Rust Gather Rates
How much each resource node gives, and the fastest tool to mine or chop it — datamined straight from the game.
Resource per node
Smelts 1:1 into Sulfur — the base of all gunpowder and explosives.
Smelts 1:1 into Metal Fragments.
Mined directly as Stones — no smelting needed.
Total yield from one fully-mined node. Datamined, verified Aug 2026.
Best tools
Ore (mining)
| fastestSalvaged Icepick | 50dmg/hit |
| Pickaxe | 30dmg/hit |
| Jackhammer | 25dmg/hit |
| Salvaged Hammer | 20dmg/hit |
| Concrete Pickaxe | 16dmg/hit |
| Stone Pickaxe | 16dmg/hit |
Trees (wood)
| fastestSalvaged Axe | 50dmg/hit |
| Sickle | 40dmg/hit |
| Chainsaw | 30dmg/hit |
| Hatchet | 30dmg/hit |
| Krieg chainsword | 30dmg/hit |
| Concrete Hatchet | 20dmg/hit |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sulfur do you get from a node in Rust?expand_more
A Sulfur Node yields 200 Sulfur Ore, which smelts 1:1 into 200 Sulfur. That's the raw material behind all gunpowder, so a node's worth of sulfur is the unit most raiders count in.
What is the best tool for mining in Rust?expand_more
The Salvaged Icepick mines ore fastest, ahead of the Pickaxe and Jackhammer. For trees the Salvaged Axe is fastest. The higher-tier salvaged tools clear a full node in the fewest swings, which matters when you're exposed at a monument.
Does hitting the X spot on a node matter?expand_more
Yes — every ore node has a glowing marker; hitting it triggers a bonus that drops extra resource. Aim for the marker each swing rather than the body of the node to get the most out of it.
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