Patrol Helicopter Basics
The Patrol Helicopter spawns approximately every 2-3 hours and flies around the map engaging players. It has two attack modes:
- Rocket attack: Fires explosive rockets that deal massive area damage. Destroys twig and wood structures.
- Machine gun: Rapid-fire burst that deals moderate damage per hit.
The heli targets players who: - Are wearing 2+ clothing items (armor counts) - Are holding a weapon (any weapon, including bows) - Are near their base while armed
To avoid the heli, remove clothing/armor and put away weapons when you hear it. Nakeds are generally safe.
Heli stats: - Total HP: ~10,000 (split between main body and tail rotor) - Tail rotor: approximately 900 HP (weak point) - Main rotor: approximately 900 HP - Body: approximately 8,200 HP
Taking Down the Heli
To destroy the heli, you need to destroy either the main rotor, the tail rotor, or deal enough body damage. Targeting the tail rotor is most efficient.
Ammo requirements (for tail rotor targeting): - 5.56 Rifle Ammo: ~200 rounds with the AK (aim for the rotor) - Incendiary 5.56: ~120 rounds (deals bonus damage to vehicles) - 5.56 Explosive Ammo: ~75 rounds (most efficient per round but expensive)
Recommended loadout: - Primary: AK-47 or LR-300 with a 4x Scope - Ammo: 300 rounds of 5.56 (mix of regular and incendiary) - Armor: Full metal set - Meds: 10+ syringes, 20+ bandages - Building: Wood, metal, and building plan for emergency cover
Shoot in controlled bursts at the tail rotor. Spray patterns matter less here -- just get rounds on target. The heli will aggro on you and start its attack runs, so be ready to take cover between shots.
Building a Heli Tower
A heli tower is a tall structure designed to fight the patrol helicopter safely. The basic concept: build up high enough that the heli's rocket attacks hit below you, while you shoot down at it.
Basic heli tower: 1. Stack foundations and walls 4-5 stories high 2. Place a roof on top with window frames on all sides 3. Upgrade to stone minimum (heli rockets destroy wood) 4. Add a sleeping bag and supply box at the top 5. Stock with ammo, meds, and repair materials
Fighting from the tower: - Wait until the heli aggros on you and starts its attack run - Duck behind stone walls when rockets are incoming - Pop up and shoot at the tail rotor between attack runs - The heli circles your position, giving you a consistent target - Keep the walls repaired if they take damage
Advanced: Build the tower near your main base so you can loot the heli crash quickly. Add auto turrets on the tower for extra damage. Multiple shooters from the same tower massively increases DPS.
Heli Loot and Crash Site
When destroyed, the heli drops a flaming wreck that takes about 5 minutes to cool down. Once cool, it spawns a crate containing:
- High-tier weapons: AK-47, LR-300, M249, Bolt Action
- Armor: Metal Facemask, Metal Chestplate
- Attachments: 4x Scope, Holosight, Laser Sight
- Explosives: C4, Rockets, Explosive Ammo
- Resources: HQM, Metal Fragments, Scrap
The crash site also has a fire that damages players who stand in it. Wait for the fire to die down before looting.
Contest warning: Every player on the server sees and hears the heli fight. The crash site is one of the most contested PvP events in Rust. Expect company within 2-5 minutes of the heli going down. Have your best PvP gear ready and loot fast.