Scrap, recycling and research
Scrap from Barrels
Scrap is central to workbench research and technology progression.
WHERE & HOW TO FARM
Scrap from Barrels
Barrels and loot containers along roads, shorelines, and monument routes.
Before you go
- A tool or weapon suitable for breaking barrels.
- Inventory space for scrap and useful components.
- A route back to storage or a recycler.
Farming steps
- Choose a road or shoreline route with a return path you can use safely.
- Break barrels and check available containers as you travel.
- Collect scrap when it appears and prioritize components worth carrying.
- Watch for nearby players and avoid extended exposed sorting.
- Return to base or a monument recycler with the haul.
- Store direct scrap for progression and sort components for crafting or recycling.
- Spend accumulated scrap on a selected research or tech-tree goal.
- Yellow barrels can provide scrap, but no individual barrel guarantees it.
- Sort your inventory before leaving so you have room for worthwhile components.
Repeat, collect and use
Repeat the scavenging loop when you need scrap or components. Use the variable haul for research, technology progression, or crafting.
Common mistakes
- Expecting every yellow barrel to contain scrap: treat it as a chance and collect other useful loot.
- Keeping low-priority items until inventory fills: prioritize scrap and needed components.
- Taking an oversized haul to a risky recycler: process only what you can afford to expose.
When to stop or switch
Stop when your scrap goal is met or the route becomes contested; return to base rather than extending a risky run.
Sources & fact checks
What you can get here
Open a guide to find other locations and see what the item is used for.