‘Rust’ console release date: Closed beta codes, invitations giveaway is paused after developers confirm ‘unforeseen issues’

One of the indications that the “Rust” console edition is in its final lap of development is the ongoing closed beta testing. Developers initially promised to give away more beta codes and invitations this week, but that had to be paused due to “unforeseen issues.”

‘Rust’ console edition closed beta hits a small snag

Fans were expecting more beta codes and invitations to be sent Tuesday until “Rust” developers announced on Twitter that it has been postponed. The game was also supposed to be patched on the same day, but developers encountered “some unforeseen issues.”

Game publisher Double Eleven has yet to announce when the patch and closed beta invitations will resume. “We need to make sure the servers are stable for now,” the announcement reads.

The survival title’s full version was released by the indie developer Facepunch Studios in February 2018 after spending more than four years in the Steam Early Access platform. It was not until late 2019 when “Rust” was announced to launch on console systems with an initial release window set in 2020. After being delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the game’s console debut was announced to happen sometime in spring.

“Rust” is expected to remain in closed beta for a few more weeks. Until then, fans will have to wait for further announcements about its specific release date on PS4 and Xbox One. One of the best ways to follow updates about the console launch and closed beta invitations is by following the “Rust” Console Edition page on Twitter.

Double Eleven and developer Facepunch Studios has yet to reveal plans for a new-gen console version. But players with PS5 and Xbox Series X/S will likely gain access to the multiplayer survival game through backward compatibility.

‘Rust’ achieves its highest concurrent players count after three years

For some video games, success in the market is a slow process and that was the case for “Rust.” Much like “Among Us,” the game became even more popular after Twitch streamers introduced it to their viewers. According to Steam Charts, the game did not surpass 100,000 concurrent players on Steam until March 2020.

“Rust” continued to accumulate a larger following within the next year and even reached its all-time peak of more than 244,000 concurrent players last January. In the same month, the game recorded its highest monthly average of active players at over 142,000.