How to - Cargo Ship

A guide on how to navigate, loot and control the cargo ship.

RustUpdated 23 Feb 2026

Cargo Ship Event Guide

alt text The Cargo Ship is a roaming ocean monument in Rust that provides high-tier loot, scientist combat, multiple locked crates, and frequent PvP encounters. Unlike static monuments, the Cargo Ship travels around the map and will dock at Harbors during its route, creating additional entry and counter-play opportunities.

Overview

The Cargo Ship periodically spawns at the edge of the map and travels across the ocean before leaving. It is guarded by scientists and contains several loot spawns spread across the decks, interior corridors, and cargo holds, plus multiple locked crates.

Key characteristics:

  • No radiation while active on the map
  • Roaming monument with a limited time window
  • Scientists positioned across decks and interiors
  • Multiple locked crates (hack timers)
  • Loot distributed across deck areas and below-deck holds
  • No recycler on-site
  • Extremely high PvP activity
  • Can dock at Harbors during its route

Getting to the Cargo Ship

Players can reach the Cargo Ship using several methods:

  • Boat (RHIB/Rowboat)
  • Helicopter (Minicopter/Attack Helicopter)
  • Swimming/Boogie board (highly risky)

Additionally, when the Cargo Ship docks at a Harbor, it can be approached and contested from the Harbor itself. Expect heavy player traffic at the Harbor during docking windows.

Monument Layout and Levels

The Cargo Ship is best thought of in three functional sections:

  • Main deck and exterior walkways (open sightlines)
  • Interior corridors and stairwells (tight angles)
  • Below-deck cargo holds (dense loot, limited exits)

Lower Section – Cargo Holds (Below Deck)

  • NPCs: Scientists may be present or path into this area
  • Loot Spawns: High concentration of elite and standard crates, locked crates will also spawn here

Notes:

  • The holds are among the most loot-dense areas on the ship for non-locked & locked loot
  • Tight corridors and corners increase close-range risk
  • Easy to get trapped if countered; always keep a clear route back to stairs

Mid Section – Main Deck and Container Areas

  • NPCs: Several scientists distributed across the deck
  • Loot Spawns: Basic crates, and standard/military-tier containers, locked crates will also spawn here

Notes:

  • Open deck sightlines make you visible to counters and helicopters
  • Use cover from containers, railings, and deck structures
  • Common counter-boarding routes: middle deck ladders

Upper Section – Bridge and Upper Deck Structures

  • NPCs: Scientists guard bridge/upper positions
  • Loot Spawns: Basic crates, and standard/military-tier containers, locked crates will also spawn here

Notes:

  • The bridge/upper deck offers strong defensive angles but is also a frequent PvP focal point
  • Controlling stairwells and ladder access is key to holding Cargo

Scientists and Combat Strategy

Cargo Ship scientists are heavily armed and well positioned

Tips:

  • Clear methodically from lower areas upward (or secure upper control first, then clear down)
  • Avoid standing exposed on the main deck for long periods
  • Bring ample medical supplies and ammunition
  • Keep someone watching ladders/boarding routes during crate hacks

Locked Crates

The Cargo Ship can spawn multiple locked crates, and additional locked crates may appear over time during the event (signaled by the ship’s horn).

Locked crate mechanics:

  • Each crate requires a 15-minute hack timer
  • After the ship docks at the second harbour, the fourth crate will spawn

Practical approach:

  • Secure control of key choke points (stairs, bridge access, rear boarding routes)
  • Start hacks as soon as possible
  • If you cannot defend, consider looting standard/military spawns and leaving early

Loot Overview

Loot available on the Cargo Ship includes:

  • Locked crate rewards (primary objective)
  • Higher-tier crates
  • Standard crates

There is no recycler onboard, however you may have time to recycler at harbour stops.

Exiting the Cargo Ship

Players can leave the Cargo Ship by:

  • Jumping into the water
  • Flying off using a helicopter
  • Leaving before it reaches a Harbor docking window (to avoid land-based counters)
  • Use the RHIB that spawns at the back of the ship

Be cautious when exiting:

  • The ship may be far from shore
  • Counters often shadow the ship with boats or helicopters
  • Docking can drastically increase the number of players contesting the event

CCTV Camera Codes

The Cargo Ship can be monitored remotely using CCTV cameras:

  • CARGODECK
  • CARGOBRIDGE
  • CARGOSTERN
  • CARGOHOLD1
  • CARGOHOLD2

These can be accessed through a Computer Station to scout activity before committing.

Tips and Best Practices

  • Board early to secure positions before counters arrive
  • Treat stairwells and ladder routes as high-priority defensive points
  • Loot below-deck holds when safe; recommended that you clear these before every loot run
  • Start crate hacks as soon as possible
  • Track the ship’s route and plan extraction before it docks at a Harbor
  • If the ship is about to dock and you are already pressured, leaving early is often the safer play

Tags

#event