Workbench & Tech Tree
Research costs, tech tree progression, and how to efficiently learn blueprints.
01Workbench System
Workbenches are the core of Rust's progression system. There are 3 tiers, each unlocking more advanced crafting recipes. You must be near a workbench of the correct tier (or higher) to craft items that require it.
Workbenches also function as research stations for the Tech Tree — spend Scrap to unlock blueprints in a branching tree structure.
| Tier | Craft Cost | Unlocks |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 50 Scrap + 500 Wood + 100 Metal Frags | Crossbow, Revolver, Basic Armor, Code Lock, Garage Door |
| Level 2 | 500 Scrap + 500 Metal Frags + 20 HQM | SAR, Thompson, Roadsign Armor, Satchels, Large Furnace |
| Level 3 | 1250 Scrap + 1000 Metal Frags + 100 HQM | AK, Bolt, C4, Rockets, Metal Armor, Auto Turrets |
02Tech Tree vs Research Table
There are two ways to learn blueprints:
Tech Tree: Spend Scrap at a workbench to unlock items in a branching path. You must unlock prerequisite items first. Costs vary (20-500 Scrap per item).
Research Table: Find an item in the world, place it in the Research Table with Scrap, and learn that specific blueprint. Costs 75 Scrap to craft the table, then 20-500 Scrap per item depending on tier.
The Tech Tree is better for common items you'll always want. The Research Table is better when you find a rare item early (like an AK from a crate).
- •Always research found military weapons (AK, Bolt, LR-300) at the Research Table
- •Use the Tech Tree for utility items (garage doors, code locks, ladders)
- •Blueprints persist through server wipes (unless it's a BP wipe)
- •Focus on learning key items first: Code Lock, Garage Door, SAR, Medical Syringe
03Research Costs
Items cost different amounts of Scrap to research depending on their tier and rarity.
| Category | Research Cost | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 Common | 20 Scrap | Bone Armor, Wooden Ladder, Snap Trap |
| Tier 1 Uncommon | 75 Scrap | Crossbow, Revolver, Code Lock |
| Tier 2 Common | 75 Scrap | SAP, Custom SMG, Coffee Can Helmet |
| Tier 2 Uncommon | 250 Scrap | SAR, Thompson, Garage Door, Satchel |
| Tier 3 Common | 125 Scrap | Pump Shotgun, Roadsign Armor |
| Tier 3 Rare | 500 Scrap | AK, Bolt Action, C4, Rocket Launcher, Auto Turret |