What Are Rusted Tools?
Rusted Tools are a rare item in Arc Raiders that can be recycled into useful materials, making them essential for crafting and upgrading items. While these tools may look old and worn, they can be broken down into components that can fuel your progress in the game. They are one of the most common resources you'll encounter, particularly when scavenging through the environment or dismantling various items.
These tools are also used to upgrade certain workstations, such as the Gunsmith, which is a pivotal aspect of your gear progression.
In terms of recycling, the Rusted Tools can yield several materials, such as Metal Parts and Steel Springs, which are integral to crafting and upgrading a variety of in-game items. The ability to recycle Rusted Tools into these valuable resources makes them an essential item for any player looking to efficiently progress through the game.
Why Are Rusted Tools Important?
At first glance, Rusted Tools may seem like just another junk item. However, they are surprisingly versatile. Here's why you should prioritize obtaining them:
Recycling Value: When recycled, Rusted Tools provide Metal Parts and Steel Springs. These materials are used in many crafting recipes and upgrade paths, including critical upgrades to your weapons and tools. In a game that revolves around resource management, recycling is a smart way to maximize your inventory space while also gaining valuable crafting materials.
Upgrade Materials: Rusted Tools are used in the upgrade process for your Gunsmith workstation. Upgrading this station is essential for improving your weaponry, making it more effective against the hostile forces you encounter. Without Rusted Tools, progressing through these upgrades would be much more difficult.
Availability: Rusted Tools are relatively easy to find compared to other rarer resources. They're common in certain areas, especially within Mechanical and Industrial zones. This makes them an efficient way to gather resources without having to grind for more elusive materials.
How Can You Obtain Rusted Tools?
In Arc Raiders, Rusted Tools are typically found by scavenging the environment. There are several ways to reliably gather them:
Scavenging: The primary method for obtaining Rusted Tools is by scavenging the environment. These tools can often be found inside Metal Crates or near other junk piles, especially in locations with a high mechanical or industrial focus. This can include places like Bus Side Trunks and Bus Rear Trunks, where Rusted Tools can be found in abundance.
Looting Containers: Other sources include looting containers in Mechanical and Industrial areas. These regions are dense with salvageable items, including Rusted Tools. You can focus your scavenging efforts on these zones to gather a decent amount of tools relatively quickly.
Arc Raiders Blueprints for Sale: While most Rusted Tools are scavenged, some players opt to buy arc raiders blueprints for sale to obtain tools or other crafting materials more efficiently. These blueprints can give you a shortcut for acquiring specific items, especially if you're looking to upgrade quickly without the hassle of scavenging.
Recycling and Salvaging Rusted Tools
In Arc Raiders, recycling plays a big role in the game's crafting system. Rusted Tools are no exception. Once you've collected enough of them, you can recycle or salvage them for further value.
Recycling: When you recycle a Rusted Tool, you will get Metal Parts and occasionally a Steel Spring. This is highly valuable for upgrading weapons, creating mechanical parts, or crafting various gear. Recycling is particularly useful if you’re sitting on a lot of Rusted Tools that you don’t have immediate use for.
Salvaging: If you choose to salvage Rusted Tools instead of recycling them, you will receive Metal Parts—just a little less than recycling would yield. Salvaging is less efficient, but it's still a valid option if you're not interested in the other materials it could provide.
Workshop Upgrades Using Rusted Tools
As mentioned, Rusted Tools are required for some critical Workshop Upgrades in the game. For example, upgrading your Gunsmith is a key milestone. Here's how Rusted Tools fit into the upgrade process:
Gunsmith 1 to Gunsmith 2 Upgrade: This upgrade is an essential step for players looking to increase their weapon capabilities. To upgrade the Gunsmith, you'll need 3 Rusted Tools, 5 Mechanical Components, and 8 Wasp Drivers. This upgrade unlocks better weapons and enhancements for your equipment, which are vital for surviving tougher enemies.
As you progress further into the game, you will encounter other workstations that also require Rusted Tools as part of their upgrade paths. Prioritizing these upgrades ensures you’re well-equipped for the challenges ahead, and Rusted Tools are often the easiest part of these upgrade costs to collect.
Strategic Use of Rusted Tools
Efficient Resource Management: While Rusted Tools are useful, don't hoard them unnecessarily. Collect them, but prioritize how you use them. If you're early in the game, recycling them for basic crafting materials is a smart move. But as you advance, make sure to use them for key upgrades that improve your long-term progression.
Focus on Upgrade Priority: Not all upgrades are created equal. Consider the benefit of upgrading your Gunsmith and other workstations early in the game. Rusted Tools are essential for making sure you're never stuck with a lack of upgradeable equipment.
Bulk Collection: If you're having trouble finding enough Rusted Tools for upgrades or recycling, consider focusing on Mechanical and Industrial zones during your scavenging expeditions. These areas have higher yields of Rusted Tools and other useful resources.
Rusted Tools may initially appear to be just another scrap item in Arc Raiders, but they serve an essential function in both your upgrade paths and crafting progression. They are a rare but valuable resource, essential for upgrading workstations and creating key materials through recycling. By understanding where to find them, how to use them, and when to prioritize them, you can make Rusted Tools work for you in the most efficient way possible.
