Rust Character Models: Evolution, Gameplay Implications and More

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As a survival game, Rust is more focused on action than on the aesthetics of in-game character models. There are no customization options, which are widely present in other popular titles. When you launch Rust for the first time, it randomly creates your appearance from the vast selection of elements. It will remain with your account forever, unless changes to the game’s policy happen.

A specific character model is generated for a Steam ID. There is no official opportunity to change it, so most players accept their look in Rust.

The main reasons for such a decision by the game developers are the following.

To implement the deep idea of being born in a hostile world and taking the character model as your new appearance. According to Facepunch Studios, players should focus on gameplay.
To bring a vaster diversity of faces and bodies into the game. Character models are based on a variety of aspects, like gender, race, hair type, body muscles, etc. All of them are randomized to create a character. Thanks to this, Rust has all sorts of humans lurking in the wild and fighting for survival.
To prevent toxicity and indecent behavior. With one appearance stuck to their account, people can’t hope to go unrecognized and start doing dirty things again.

Evolution of Character Models

Rust made it through a few development phases for its character models.

One male character for all: Legacy Rust, the earliest version.

When the game was in early access, there was no diversity in character models. Every player joined Rust as a male human being, with one common look for everyone.

Clothes and armor were added as customization options in 2014.

This was a slight breath of fresh air. Players received some variations of the basic character, to express their personalities. The choices were minimal, and it still wasn’t about reflecting a player’s identity.

In 2015, Rust character models received a female variant.

On the one hand, this update brought extra variety to the game. On the other hand, there was still no opportunity to select a gender. It was a random choice, and some players weren’t happy about becoming a girl in Rust.

Different races, skin tones, and physical structures became available in 2016.

At this point, the developers finalized their ideas about character models. They added a variety of options for body features, which are randomized and create a specific appearance of Rust game characters.

Customization with external items.

In the modern version of Rust, the system remains the same. You receive a randomly generated character model, and it remains linked to your Steam ID. Regardless of the server you play on, you look the same in the game even after a Rust servers wipe.

Gameplay Implications

Apart from the thrill of creating your unique appearance in the game, you don’t lose anything because there is no character customization in Rust.

⚠️ Rust character models do not affect gameplay. They are strictly a cosmetic feature.

Regardless of your look in the game, success and failure on a Rust server depend on your playing skills. Want to achieve more? Check out these Rust tips in our dedicated guide.

Community Mods and Workarounds

Rust is a nice representation of diversity in gaming. The developers have maintained their decision to randomize character models to prevent domination of one gender, race, or physical feature in the game.

To keep this paradigm active, Facepunch Studios stubbornly blocks community mods that try to change character models in Rust. Their efforts are also extended to mods that affect the Steam ID.

The only reliable option for character customization in the survival game Rust is to create another Steam account. Still, the process will be identical: a randomized model that is linked to your new account.
Plugins for custom servers. This method works only on third-party servers. The administrators can use special plugins to interfere with a player’s model parameters. The trick doesn’t work on the official servers.
Although Rust skins can’t change the character models, they still strongly affect your appearance, create unique vibes around your in-game personality, and convey your experience and attitude. Buy them to adjust your look in the game on all the game servers.

Sure, good skins should come with good skills. Take a look at our list of the best weapons in Rust to know which guns can win PvP duels and bring you success at monument farming.

Conclusion

Rust forces players to use randomly generated character models. There are no customization options in the game. This idea from the developers is based on the survival nature of Rust and the desire to bring diversity to this virtual world.

Your look in Rust is built up by mixing different aspects, including body structure, gender, and race. This appearance is linked to your Steam ID and remains unchanged on the official servers. Creating a new Steam account and purchasing Rust again will activate the randomized character model creation, but then, the new look will be connected to this account permanently.

If you want to bring meaningful customization to Rust, check out how to show FPS. Unlike character models, this technical parameter really can affect gameplay and your successes in the hostile environment, specifically in battles against other players.

FAQ

Can you customize your character in Rust?

No, this option is not available on the official servers. In Rust, you receive a randomized character model after joining the game for the first time, and it remains permanently connected to your Steam ID.

Does my character’s appearance affect gameplay in Rust?

No, the appearance of Rust game characters does not affect gameplay. It’s strictly a cosmetic feature.

Can I change my Rust character’s look with mods? The developers block this opportunity on the official servers. Only some third-party Rust servers support changes for character models.

Is there a way to reset or reroll my character in Rust?

No, the character model is permanent for your Steam ID. The only way is to create a new Steam account and buy the game for it. The developers take measures against family sharing of the game, so this option may not work.

How has the community reacted to Rust’s character model system?

The reaction has been mixed, with emotional debates. Players found random genders a very controversial decision when they were introduced into the game. Still, the community generally accepts this system and takes the game as it is.

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