The new update, patch 1.31, is live now for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One and aims to fix certain issues in the game, such as fixing crashes that occur when moving items up the crafting queue and attack helicopters randomly disappearing mid-combat. Problems with crashes that happened when a banned player tries to join a friend on a server have also been addressed, so players have one less thing to worry about.

The patch notes are fairly brief. You can read the full notes over on the game’s official website, or find them in their entirety below.

RUST CONSOLE EDITION PATCH 1.31

Fixes: 

• Fixed a crash when moving items up the crafting queue
• Fixed a crash that could occur when accessing the Locker while offline
• Fixed a crash when banned players try to join a friend on a server
• Fixed Heavy Scientists getting stuck above the Oil Rig helipad after the Chinook drops them off
• Fixed players being able to shoot through trees with 5.56 rifle ammo
• Fixed an issue that could cause the attack helicopter to disappear when in combat
• Fixed respawned trees sometimes getting harvested in one hit
• Texture updates for the Oil Rig monuments

As such, the console edition of the game has received a new update, which brings new content with it. Patch 1.30, called Offshore Blowout, adds in a new small oil rig along with a large oil rig, allowing players to work together to raid and gain loot, along with it with a new CH47 event. The building blocked zone around the harbor monument has also been expanded , along with fixes for texture issues, bugs, missing shadows, and more.

You can read the full notes over on the game’s official website, or find them in their entirety below.

You wouldn’t be blamed for being a bit weary of seeing a game like Rust launch on consoles, especially last gen consoles as this version is a PS4 and Xbox One edition of the game and not specifically optimized for current gen hardware yet. But despite the experience being notably less populated with the options that the PC version currently enjoys, the core of what makes Rust a compelling survival game are present on PS4 at least. That’s the version I was able to play for this review, and outside of the handful of little bugs and glitches you would generally expect from a game like this, Rust runs well and feels about as good as one would expect on the DualShock 4. Using R2 to attack, L2 to aim, square to interact, X to jump all make perfect sense for a game like this and while it never quite feels like a game that really belongs on console, it does more than pass as a totally serviceable console version.

That said, the movement of most actions in Rust, I’ll admit, do come off as a bit clunky, especially at first, but once I got my arms around how movement and interacting with the environment is supposed to feel, it made more sense. Rust isn’t really a game that’s ever been about pinpoint accuracy, but rather, it’s more about giving its players a fun sandbox of tools and ingredients that give you a choice between trying to establish a team of like-minded individuals, going it alone, or just being a griefer extraordinaire. Most players will probably find themselves some sort of mix of the three. Often fights between 2 or 3 rock-welding newbies will devolve into a chaotic mess of everybody running around each other while holding R2 and hoping to come out on top, and if that were in any other game it might feel like a flaw, but in Rust it somehow feels right. I would have liked to have seen a few more things be more console-ized though. For instance, needing to hold down L2 and then press x to simply drop an item could have just as easily been mapped to a simple press of L2. Multiple button interactions on PC makes more sense since you’re playing with a keyboard but on console, the less the button interactions, the better.

"While only time will truly tell on how well Rust lands with console players and how sticky the experience ultimately becomes in a different ecosystem, the good news is that Rust’s console edition does have the fundamentals in place from the PC experience to give it a pretty good shot at garnering a similar fanbase."

Of course, those with rocks and torches will be the least of your worries once you come across Rust’s more advanced players. After playing on any somewhat populated server, it will eventually dawn on you that not everybody playing the game is new to it, as they’ve already acquired far more advanced weaponry and have far more of a handle on how everything works. Your best bet is to probably go it alone for a bit until you can at least get a spear or a bow together and adequately defend yourself. But there’s no shame in going for it with a crouching sneak attack either. Taking out a heavily armed guy might be a bit of a long shot at first, but it is possible and can also be quite a shortcut to getting yourself a competitive edge. Decisions like this are the core of what makes Rust fun – and they are fully intact in this version.

Rust’s console edition, despite being generally well-done, does have a handful of issues that will probably persist through launch that the developer Double Eleven says they are aware of and plan on fixing soon. Some noticeably jittery movement of other players, players walking through certain objects, players being randomly kicked, and some privacy settings in voice chat not being honored are among these issues. You also can’t create your own game just yet, although the option is listed on the main menu so hopefully that comes along soon. I personally rarely noticed examples of the known bugs, but Double Eleven says they are aware of them and they are toiling away on fixes as we speak. An aim-assist is also supposedly in the works, so given a bit of time and more feedback from players, there’s plenty of good reason to suspect Rust will continue to improve from its already generally decent performance.

Given that Rust is an online-focused game, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the game features console cross play. It does not include PC players, but those on their Xbox Ones and PS4s can play together. This is not only a consumer-friendly approach that should be acknowledged for that alone, but should also help quell the fears of anybody holding off on Rust’s console edition because of their concern for multiplayer longevity. Most multiplayer games will inevitably fade away with time, but having both Microsoft’s and Sony’s players together on the same servers, killing each other and looting each other’s crates and barrels should give Rust a reasonably sustainable lifespan on console. While I would have liked to see everybody – including PC – all on the same servers, I think the combination of these two ecosystems will likely pan out to be a reasonable compromise all things considered. After all, the console edition is technically a separate build of the game from the original version, so including PC players on it may not be possible with how everything is currently structured anyway.

"Those who already have experience with Rust know that to really get anywhere in it, you basically need to treat it like a part-time job. It requires dedication and lots of experience if you want to dominate the landscape in any meaningful way."

Those who already have experience with Rust know that to really get anywhere in it, you basically need to treat it like a part-time job. It requires dedication and lots of experience if you want to dominate the landscape in any meaningful way. That doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to speed the process up and skirt around some of the intended paths of progression, but generally speaking it’s a game that rewards your time spent very slowly. Given this, it might not ultimately end up being the best fit for most console players.

That said, the slow, grindy, and sometimes frustrating experience that is Rust has indeed made a faithful transition to console from the folks of Double Eleven and Facepunch Studios really knowing what they’re doing here. There are certainly some gripes to be had and some legitimate concerns that may prove more or less significant as time goes on, but thankfully the foundation for this new version of Rust is generally a solid one. Anybody who has been waiting to play the game on their console and knows what they’re getting into has little to fear at this point. It’s an easy recommendation for those who understand what Rust is and are ready for that sort of experience. As a game, it’s still easy to see why Rust is a classic, albeit a niche’ one. The survival elements are top-notch and hardcore. As a console port, I’m curious to see what will come of its new audience over the next couple of years, but so far it is impressively well-optimized and tailored for the controller.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 4.

Resident Evil Village

Resident Evil Village is undoubtedly the biggest game release of the month, if not one of the year’s biggest. Set after the events of Resident Evil 7: biohazard, players once again assume the role of Ethan Winters in first-person. After Mia is seemingly shot dead and his daughter kidnapped by Chris Redfield, Ethan travels to the titular village for a rescue. Of course, things are horribly off – Lycans roam about, causing mayhem; and the imposing Lady Dimitrescu and her daughters occupy the castle.

Thankfully, Ethan will have a healthy arsenal to aid his cause with handguns, shotguns and sniper rifles on hand. Upgrades for these can be purchased from The Duke while players can also hunt and cook meals for increased stat buffs. Along with the main story, there’s the return of The Mercenaries for some arcade-style shooting action (with the free-for-all deathmatch mode Re:Verse seemingly releasing this Summer).

Resident Evil Village is out on May 7^th for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, PC and Google Stadia.

Hood: Outlaws and Legends

Legends live forever but outlaws reign supreme in Sumo Digital’s upcoming multiplayer title. As part of a heist crew in medieval times, players choose from one of four classes – the Ranger, Mystic, Hunter and Brawler, each with their own load-outs – and proceed to infiltrate heavily guarded locations to steal some treasure. The knights and Sheriff won’t make it easy though and the crew must combine their talents to locate the Vault, crack it open and make off with the loot.

Along with AI opponents, however, a rival crew composed of four other players will attempt to steal the treasure first, or hinder you during the escape process. So far, Hood: Outlaws and Legends looks to be a compelling mix of stealth, action and multiplayer chaos. It’s out on May 10^th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Xbox One, PS4 and PC with support for cross-platform play and even more content to come post-launch.

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition

After years of requests from fans, BioWare is finally delivering the original Mass Effect trilogy with remastered visuals and quality of life improvements. Mass Effect: Legendary Edition collects the first three games and almost all of their DLC into one single launcher. Along with 4K resolution support, graphical improvements to shadows, lighting, particle effects and so on, character models have seen big improvements. Mass Effect 1 has been given the remake treatment with improved combat, balance changes (like all weapons being usable by all classes), better tuned boss fights and so on.

This isn’t even taking into account Galaxy at War, which has been re-balanced with the absence of multiplayer in Mass Effect 3, and now factoring in decisions from the entire trilogy. More character customization options, unified character creation and of course Photo Mode have also been added. In short, if you’re a Mass Effect fan, the Legendary Edition is a no-brainer. It’s out on May 15^th for Xbox One, PS4 and PC with some enhancements on Xbox Series X/S and PS5.

Subnautica: Below Zero

Unknown Worlds’ follow-up to the critically acclaimed underwater survival title puts a colder spin on things. Set two years later on Planet 4546B, players explore the arctic region. Along with exploring abandoned research stations to collect logs and other information, you’ll need to build a base and craft items with whatever resources are available to survive.

Some interesting new mechanics include exploring frozen caves and snowy peaks along with the new Snowfox hoverbike. And don’t worry – there’s plenty of scary stuff to deal with as well, like the Shadow Leviathan. Subnautica: Below Zero is currently available in early access and fully launches on May 14^th for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Nintendo and PC.

Days Gone (PC)

After launching for PS4 in 2019, Deacon St. John’s quest to survive in post-apocalyptic Oregon comes to PC on May 18^th. The world is crawling with Freakers who can assail the player in hordes, becoming faster and more aggressive during the night. Deacon will venture across the landscape, destroying hives, completing bounties and even dealing with infected animals like bears and wolves while harboring hope that his wife is alive.

To accomplish this, he’ll have a motorcycle which must be maintained and modified to get the best mileage. In terms of enhancements, the PC version offers ultra-wide screen support, unlocked framerates, improved level of detail and foliage draw distance, and features like Super Resolution Photo Mode. Hopefully it turns out better at launch than Horizon Zero Dawn’s PC port.

Knockout City

While Rocket Arena faded into obscurity, EA’s Knockout City is looking more promising. Developed by Velan Studios, the competitive multiplayer title is more focused on Dodgeball-style combat. Throw balls – or other players – at opponents for a knockout. But it’s not nearly that simple – you need to think about your positioning and maybe charge up for an Ultimate Throw for better tracking.

With options like dodging, catching balls, fake throwing and whatnot, Knockout City could provide a nice diversion from the usual multiplayer fare. It launches on May 21^st for Xbox One, PS4, PC and Nintendo Switch with six modes and five maps, cross-platform multiplayer and shared progression. New content will also be added in post-launch seasons.

Rust Console Edition

Originally released for Steam Early Access in 2013, Facepunch Studios’ wildly popular survival title would fully launch in February 2018 for PC. More than three years later, Rust is coming to Xbox One and PS4. In all honesty, the core gameplay remains about the same. Make a character, drop into a harsh open world with almost nothing at your disposal, and attempt to survive, crafting items from various resources and avoiding all kinds of death.

As you make clothes and procure food, you’ll build a base, explore radiation zones, get into a clan and raid other players. While known for being unforgiving, especially for solo players, and full of bugs, Rust is still an intriguing sandbox of emergent stories where trust and betrayal can go hand in hand. We’ll see how its console versions fare when they release on May 21^st.

Biomutant

Despite all of the delays and years of development, Experiment 101’s Biomutant still looks as captivating as ever. Set in the New World, a post-apocalyptic landscape where anthropomorphic animals rule, the player is tasked with saving the Tree of Life from death. Doing so requires cooperating with the different Tribes dotting the landscape, who each have their own different goals, and taking out the World Eaters responsible for polluting the tree.

Though boasting a large world to explore, Biomutant’s combat is akin to an action RPG as you utilize melee combos, long-range weapons and elemental attacks to gain the advantage. New weapons can be crafted, mutations can bestow new abilities and various vehicles can be obtained to explore the landscape. Biomutant releases on May 25^th for Xbox One, PS4 and PC, so we’ll finally see if it lives up to the hype after all this time.

Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne HD Remaster

The Conception has swept through modern day Tokyo, ushering in a swarm of demons. Meanwhile, the protagonist gains the power of a Magatama and becomes the Demi-fiend, able to wield powerful magic while also commanding other demons. Thus do you embark on a journey to remake the Vortex World, either by following one of three Reasons or defying everything for your own goals.

As a remaster of the PS2 classic, Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne HD Remaster maintains the series punishing combat and unique aesthetic while providing higher resolution visuals and fully voiced cutscenes. Various quality of life features like Skill Transfer, Quick Resume and a new Merciful difficulty have also been added along with an alternate story branch for Raidou Kuzunoha of Devil Summoner fame. It’s out on May 25^th for PS4, PC and Nintendo Switch in the West.

Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Storm Ground

It may seem like just another Warhammer title but Gasket Games’ turn-based tactics title is unique for being the first video game set in the Age of Sigmar. This is a dark fantasy where legends and monsters collide as players collect dozens of units to customize and command in several narrative campaigns. Each playthrough offers different routes to explore with rogue-like challenges and Ascension systems for replayability. You can also take your squad online in 1v1 battles. Though video games in the franchise are usually hit or miss, Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Storm Ground may be worth checking out. It’s out on May 27^th for Xbox One, PS4, PC and Nintendo Switch.

Rust has been around for quite a long time. The survival game has had quite a following since it originally launched way back in 2013. The game saw something of a resurgence due to some high profile streamers streaming the title, and it was announced that, after almost a decade on the market, the game would finally be getting a console edition sometime this Spring. Well, now we know exactly when that’ll be.

The Console Edition will release in May, publisher and developer Double Eleven announced in a press release. It will be available as both a digital download as well as a physical one that will include a Day One Edition that will be available at select retailers, Gamestop and Amazon specifically if you’re in the US. The Day One Edition includes a Future Weapons and Tools Pack. There will also be a Deluxe and Ultimate Edition for those playing digitally.

Rust: Console Edition will release for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on May 21st. The original game is available now on PC.

Rust has been an absolute revelation in the survival genre ever since its early access launch in 2013, and through multiple years of changes, updates, and iterations, the game’s managed to retain an ever-growing playerbase. It was confirmed recently that Rust would finally be releasing for consoles soon (which is something that’s been teased on multiple occasions over the years), and now we know when to expect that.

Announced via a recent press release, Rust Console Edition will launch for the PS4 and Xbox One this Spring, which means we can expect it by April end at the very least (barring any delays, which is definitely a possibility). Ahead of that, the game is currently going through a closed beta for console players, for which you can sign up through here.

Rust Console Edition is being developed by Double Eleven, with original developer and publisher Facepunch Studios handing off porting duties to the studio. A more specific release date is likely to arrive in the coming weeks, so stay tuned to GamingBolt for more details.