2.17. Workbenches & Their Tiers
Workbenches are indispensable crafting stations in Rust, acting as gatekeepers to higher-tier items and technologies. Understanding the different workbench tiers, their crafting capabilities, and the resources required to build and upgrade them is fundamental to progressing your character and base.
Workbenches are not just for crafting; they also provide a crucial crafting speed bonus and unlock the ability to craft items that are otherwise unavailable. The higher the workbench tier, the more advanced and powerful the items you can create. There are four tiers of workbenches in Rust, each with its own set of requirements and crafting unlocks.
Here's a breakdown of each workbench tier:
| Tier | Name | Crafting Speed Bonus | Unlockable Items | Crafting Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 0 | Workbench (Basic) | None | Basic tools, weapons, armor (e.g., Spear, Stone Hatchet, Leather Vest) | Minimal (often just resources) |
| Tier 1 | Workbench (Tier 1) | +50% | Mid-tier weapons, armor, components (e.g., Shotgun, Metal Armor, Electrical Components) | 100 Metal Fragments, 50 Scrap |
| Tier 2 | Workbench (Tier 2) | +100% | Advanced weapons, armor, explosives, electrical items (e.g., Assault Rifle, Heavy Plate Armor, C4, Logic Gates) | 200 Metal Fragments, 100 Scrap, 5 High Quality Metal |
| Tier 3 | Workbench (Tier 3) | +200% | End-game weapons, armor, explosives, specialized items (e.g., L96, Full Heavy Plate Armor, Rocket Launcher, Advanced Electricals) | 400 Metal Fragments, 200 Scrap, 10 High Quality Metal |
Building and Upgrading:
To build a workbench, you simply need the required resources and to place it within your base. Upgrading a workbench is a more involved process:
- Place the Workbench: Start with the lowest tier you can craft.
- Gather Upgrade Resources: Collect the necessary Metal Fragments, Scrap, and High Quality Metal for the next tier.
- Research Items: You must research the items you wish to craft at the next tier. This is done at a Research Table using Scrap. Once researched, the item will appear as craftable at the appropriate workbench.
- Upgrade the Workbench: Interact with your current workbench and select the upgrade option. This will consume the required resources and transform your workbench into the next tier.
Placement and Protection:
Workbenches are crucial for your progression, making them high-priority targets for raiders. Therefore, their placement within your base is critical:
- Central Location: Place your highest tier workbench in a secure, central location within your base, ideally surrounded by multiple layers of honeycomb and reinforced doors.
- Multiple Workbenches: It's often beneficial to have multiple workbenches of lower tiers spread throughout your base or in secondary locations. This ensures that even if one is destroyed, you can still craft essential items.
- Tool Cupboard Protection: Ensure your Tool Cupboard is well-protected, as it prevents others from building near your base and thus from easily placing their own workbenches or raiding tools.
Mastering the workbench system is a key step in becoming a formidable survivor in Rust. It unlocks the ability to craft the gear necessary for tackling monuments, defending your base, and engaging in PvP combat effectively.