Quick answer: Rust is not on Xbox Game Pass — neither the console catalog nor PC Game Pass include it as of 16 July 2025. You can, however, stream it through Xbox Cloud Gaming if you already own Rust Console Edition and subscribe to Game Pass Ultimate.
Why Isn’t Rust on Xbox Game Pass?
The absence of Rust boils down to licensing choices by Facepunch Studios and Microsoft. Facepunch has said it has “no current plans” to publish Rust through the subscription, preferring one-time purchases and periodic DLC sales. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s recent Game Pass additions have leaned toward day-one indie launches or older triple-A titles whose publishers want a second sales spike, leaving Rust in limbo for now.
Facepunch’s long-tail business model
Rust still sells steady copies every seasonal wipe, so a subscription deal would have to offset that reliable revenue stream. Until those numbers dip, the developer is content to stay independent.
Microsoft’s survival-game playbook
When Microsoft has welcomed survival hits like Subnautica or ARK: Survival Evolved, it has usually done so near sequel announcements or major expansions. Rust currently has no comparable “big moment” to sweeten the deal.
How to Play Rust on Xbox Without Game Pass
Even though the answer to “is rust on xbox game pass” is still “no,” getting into the game on console is straightforward.
1. Buy Rust Console Edition
Head to the Microsoft Store and purchase the Standard, Deluxe, or Ultimate edition. Prices at launch of the next-gen build started at $39.99, with deluxe tiers adding Rust Coins for cosmetic bundles.
2. Claim the free Series X|S upgrade
On June 26 2025, Double Eleven released a native Series X|S version. Owners of any Xbox One copy receive a free one-to-one upgrade, so there’s no need to repurchase.
3. Subscribe for multiplayer
Rust is 100 % online. You’ll need either Game Pass Core (formerly Xbox Live Gold) or Game Pass Ultimate to connect to servers. Without an active sub, you’re limited to the title screen.
4. Stream via Xbox Cloud Gaming
Game Pass Ultimate members can stream Rust on phones, browsers, or smart TVs. Remember, Cloud Gaming is a “bring-your-own-game” perk: owning Rust is still mandatory, and progress syncs automatically with your console copy.
Is Rust on PC Game Pass?
PC players wondering is rust on xbox game pass get the same answer: no. The Steam version remains the only official route on Windows. The upside is faster patch cadence—Facepunch deploys weekly updates on PC, while console patches arrive in larger, monthly bundles.
Will Rust Ever Come to Game Pass?
Never say never. In 2023 Game Pass surprised everyone by adding the decade-old survival sandbox Valheim, showing Microsoft’s appetite for the genre. If Rust’s player growth slows or a sequel looms, a timed Game Pass deal could introduce millions of fresh survivors and reignite the hype.
How to track a potential drop:
- Follow @XboxGamePass and @playrustconsole on X (Twitter) for announcement tweets.
- Watch the monthly “Xbox Game Pass – What’s Next” posts on Xbox Wire.
- Check the Microsoft Store price tag: games slated for Game Pass sometimes display a “Coming Soon to Game Pass” badge weeks early.
Savings Tips and Free-to-Play Weekends
- Wait for sales: Rust gets 20–50 % discounts during Xbox seasonal promos like Black Friday or Spring Sale.
- Redeem Microsoft Rewards points to offset the purchase.
- Free-to-play weekends pop up once or twice a year; they let you test the game before committing cash.
- Region-hopping: If your locale allows, gift the game to yourself from a lower-price store region (check Xbox’s terms before trying).
FAQ
Q: Is rust on xbox game pass for console or PC?
A: Not today—both catalogs exclude it.
Q: Do I need Game Pass Ultimate to play after buying?
Only for Cloud Gaming; multiplayer works with the cheaper Game Pass Core tier.
Q: Is cross-play available between Xbox and PlayStation?
Yes. Console players share servers, but PC cross-play is still off the table.
Q: Can I keep my Xbox One progress when I upgrade to Series X|S?
Absolutely—your save and cosmetic purchases carry over automatically.
Q: Will the legacy Xbox One servers shut down?
Double Eleven will sunset them in October 2025, so plan your migration before then.
Final Thoughts
If you landed here after Googling is rust on xbox game pass, the verdict hasn’t changed in 2025: you still have to buy the game. The silver lining is a polished Series X|S upgrade, full cloud-save support, and a lively player base thanks to cross-play with PlayStation. Until Microsoft or Facepunch strikes a deal, keep an eye on sales, stack your Rewards points, and maybe one day you’ll wake up to find Rust nestled in your Game Pass library—no radioactive radiation required.
