Rocket launcher is anti-structure.
Common mistakes
- **Carrying it during PvP roams.** It's a 4-slot weapon that's bad at killing players. Bring an AK and pull the launcher only when you reach the raid.
- **Standing too close to the impact.** Splash damage will kill you if you fire at point-blank range without cover.
- **Not budgeting rockets.** Going into a raid with 4 rockets and finding the base needs 12 ends the raid badly.
- **Wasting Incendiary on walls.** Incendiary is for AFTER the breach, to deter defenders running back. Standard rockets break the structure.
Kit & pairing
Pair the Rocket Launcher with an **AK47 or LR300** for during-raid PvP engagements. Wear **Metal Facemask + Roadsign** at minimum; raids attract defenders and counter-raiders. Drink **Pure Max Health Tea** AND eat a **Bear Pie** beforehand — the HP buffer is critical in the chaotic post-breach fights, and Bear Pie's secondary effects compound with combat consumables.