The RUST Flashbang is a disorienting combat tool and minor explosive weapon in RUST. It was introduced during the Trainyard Unloading Update on August 4th, 2022.
The flashbang has a three-affect utility system that varies greatly depending on how far a player is from the detonation point. First and foremost is the flash effect, hence the name. Players at less than 10 meters from the blast radius will be temporarily blinded (ranging from 3 seconds to 1 second) and have a disorienting blur effect for another second afterward. Line of sight obstructions will greatly diminish this effect, possibly even rendering it inert.
In conjunction with the blinding flash, players within range are also temporarily unable to hear any in-game noise for the same timeframe. This includes gunfire, in-game voice communication, music, or other sounds. The third function is immediate vicinity damage, reduced by armor blast protection. While not significant, flashbangs used on players can deal up to 20 damage on direct impact against someone with no armor.
Quickly turning away from a thrown flashbang also reduces its effect substantially.
Players can use Left-Click on their mouse to throw one or Right-Click to stick it to a nearby surface. Detonation is time-dependent instead of based on impact, occurring after roughly 2 seconds, greatly limiting throwable range.
Presently, vending machines at the Outpost and vendors at the Bandit Camp monuments do not sell flashbangs, but players can use Tier 2 Workbenches to craft them.
