How to - Large Oil Rig

A guide on how to navigate and complete the large oil rig monument puzzle.

RustUpdated 23 Feb 2026

Large Oil Rig Monument Guide

alt text The Large Oil Rig is a high-tier ocean monument in Rust that offers some of the best loot in the game. It features heavy scientist presence, multiple keycard puzzles, elite loot spawns, and a locked crate event that triggers a Heavy Scientist Chinook deployment. Compared to Small Oil Rig, it is larger, more dangerous, and more frequently contested.

Overview

Large Oil Rig is a stationary offshore monument that spawns near the outer edges of the map in deep water. It consists of many vertical levels, interior rooms, staircases, cranes, and helipads, all guarded by scientists.

Key characteristics:

  • No radiation
  • Significantly more scientists than Small Oil Rig
  • Green, Blue, and Red keycard puzzles
  • Locked crate event with Heavy Scientists
  • No recycler on-site

Getting to Large Oil Rig

Players can reach Large Oil Rig using several methods:

  • Boat (RHIB/Rowboat)
  • Helicopter (Minicopter/Attack Helicopter)
  • Tugboat or Submarine
  • Swimming/Boogie board

Due to the size and danger of the monument, many groups use nearby ocean or coastal bases to stage boats, helicopters, and spare kits.

Monument Layout and Levels

Large Oil Rig has many interconnected platforms and interior levels. Clearing from the bottom upward is strongly recommended.

Level 0 – Docking Platforms

  • NPCs: 2 Scientists
  • Loot: Basic crates and barrels

Notes:

  • Main entry point for boats
  • Multiple ladders and staircases lead upward
  • Scientists above can shoot down onto this level
  • Moonpool entrance allows underwater access to interior levels

Level 1 – Lower Exterior Platforms

  • NPCs: Approximately 4 Scientists
  • Loot Spawns: Basic and standard crates

Notes:

  • Open walkways with limited cover
  • Easy to take damage from multiple angles
  • Stairs and ladders lead to interior sections

Level 2 – Interior Levels

  • NPCs: Approximately 6 Scientists
  • Loot Spawns: Standard and military crates

Notes:

  • Scientists patrol aggressively
  • Audio awareness is important due to enclosed spaces

Level 3 – Mid Platforms and Crane Areas

  • NPCs: Approximately 6–8 Scientists
  • Loot Spawns: Military crates

Notes:

  • Large open platforms with cranes
  • Multiple staircases connect to upper levels

Level 4 – Upper Platforms

  • NPCs: Approximately 8 Scientists
  • Loot Spawns: High-tier military crates

Notes:

  • Increased scientist density
  • Strong staging area before puzzle levels

Level 5 – Puzzle and Control Rooms

  • NPCs: Several Scientists
  • Loot Spawns: High-tier crates
  • Puzzles:
    • Green Keycard
    • Blue Keycard
    • Red Keycard

Notes:

  • Unlocks access to elite loot rooms
  • Puzzles are often camped
  • Ensure all keycards are brought before committing

Level 6 – Top Platform and Helipads

  • NPCs: Multiple Scientists
  • Loot Spawns: Elite crates
  • Locked Crate: Triggers Heavy Scientist event

Notes:

  • Highest point on the monument
  • Helipad is located here
  • Primary location for the locked crate event

Scientists and Combat Strategy

Large Oil Rig contains a large number of armed scientists that deal consistent damage and aggressively push players.

Tips:

  • Clear from the bottom up to avoid being shot from above
  • Use ranged weapons to thin scientists before pushing
  • Control stairwells and doorways
  • Prioritize headshots to conserve ammunition
  • Bring ample medical supplies and ammunition

For solo or small groups, patience and positioning are critical due to the number of NPCs.

Keycard Puzzles

Large Oil Rig contains multiple puzzles that require keycards:

  • Green Keycard: Early puzzle access
  • Blue Keycard: Mid-tier loot rooms
  • Red Keycard: Elite loot rooms

Don't forget your keycards!

Locked Crate and Heavy Scientist Event

Activating the locked crate on the top platform starts a timed event:

  1. A 15-minute hack timer begins
  2. Alarm sirens activate
  3. A Chinook helicopter arrives
  4. Heavy Scientists deploy onto the helipad
  5. Event ends once Heavy Scientists are eliminated and the crate is looted

Heavy Scientists have very high health and deal heavy damage. Expect strong resistance and possible third-party players during this event.

Loot Overview

Loot available on Large Oil Rig includes:

  • Elite crates
  • Military crates
  • Standard crates
  • Medical crates
  • Locked crate rewards
  • Heavy Scientist loot

There is no recycler on the rig

Exiting the Rig

Players can leave Large Oil Rig by:

  • Flying from the helipads
  • Jumping into the water (no fall damage)
  • Returning to docked boats

Always check for incoming boats or helicopters before leaving, especially after completing the locked crate event.

CCTV Camera Codes

Large Oil Rig can be monitored remotely using CCTV cameras:

  • OILRIG2HELI
  • OILRIG2DOCK
  • OILRIG2EXHAUST
  • OILRIG2L1
  • OILRIG2L2
  • OILRIG2L3
  • OILRIG2L4
  • OILRIG2L5
  • OILRIG2L6

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

Tips and Best Practices

  • Bring more ammunition and medical supplies than Small Oil Rig
  • Clear scientists methodically to avoid being overwhelmed
  • Expect PvP during and after the locked crate event
  • Watch the horizon for boats and aircraft

Tags

#monument#puzzle