- Quantity
- 10 upgrades on the update's release day
- How to get them
- Rare crate finds; can't be crafted
- Installation
- Place the upgrade in the workbench's inventory
- Combinations
- Combine them however you like
How Workbench Upgrades work in Rust
Workbench Upgrades arrived on May 7, 2026, in the Upgrade hard, raid harder update. They're separate items that you place in the workbench's inventory to activate their bonuses. Some change crafting conditions, others help unlock tech or make the workbench itself more durable.
You can combine upgrades however you like. They also change the workbench's appearance: each one has its own look, so you'll see it once it's installed. Collect them all to fully upgrade your workbench, both in bonuses and appearance.
You can't craft these items, and they're rare finds. In its announcement, Facepunch recommends holding on to them.
All 10 upgrades and their bonuses
Facepunch announced nine upgrades, but Rustafied's review from the update's release day lists 10. The table includes all 10 from that review. Rustafied doesn't say where to find Surplus.
| Upgrade | Effect | Crate types |
|---|---|---|
| Prototype | Lets you unlock any item in the tech tree regardless of your progress, but it costs twice as much and can fail | Military |
| Range | Doubles the workbench crafting radius, and starting 04.06.2026, the comfort zone radius as well. | Regular |
| Comfort | Creates a 100% Comfort zone around the workbench | Regular |
| Salvage | Reduces the scrap cost of tech tree unlocks | Elite and locked |
| Defensive | Crafted clothing always has at least one armor insert slot | Regular |
| Efficiency | Gives you a chance to get an extra item when crafting in batches. Some explosives are excluded. | Military |
| Recycle Bin | Grants a chance to refund some ingredients as raw resources; starting 06.08.2026, refunded items go into a dedicated upgrade container where you can only withdraw them. | Regular |
| Reinforced | Makes the workbench more durable and resistant to explosions | Military |
| Accelerated | Speeds up crafting as you craft a batch | Elite and locked |
| Surplus | Gives you a chance to get random parts | Not listed in Rustafied's review |
Efficiency, Recycle Bin, and Surplus all rely on chance. Extra items, returned materials, and random parts aren't guaranteed. Accelerated works differently: it speeds up crafting as you craft a batch.
Prototype lets you bypass tech tree progress, but unlocking an item costs twice as much and can fail. Don't count on it as a guaranteed way to get the tech you want.
Where to look for upgrades: regular, military, elite, and locked crates
Where you search depends on the bonus you want: the upgrades are split across different crate types.
- Regular crates: Comfort, Defensive, Recycle Bin, and Range.
- Military crates: Prototype, Reinforced, and Efficiency.
- Elite and locked crates: Accelerated and Salvage.
- Surplus: Rustafied doesn't say where it can be found.
How to install a Workbench Upgrade in Rust
You need the upgrade item and access to the workbench's inventory. Place the upgrade inside. There's no separate recipe to craft it.
- Open the workbench's inventoryPlace the upgrade inside. There's no separate recipe.
- Place the upgrade insideIts bonus activates, and the workbench's appearance changes.
- Add more upgradesYou can combine bonuses; collect all the upgrades to fully upgrade the workbench.
What else was added: the Mortar and items for the Tin Can Alarm
The same update added the Mortar and let players load items into the Tin Can Alarm.
How the Mortar fires and what you need to craft it
The Mortar is built for fighting players and raiding. It works much like a cannon, but you place it on flat ground and it fires over long distances. There's no aiming indicator, so use binoculars to judge the elevation by eye.
The Mortar shifts slightly from recoil after each shot, and its shells land with some spread. It has two types of shells: one for players and one for structures.
- Requires a Level 2 Workbench.
- Materials: 20 High Quality Metal and 3 Metal Pipes.
- Crafting time: 30 seconds.
What can you load into the Tin Can Alarm?
Tin Can Alarm can now hold an item and drop it where it goes off. According to Facepunch's description, you can place it anywhere, from your base to monuments.
- F1 Grenade, Molotov Cocktail, Bee Grenade, and Beancan Grenade.
- Flashbang and Smoke Grenade.
- Supply Signal, Flare, and Fireworks.
FAQ
How to upgrade a workbench in Rust
Open the workbench's inventory and place the upgrade inside. It activates its bonus and changes the workbench's appearance. You can combine upgrades however you like; collect them all to fully upgrade the workbench.
Where to find Workbench Upgrades in Rust
Comfort, Defensive, Recycle Bin, and Range can be found in regular crates. Prototype, Reinforced, and Efficiency are in military crates. Look for Accelerated and Salvage in elite and locked crates. Rustafied doesn't list a source for Surplus.
How many Workbench Upgrades are there in Rust?
On the update's release day, Rustafied listed 10 upgrades, while Facepunch's announcement mentioned nine. This guide covers all 10 items from Rustafied's review.
Can you craft a Workbench Upgrade?
No. You can't craft Workbench Upgrades; you have to find them. They're rare, so Facepunch recommends holding on to them.
