There are several strategies to obtain wood for free in Rust, which can be beneficial for players looking to gather resources without significant investment. Here are some effective methods:
Trading at Outposts: One of the fastest ways to acquire wood is by trading stone for wood at outposts. For every stone node you gather, you can receive approximately 3,000 wood in exchange. This method is particularly useful if you have excess stone and need wood quickly2.
Utilizing Chainsaws: If you have access to a chainsaw, it significantly increases your wood-gathering efficiency. Chainsaws allow you to harvest trees rapidly, making it easier to collect large amounts of wood in a short time2.
Recycling Items: While recycling for wood is generally not the most efficient method, it can still yield some wood if you have scrap items that you don't need. However, this method should be considered only when other options are not available2.
Building Small Storage Boxes: If you're in a contested area and need to gather wood without attracting attention, consider building small storage boxes (with key locks) and hiding them in bushes. After cutting down trees, deposit your wood in these boxes to minimize loss if you're ambushed2.
Farming Techniques: When harvesting trees, it's advisable to hit every tree until the final chop and then quickly tap all the trees before leaving. This minimizes noise and reduces the risk of being detected by enemies. You can return later to finish gathering from the trees you initially tapped2.
Finding Driftwood: Look for driftwood along shorelines or in bodies of water; this can provide additional wood without needing to cut down trees3.
By employing these strategies, players can effectively gather wood without spending resources or risking their safety in the game.