Workbench tax was an extra scrap cost on the tech tree. It no longer exists. Facepunch removed it on 6 November 2025, so you pay no tax to unlock an item at a workbench on a current Rust server.
What it was
The tax started with the May 2024 update. It only applied when you unlocked an item from the tech tree at a workbench, and it grew with the workbench level:
| Workbench | Tax on tech tree unlocks |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | 0 percent |
| Level 2 | 10 percent |
| Level 3 | 20 percent |
For example, an unlock that listed at 100 scrap cost 110 at a level 2 workbench and 120 at a level 3 workbench. The tax did not apply to research at a research table.
When it went away
The “Pivot Or Die” update on 6 November 2025 listed “Removed tech tree tax” in its changes. The same update did these things:
- It removed the scrap cost of crafting at workbenches.
- It cut the scrap cost of research and the tech tree to 15 for Common items, 30 for Uncommon, 60 for Rare and 120 for Very Rare.
- It kept the Blueprint Fragment requirements as they were.
- It wiped all blueprints and all servers. Facepunch did this so that players would use early items again and meet the progression on every wipe.
None of the monthly updates from March to October 2026 brings the workbench tax back.
Do not mix it up with upkeep tax
In September 2026 Facepunch added a different tax. Tool cupboards now charge extra upkeep depending on how many players are authorised in a base. The first four players cost nothing, the next six cost 2 percent each, and later ones cost 4 percent each, up to 300 percent. That is a base upkeep tax and has nothing to do with workbenches.
If a guide still mentions workbench tax
A guide that quotes a 10 or 20 percent surcharge on the tech tree was written before 6 November 2025. Ignore the surcharge and check the scrap costs against the current numbers above.
Related reading: Rust forced wipe day explains the blueprint wipe that came with the removal, and the Rust page covers running your own server.
Sources: rustafied.com: Update time, rust.facepunch.com: Pivot or die, rust.facepunch.com: Breach and clear