Workbench Calculator
Plan your Rust base progression with the complete workbench calculator. See which items require which workbench tier, total research costs, and crafting requirements. Currently showing 608 items across 4 tiers.
Workbench Tier Comparison
| Tier | Craft Cost | Research | Items | Total Scrap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
No Workbench | Free | N/A | 317 | 125 |
Workbench Level 1 | 50 Wood, 100 Metal Fragments, 50 Scrap | 75 Scrap | 182 | 9,600 |
Workbench Level 2 | 500 Metal Fragments, 20 HQM, 500 Scrap | 250 Scrap | 85 | 8,450 |
Workbench Level 3 | 1000 Metal Fragments, 100 HQM, 1250 Scrap | 500 Scrap | 24 | 6,000 |
"Total Scrap" = total scrap needed to research all items in that tier. Does not include workbench craft cost.
Progression Tips
1
Research your best weapons first. Prioritize guns, meds, and key base components like metal doors.
2
This is where the game opens up. Semi-auto rifles, shotguns, and early raiding tools become available.
3
AK-47, LR-300, rockets, and C4 all require this workbench. Research the most impactful items first.

