I got 3000_+ hours of Rust. That is not the point. The servers ever get empty when we are close to a “WIPE” (the entire server is cleaned from structures). This is so true that the it happens (server empty) when you get close to the “wipe day”, so there is no point in building anymore.
The PROBLEM with Rust is exactly such “wipe” system. Because you do not build as properly or safe as you would if your base where permanente (no wipe).
And the “maintenance system” is a great invention. I was there, since the beggininig, when there was no cost at all (just like now in Conan). And what happened was prety much a previsible human behavior.
We will keep expanding, if there are no consequences. Rust EMULATES a real world. A ECOLOGICAL one. If you consume too much, you’ll end with no resources. If you spam structures, you’ll get to pay for them.
And you can build pretty much big structures. There is no “grinding” if you play NORMALLY. A normal base can be mantained with some minutes of bashing rocks…
But if you plan to ocuppy 50% of the map? Well… In Rust it’s impossible in terms of cost. In Conan, a ridiculous reality.
Human beings can not use resources with no consequences. Real or virtual. The bahavior of abuse is completely previsible.