Rust Thompson
Iconic T2 SMG. 20-round mag, controllable recoil, classic Rust mid-game weapon.
Fast facts
| Tier | T2 workbench |
|---|---|
| Ammo | Pistol Bullet / Incendiary / HV Pistol |
| Magazine | 20 rounds |
| RPM | ~480 (community-consensus, slightly slower than Custom SMG) |
| Damage | ~30 body / ~60 headshot (community-consensus) |
| Range | Short-medium (~30-50m) |
| Recoil | Vertical drift, smooth and forgiving |
| Acquisition | Craft at T2 workbench. Tech tree 1350 scrap or research the blueprint. |
The Thompson is the iconic T2 SMG — slightly smaller magazine than Custom SMG (20 vs 24) but smoother recoil and slightly higher per-shot damage. The cult favorite for veteran players who learned PvP on Thompson before the Custom SMG existed. Still a great pick if you prefer the feel.
Pro tips
- Smoother recoil curve than Custom SMG — many players find Thompson easier to learn.
- 20-round mag is a tradeoff for the recoil — manageable but plan reloads.
- Tech tree at T2 costs 1350 scrap — easier than researching from a found Thompson.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Thompson better than the Custom SMG?
Slightly. Thompson has smoother recoil and slightly higher per-shot damage; Custom SMG has a bigger mag (24 vs 20) and faster fire rate. Pick by feel — most players prefer Thompson for the recoil.
How do I unlock the Thompson?
T2 workbench. Either research the blueprint at a Research Table (find one in loot first), or unlock via tech tree for 1350 scrap. Default-known is no.
Thompson vs MP5?
MP5A4 is T3, Thompson is T2. MP5 is strictly better stats-wise — call it the late-wipe upgrade once you have T3 access. Thompson covers the mid-wipe gap.
When to use the Thompson
The Thompson is the early-mid wipe SMG that bridges the gap between rough handmade weapons and the Custom SMG. Tier 2 workbench, decent fire rate, generous magazine, but a recoil pattern that punishes spam-fire. It's what you craft when you have your first stable T2 setup and need a real PvP weapon before you can afford the Custom SMG.
Effective range is 5-20 metres, with most engagements landing in the 8-15m sweet spot. Past 20m the bullet spread starts hurting you; inside 5m a shotgun does it better.
Loadout & attachments
Attachments transform the Thompson from 'okay' to 'genuinely good':
- **Holosight** — non-negotiable. Iron sights on the Thompson are barely usable at engagement range.
- **Muzzle Brake** — recoil pattern is rough; brake makes it manageable.
- **Lasersight** — hipfire bonus, useful for door pushes and breach moments.
- **Silencer** — viable for solo stealth, slight damage hit.
- **Ammo: Pistol Ammo** — standard. Don't waste high-velocity on a Thompson.
Thompson vs alternatives
Vs **Custom SMG**: Custom SMG is also T2 but better recoil control and more accurate. If you can craft Custom, do that instead.
Vs **MP5**: MP5 is T3, much better in every way. Thompson is the rung below.
Vs **SAR**: SAR is semi-auto and outranges Thompson. Different roles — Thompson for close, SAR for distance.
Vs **Pump Shotgun**: Shotgun wins inside 5m, Thompson wins from 8m onward.
Common mistakes
- **Skipping the sight.** Iron-sight Thompson is a coin flip past 10m.
- **Spraying full mag.** Recoil climbs hard after 6-8 rounds. Burst-fire and reset.
- **Engaging at sniper range.** You will lose to anyone with a SAR at 25m.
- **Crafting after T3.** If you have T3, just build a Custom SMG or MP5 instead.
Kit & pairing
Pair the Thompson with a **Pump Shotgun** or **Semi-Auto Pistol** sidearm for sub-5m engagements. Wear at minimum **Roadsign Jacket + Coffee Can helmet**. Drink **Pure Max Health Tea** for any planned fight; the HP buffer compensates for the Thompson's slightly lower per-shot damage.