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ForRustplayers, the goal is survival. Any survivalist worth their salt knows that in addition to monitoring and managing their own well-being, tools and materials are essential. There are numerous ways to obtain resources in the game,butthe airdrop events give all players a chance to obtain some of the best items in Rust.This also means they will need to contend with other players to get their hands on one of these prized crates in thisunique survival title.
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The airdrops are in-game events that spawn a helicopter carrying valuable crates at random locations.One is the Attack or Patrol Helicopter event. The other is the Chinook CH-47 event.Both offer valuable loot, but they require different approaches to obtain their crates. This complete guide to the events will break all of this down.
Attack / Patrol Helicopter Event
The Attack Helicopter airdrop event spawns every two to four hours, and drops four crates.Its arrival will be heralded by the whir of its blades, and it will also be shown on the map. It is piloted by an NPC and armed with an M249, rockets, and napalm. It must be destroyed in order for it to drop its crates. If it isn’t destroyed after 15 minutes it will fly away, ending the event.
The Helicopter’s Behavior
When it appears, it will fly towards the closest monument before roaming to the next, aggressively engaging nearby players as it goes. At night, it behaves differently and will attack players spotted by its searchlight. Additionally, it will fire on any player who attacks it. Once it is hit, it will stop roaming and actively search for its attacker. If it does not find them after 30 seconds it will resume roaming between monuments.
The Attack Helicopter will only attack players that have more than two pieces of clothing on OR a ranged weapon equipped (unless attacked first). Players can avoid being targeted by making the needed adjustments to their gear.
When ready to bring it down, fans just need to shoot it to get its attention. The Attack Helicopter can be damaged by firing at its main body, or its top and rear rotors. The main body has 10,000 HP, and fully depleting its health will (of course) destroy it.Though the main body may be easiest to damage, its weak points are its two rotors, with the top and rear rotors having only 900 and 500 HP respectively.Taking out both rotors will cause it to crash instantly.
While the Attack Helicopter is a formidable enemy, its behavior is somewhat predictable and can be exploited. Becoming familiar with its attack patterns is key. It most often attacks with its M249 turrets, and will strafe parallel while attacking.If it turns away from a player in the opposite direction and retreats in a straight line, this is their cue to take cover.Immediately after, it will turn and head straight towards them. This means it is preparing to attack with its rockets or napalm, both of which can be lethal.
Defeating the Attack Helicopter: Quick Tips
How To Collect The Loot
When defeated, the Attack Helicopter will crash to the ground, scattering its four crates in its fiery debris field.The crates will remain on fire for at least three minutes before they can be looted,so it’s vital to defend the area from players looking to swoop in at the last minute and capitalize off all that hard work. When the fire goes out, the crates can be looted.
The crates offer high-tier loot in the form of explosives, ammo, attachments, materials, and weapons, possibly including the prized M249.
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Chinook Locked Crate Event
The other type of airdrop in Rust is the Chinook Locked Crate Event, which occurs less frequently but offers the rare CH47 crate.A Chinook helicopter will spawn and drop a single crate at tier one and above monuments. Its treasured loot will attract heavily armed players, so everyone should come prepared as well.
The Chinook’s Behavior
When it spawns, the Chinook heads straight to the monument, where it will drop its crate. It is full of scientists in hazmat suits, who can be killed to keep them from attacking.Unlike the Attack helicopter, the Chinook only attacks players when provoked, but it won’t change its course.Upon arrival at its destination, it will survey the area and attack any players nearby before dropping the crate and leaving.
Players must approach and start the hack on the crate.The hacking process takes 15 minutes, during which time the crate’s location will be shown globally on everyone’s map.It’s crucial to defend the area from incoming players until the hack is complete.
Players also need to take care not to damage the crate during the process: this will cause the hacking timer to move more slowly.
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Destroying The Chinook And/Or Collecting The Loot: Quick Tips
What Loot Does The Chinook Drop?
The CH47 crate gives players some of the best loot in the game for their hard work.It contains coveted high-tier loot in the form of ammunition, armor, weapons, resources, construction materials, raiding supplies like rockets and C4, a supply signal, tools, and health items.The rewards in the CH47 locked crate are well worth the risks.As in similar titles like Escape From Tarkov, quality loot is everything.
