Rust's progression system revolves around blueprints. To craft most items, you first need to 'learn' their blueprint. Blueprints can be acquired in several ways:
- Researching Items: Place an item you want to learn into a Research Table (found in monuments or crafted) along with Research Paper and Scrap. This destroys the item but gives you its blueprint.
- Finding Blueprints: Blueprints can drop from crates, barrels, and scientists in monuments.
- Buying from Outpost/Bandit Camp: Some basic blueprints can be purchased from vending machines in safe zones.
- Tech Tree: The primary progression method. At a Workbench, you can spend Scrap to unlock blueprints in a tiered tree.
Workbench Tiers:
- Workbench Level 1: Required for basic tools, weapons (bow, crossbow), and building components. Costs 500 Wood, 100 Metal Fragments, 50 Low Grade Fuel.
- Workbench Level 2: Unlocks mid-tier weapons (revolver, custom SMG), armor, and more advanced components. Costs 1250 Wood, 250 Metal Fragments, 200 Low Grade Fuel, 10 High Quality Metal.
- Workbench Level 3: Unlocks high-tier weapons (AK, Bolt Action Rifle), advanced explosives, and electrical components. Costs 2500 Wood, 500 Metal Fragments, 400 Low Grade Fuel, 20 High Quality Metal.
You need to be within range of the appropriate workbench tier to craft items that require it. This encourages base building and strategic placement of your workbenches.