Rust Cargo Ship Guide: Boarding, Crates, Harbor Stops, and Exit

How the event works

The Cargo Ship moves around the map as a water-based event. The official Waves of Change update says it docks once at the first Harbor it passes and describes its cargo-loot refresh behavior while docked. Facepunch’s map notes describe locked crates aboard and a warning before departure. Exact event timing and route depend on the live server; watch the horizon and map rather than sailing to an assumed fixed coordinate.

Prepare before boarding

• Scout first: check whether other boats or players are already approaching; Cargo Ship is a contested PvP event.
• Plan a return: bring a boat or identify a safe route back to shore before climbing aboard.
• Bring combat supplies: expect scientists and other players; carry enough healing and ammunition for a fight and an escape.
• Coordinate: decide who watches the ladder/boat and who starts a locked-crate hack.
• Keep an exit option: avoid committing your only transport if you cannot recover it after leaving the ship.

Crates, refreshes, and the hack timer

The ship includes locked crates that require a timed hack. Facepunch’s current Rust Wiki entry lists a 15-minute hack for the Cargo Ship locked crate. Treat that as a long hold: start only when your group can defend the position and still watch the ship’s departure. The Waves of Change post describes loot replenishing while the ship is docked (up to three refreshes in that update); whether a refresh is available depends on the ship’s current visit and server state.

Do not confuse the locked-crate hack timer with the ship’s full visit duration. The available official sources establish a warning before it leaves, but exact timing can be revised; use the live warning/horn and server event rather than planning around an unverified countdown.

Plan your exit

1. Before looting, confirm your boat or shore route is still available.
2. Watch for the departure warning. Stop searching and move toward your exit before it becomes urgent.
3. Do not jump into open water with a full inventory unless you know how you will get back to land.
4. After returning, sort the loot and note whether another Cargo Ship visit is worth the risk for your group.