Survival in ARC Raiders depends on a lot of different aspects, but a key part of long term progression is upgrading your Workbenches. Getting resources to upgrade the workbench isn’t just about better weapons or gear but you also get to unlock brand new crafting recipes, advanced materials, and you’ll get an overall edge compared to those who are slacking on this aspect of the game.
In your hideout (Workshop) in ARC Raiders you’ll find several dedicated stations (sometimes called benches) each responsible for a category of crafting: weapons, gear, utilities, medical, explosives, refiners, etc.
There are several different workbenches in Arc Raiders and each serves a different purpose. The most basic Workbench is enough to get your weapons and ammo but over time you must unlock specialty workbenches. Below is a list of all Workbenches in ARC Raiders and the purpose they serve:
| Bench | Function |
|---|---|
| Workbench | Craft basic gear. |
| Gear Bench | Craft basic and advanced armor and augments. |
| Gunsmith | Craft and upgrade weapons and their modifications. |
| Utility Station | Craft utility quick-use items. |
| Medical Lab | Craft healing items and shield rechargers. |
| Refiner | Craft advanced materials. |
| Explosive Station | Craft grenades. |
How to Upgrade Workbenches in ARC Raiders
Benches are upgrades through the Level Up tab in the crafting station. You can check the resources materials needed for each upgrade in this tab which makes it easier to track down required crafting materials.
Each of these stations can be upgraded in tiers (commonly up to level 3) to unlock higher-quality recipes and better output.
Workbench Crafting and Upgrade Material Requirements in ARC Raiders
| Station | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gunsmith (Weapon crafting) | 20 × Metal Parts + 30 × Rubber Parts | 3 × Rusted Tools + 5 × Mechanical Components + 8 × Wasp Driver | 3 × Rusted Gear + 5 × Advanced Mechanical Components + 4 × Sentinel Firing Core |
| Gear Bench (Shields / Suits) | 25 × Plastic Parts + 30 × Fabric | 3 × Power Cable + 5 × Electrical Components + 5 × Hornet Driver | 3 × Industrial Battery + 5 × Advanced Electrical Components + 6 × Bastion Cell |
| Medical Lab (Healing / Med-supplies) | 50 × Fabric + 6 × ARC Alloy | 2 × Cracked Bioscanner + 5 × Durable Cloth + 8 × Tick Pod | Some sources list: 3 × Rusted Shut Medical Kit + 10 × Antiseptic + 5 × Bastion Part. (Less confirmed) |
| Explosives Station (Grenades / Throwables) | 50 × Chemicals + 6 × ARC Alloy | 3 × Synthesized Fuel + 5 × Crude Explosives + 5 × Pop Trigger | 3 × Laboratory Reagents + 5 × Explosive Compound + 3 × Rocketeer Driver |
| Utility Station (Gadgets / Tools) | 50 × Plastic Parts + 6 × ARC Alloy | 2 × Damaged Heat Sink + 5 × Electrical Components + 6 × Snitch Scanner | 5 × Fried Motherboard + 5 × Advanced Electrical Components + 4 × Leaper Pulse Unit (Reported) |
| Refiner (Material conversion) | 60 × Metal Parts + 5 × ARC Powercell | 3 × Toaster + 5 × ARC Motion Core + 8 × Fireball Burner | 5 × Motor + 20 × ARC Motion Core + 1 × Queen Part (less clearly sourced) |
| Workbench (Basic bench) | — Note: This starting bench cannot be upgraded. | — | — |
How to Get Crafting and Upgrade Materials for Workbenches
The best way to get resources to upgrade workbenches in ARC Raiders is to target specialized loot zones. Rare items like Rusted Tools, required for bench upgrades, are found in mechanical/industrial zones (e.g., red tool boxes/crates). Meanwhile, Electronics‐type materials (wires, batteries) pop in technological/electrical areas: e.g., facility hallways in the Dam Battleground zone.
There is a lot of RNG involved here as it will take sometime, especially if you don’t have safe inventory slots. I highly recommend getting more safe pocket slots to secure your loot in case you drop-dead during the match.
