New Rust update transforms survival gameplay into a cozy experience.

Rust is gearing up for some exciting updates in the final quarter of the year, particularly focusing on enhancing animal gameplay. The revamped roadmap reveals that players can expect the introduction of dogs, decorative animals, new species, improved AI for animals, and a breeding system. This will enable players to manage their own livestock and embrace their inner farmer, making it a fantastic addition for role players eager to dive into their cozy farming sim dreams within Rust.

While the animal update isn’t live yet and lacks a specific release date, livestock assets have already been integrated into the AUX01 staging branch for early testing. Players can get a sneak peek at the upcoming animals, including cows, goats, and sheep. Similar to horses, these animals can be purchased from NPCs, allowing players to raise them, breed them for better genetics, and eventually harvest them for meat, animal fat, cloth, and leather.

To keep their animals happy, players will need to provide grass, water, and a herd. Animals can be led once a bond is formed, and caretakers can build relationships that reduce aggressiveness. The current friendship levels include Stranger, Knows You, Tolerated, Bonded, and Herd. When an animal reaches max friendship, it becomes part of the player’s herd. To prevent losing track of these animals, players can utilize new fences and gates to create enclosures, protecting them from threats like bears and wolves.

Breeding appears to be the most intricate aspect of this update, as both gender and genetics will play crucial roles in producing ideal offspring, akin to creating “god clones” when farming hemp, vegetables, and berries.

To participate in testing the livestock update, players need to access the Rust Staging Branch options, select Game Versions & Betas, and enter the private version password “livestock2026.” This will grant them access to the AUX01 staging branch and allow them to experience this early build.

Meanwhile, solo players are expressing concerns about the upcoming force wipe update scheduled for Thursday in Rust.