How to - Small Oil Rig

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

RustUpdated 23 Feb 2026

Small Oil Rig Monument Guide

alt text The Small Oil Rig is a high-tier ocean monument in Rust that offers valuable loot, scientist combat, keycard puzzles, and a Heavy Scientist event triggered by a locked crate.


Overview

Small Oil Rig is a stationary offshore monument that spawns near the edges of the map in deep water. It consists of multiple vertical levels guarded by scientists and contains several loot spawns, puzzles, and a locked crate event.

Key characteristics:

  • No radiation
  • Multiple floors with NPC scientists
  • Green, Blue, and Red keycard puzzles
  • Locked crate event with Heavy Scientists
  • No recycler on-site

Getting to Small Oil Rig

Players can reach Small Oil Rig using several methods:

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

Monument Layout and Levels

Level 0 – Docking Platform

  • NPCs: 1 Scientist
  • Loot: One basic crate

Notes:

  • Main entry point for boats
  • Ladders and stairs lead upward
  • Scientists above can shoot down
  • Moonpool entrance allows underwater access to upper levels

Level 1 – Lower Platform

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

Notes:

  • First combat-heavy area
  • Clear scientists before pushing upward
  • Staircase leads to Level 2

Level 2 – Mid Platform

  • NPCs: Approximately 5 Scientists
  • Loot Spawns: Standard and military crates

Notes:

  • Increased NPC density
  • Scientists patrol aggressively
  • Good staging area before puzzle levels

Level 3 – Puzzle Level

  • NPCs: 2 or more Scientists
  • Loot Spawns: Multiple crates
  • Puzzle: Green Keycard

Notes:

  • Moonpool exit connects near this level
  • Unlocks access to improved loot
  • Staircase leads to the top platform

Level 4 – Top Platform

  • NPCs: Approximately 6 Scientists
  • Loot Spawns: High-tier military and elite crates
  • Puzzles:
    • Blue Keycard
    • Red Keycard
  • Locked Crate: Triggers Heavy Scientist event

Notes:

  • Highest loot concentration
  • Helipad located above

Scientists and Combat Strategy

Small Oil Rig is guarded by armed scientists that deal consistent damage and patrol actively.

Tips:

  • Clear from the bottom up
  • Use ranged weapons to reduce damage
  • Prioritize headshots to conserve ammunition
  • Avoid fighting multiple scientists at once
  • Bring sufficient medical supplies

For solo or duo players, killing visible scientists from a boat before boarding can reduce early pressure.


Keycard Puzzles

Small Oil Rig contains multiple puzzles that require keycards:

  • Green Keycard (Level 3): Mid-tier loot rooms
  • Blue Keycard (Level 4): High-tier loot access
  • Red Keycard (Level 4): Best loot containers

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 rig (helipad)
  5. Event ends once Heavy Scientists are eliminated and the crate is looted

Heavy Scientists have significantly more health and firepower than standard scientists.


Loot Overview

Loot available on Small Oil Rig includes:

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

There is no recycler on the rig.


Exiting the Rig

Players can leave Small Oil Rig by:

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

Always scan the surroundings before leaving, as players often arrive during or after the locked crate event.


CCTV Camera Codes

Small Oil Rig can be monitored remotely using CCTV cameras:

  • OILRIG1HELI
  • OILRIG1DOCK
  • OILRIG1EXHAUST
  • OILRIG1L1
  • OILRIG1L2
  • OILRIG1L3
  • OILRIG1L4

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


Tips and Best Practices

  • Stage gear and boats near the coast
  • Clear scientists before starting puzzles or hacking crates
  • Watch the horizon for boats and helicopters

Tags

#monument#puzzle