Scrap, recycling and research
Blueprint Research
Research unlocks crafting recipes and targeted workbench tech-tree items.
WHERE & HOW TO FARM
Blueprint Research
A Research Table at base; workbench tech trees, crates, and barrels are other blueprint sources.
Before you go
- A Research Table or access to the relevant workbench tech tree.
- Scrap for the chosen research route.
- The item to research when using a Research Table.
- A specific useful crafting goal.
Farming steps
- Choose an item you want to craft and check whether its blueprint is learned.
- If you have the item, place it in a Research Table with the required scrap.
- Check the displayed cost and perform the research if it fits your plan.
- If you lack the item, open the relevant workbench tech tree.
- Review the route and displayed scrap cost to the target.
- Spend scrap on the chosen route and confirm the blueprint unlock.
- Gather materials and craft the item when needed.
- Research cost varies with item rarity or quality; check the displayed cost before committing.
- Blueprints may also come from crates and barrels, so check found unlocks before spending.
Repeat, collect and use
Repeat for new useful recipes as scrap and items become available. Each blueprint is a distinct unlock; wipe and server rules can affect persistence.
Common mistakes
- Researching a blueprint you already know: check learned recipes because the table does not prevent duplicates.
- Spending scrap without a target: identify the craft or tech-tree destination first.
- Assuming every item has the same cost: verify the requirement shown for that item.
When to stop or switch
Stop once the intended blueprint is learned or when remaining scrap is better saved for another progression goal.
Sources & fact checks
What you can get here
Open a guide to find other locations and see what the item is used for.