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Rust Tech Tree

The tech tree is how you unlock blueprints with scrap instead of hoping for a lucky research-table find. It's split across the three workbench tiers — each one gates a bigger jump in power. Pick a tier to see everything it unlocks and what it costs.

1Tier 1Workbench Level 1Early-game essentials — your first real weapons, tools and armour. Cheap scrap costs, unlocked fast.181 craftable items at this bench2Tier 2Workbench Level 2The mid-game power spike — better guns, explosives and electricity. Where most wipes are decided.145 craftable items at this bench3Tier 3Workbench Level 3Endgame gear — the strongest weapons and raiding tools, at the steepest scrap costs.32 craftable items at this bench

How the tech tree works

Each workbench has its own tree. You spend scrap to unlock a blueprint, and unlocking one item opens the items branching off it — so you buy a path, not just a single blueprint.

Researching at a research table is cheaper per item if you already have the item in hand, but the tech tree is the reliable route when you don't. Most players mix both: research what they loot, tech-tree what they need.

Work out your scrap first with the scrap calculator, and see the full craft cost of anything you unlock with the craft calculator.

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