How To Check Combat Log In Rust

After every skirmish, raid, or ambush in Rust, you probably want to know exactly what happened. Who shot you? How much damage did you deal? Which weapon did they use? The combat log records all of this information.

This guide explains how to access and interpret the combat log in Rust so you can learn from every fight.

What Is the Combat Log?

The combat log is a detailed record of all damage events involving your character. It shows:

• Incoming damage — Who or what damaged you, with what weapon, and how much.
• Outgoing damage — How much damage you dealt to other players, NPCs, or entities.
• Fatal hits — The exact hit that killed you.
• Distance — How far away the attacker was when they hit you.
• Body part — Which part of your body was hit (head, chest, legs, etc.).

How to Open the Combat Log

There are two ways to access the combat log:

Method 1: In-Game Menu

1. Press Escape to open the menu.
2. Click "Combat Log" in the bottom section of the menu.
3. A scrollable window appears showing your recent combat events.

Method 2: Console Command

1. Press F1 to open the developer console.
2. Type combatlog and press Enter.
3. The log prints directly in the console with the most recent events at the bottom.

Reading the Combat Log

Each entry in the combat log follows a consistent format:

[00:12:34] PlayerName (SteamID) hit You for 35 (with Assault Rifle) (Head) - 25m

Breaking this down:

• Timestamp — When the event occurred (game time, in brackets).
• Attacker — The player's name and SteamID64.
• Action — "hit" or "killed".
• Target — "You" or the entity that was hit.
• Damage — Amount of damage dealt.
• Weapon — The weapon or tool used.
• Hit location — Body part hit: Head, Chest, Stomach, Left/Right Arm, Left/Right Leg.
• Distance — Range in metres at the time of the hit.

Why Checking the Combat Log Matters

• Identify cheaters — Impossible headshot accuracy or damage through walls becomes visible in the log.
• Improve your PvP — See which weapons perform best at what ranges and adjust your loadout accordingly.
• Report bugs — If the game shows incorrect damage numbers, the log provides the raw data.
• Settle disputes — Clan arguments about who killed who are resolved instantly with the log.

Combat Log Limitations

The combat log is not a perfect record. Be aware of these limitations:

• It only records events involving your character. You cannot see combat between two other players unless you are involved.
• The log is session-only. Once you disconnect or the server restarts, the combat log is cleared.
• Very rapid events (spray fire at close range) may merge into fewer log entries.
• Some server plugins or mods may suppress or alter combat log output.

Taking Screenshots for Reports

If you need to report a player for cheating or toxic behaviour, take a screenshot of the combat log immediately after the event:

1. Press F1 to open console.
2. Type combatlog to display the log.
3. Press F12 (default Steam screenshot key) or use a third-party tool like ShareX.
4. The screenshot shows the console with the combat log evidence.

Conclusion

The combat log is an invaluable tool for any Rust player. Use it after every fight to understand what happened, improve your gameplay, and document any suspicious activity. Making a habit of checking combatlog after engagements will make you a smarter, more effective player.