The September 2026 Breach and Clear update has added a new way to find High Quality Metal (HQM) while exploring the Rust map. Players can now encounter extremely rare HQM ore nodes and small HQM collectables directly in the world.

The change gives players another opportunity to obtain one of Rust's most valuable building resources without relying exclusively on monuments, recycling or other established sources.

What Are HQM Nodes in Rust?

HQM Nodes are new High Quality Metal ore deposits that can spawn naturally across the Rust island.

Unlike regular metal ore, these deposits are extremely scarce. Finding one while travelling around the map is intended to feel like a rare discovery rather than a reliable source of resources.

Facepunch has also added smaller HQM collectables, giving players another way to obtain a limited amount of High Quality Metal while exploring.

Where Can You Find HQM Nodes?

HQM nodes and collectables can appear across the island, so players should keep an eye on the terrain while travelling between locations.

However, there is one important exception: the Jungle offers better chances of finding an HQM node.

Facepunch specifically highlighted the Jungle as the area where players are more likely to encounter these rare deposits. This makes Jungle exploration more valuable for players looking for additional High Quality Metal.

HQM Nodes Are Extremely Rare

The most important part of the new mechanic is the rarity.

HQM nodes are not designed to replace existing High Quality Metal sources. Instead, they are an occasional bonus for players who explore the world.

You should therefore not expect to find an HQM node every time you travel through the Jungle or another part of the map. Their scarcity makes discovering one a useful opportunity, especially during the early stages of a wipe.

The smaller HQM collectables follow the same idea: they provide additional resources without turning world exploration into a guaranteed HQM farming method.

Why Are HQM Nodes Important?

High Quality Metal is an important resource in Rust because it is used for advanced construction, equipment and other high-tier crafting requirements.

For players starting a new wipe, obtaining HQM can be particularly useful. Early access to even a small amount of High Quality Metal can help with progression when resources are limited.

The new HQM nodes add another reason to explore the map rather than staying around a single farming route.

A player travelling through the Jungle might now encounter a rare resource deposit that was not part of the traditional resource-gathering loop.

A New Reason to Explore the Jungle

The Jungle already provides a different environment compared with many other areas of the Rust map, but HQM nodes give players an additional reason to explore it.

Because Facepunch has specifically increased the likelihood of finding HQM nodes in the Jungle, players searching for these deposits may want to include Jungle areas in their regular resource runs.

However, the nodes remain rare enough that players should treat them as an unexpected bonus rather than a guaranteed farming route.

How HQM Nodes Change Resource Gathering

The addition of High Quality Metal nodes slightly changes the way players can approach resource gathering in Rust.

Previously, players generally had to plan around known resource sources and monuments when looking for valuable materials. With HQM nodes and collectables appearing in the open world, exploration itself can now produce a valuable reward.

This creates a simple risk-and-reward situation:

  • Travel further around the map.
  • Explore less familiar areas.
  • Check the Jungle when looking for HQM.
  • Watch for rare HQM deposits and collectables.
  • Take advantage of the resource when you find it.

For solo players and small groups, this can be particularly useful because every additional source of HQM can reduce the pressure to compete for resources at popular locations.

HQM Nodes in the September 2026 Rust Update

HQM Nodes and Collectables were introduced as part of Rust's Breach and Clear update released on September 3, 2026.

The update also introduced Monument Blockers, Upkeep Group Scaling, breakable Attack Helicopter armor and numerous balance, quality-of-life and performance improvements.

The new HQM system is intentionally simple: rare High Quality Metal deposits can now be discovered while exploring the world, with the Jungle providing better chances of finding a node.

For Rust players, that means another reason to explore the island instead of following the same resource routes every wipe.