Unlocking gear in Rust runs through workbenches and the tech tree. This guide explains what each workbench tier costs, the difference between the research table and the tech tree, and — the part most guides skip — the smartest order to unlock gear at each tier so your scrap goes to the things that win wipes, not cosmetics.
Workbench tiers & costs
| Workbench | Scrap cost | Tech-tree cost (full tier) | Unlocks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 50 | ~1,070 | Revolver, Custom SMG path, roadsign armour, basic electrics |
| Level 2 | 500 (+WB1) | ~3,680 | Thompson, SAR, satchels, metal armour |
| Level 3 | 1,250 (+WB2) | ~5,250 | AK-47, Bolt Action, C4, rockets |
Because the benches alone run ~1,800 scrap, farming scrap early (see the scrap guide) is a top priority — and a higher-tier workbench is a prime raid target on other players.
Research table vs tech tree
- Research Table — place an item you’ve found plus scrap to learn its blueprint directly. Perfect when you loot a specific gun or tool you want to craft more of, and cheaper than tech-treeing to it.
- Tech Tree — built into each workbench; spend scrap to unlock items along a path without needing the item. The most scrap-efficient way to guarantee a planned loadout from scratch.
Most players use both: tech-tree the path to their target gun, and research lucky loot drops they want to mass-craft. For the full mechanics see the blueprints guide.
What to unlock first at each tier
The single biggest scrap mistake is unlocking in the wrong order. This is the priority path — combat and raid kit first, luxuries last.
| Tier | Unlock first | Then | Skip until later |
|---|---|---|---|
| WB1 | Custom SMG, roadsign/hide armour | Revolver, nailgun, building upgrades | Cosmetics, deployables |
| WB2 | Thompson or SAR, satchel charges | Metal armour, semi pistol, meds | Niche guns, furniture |
| WB3 | AK-47, then C4 / rockets | Bolt Action, explosive ammo | Everything else |
On a tribe, split tech-tree branches between members so you collectively unlock far more for the same total scrap — one person rushes the gun path, another the explosives, another armour and meds.
Frequently asked questions
What should I unlock first in the Rust tech tree?
At Workbench 1, the Custom SMG and roadsign armour — the best gun-per-scrap and cheap protection. At Workbench 2, the Thompson or SAR plus satchel charges. At Workbench 3, the AK-47, then C4 and rockets. Combat and raid kit always come before cosmetics and deployables.
How much scrap to unlock the whole tech tree?
Roughly 1,070 scrap for all of Tier 1, ~3,680 for Tier 2 and ~5,250 for Tier 3 — about 10,000 scrap total, on top of ~1,800 for the benches. Almost nobody clears a full tier; you beeline the handful of nodes you actually need.
Is the tech tree worth it over researching?
Yes when you don’t have the item — the tech tree guarantees a specific unlock without relying on a lucky drop. If you’ve already found the item, the research table is cheaper. Use both: research what you loot, tech-tree the gaps.
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