What Are Rusted Tools?
Rusted Tools are a type of rare resource in Arc Raiders. They can be found and used to recycle into valuable materials. The name itself may not immediately suggest their potential value, but Rusted Tools are essential for players looking to craft upgrades, particularly when it comes to improving your Gunsmithing capabilities.
These tools don’t have a direct use as crafting materials for weapons or armor but are more useful in other ways—specifically in improving your workshop and recycling for metal parts. They are also valuable for players looking to upgrade their workshop, especially the Gunsmith tier.
Where Can You Find Rusted Tools?
Finding Rusted Tools requires a bit of scavenging. These tools can be located in several areas across the map, mostly in mechanical and industrial zones. As a player, you’ll be doing a lot of scavenging, so it’s important to know the best locations to find Rusted Tools. Some of the key locations where you can get them include:

• Bus Side Trunk
• Bus Rear Trunk
• Metal Crates

These areas are where you’ll likely find most of your Rusted Tools, but be aware that they are not guaranteed in every run. If you’re lucky, you might get a handful in a single area, but more commonly, you’ll need to check a few different spots to gather enough. The key is to keep an eye out for these crates and bus trunks, as they are the most consistent sources.
How to Use Rusted Tools
Once you’ve gathered a few Rusted Tools, you’ll want to know how best to use them. Here are the main ways they come into play:
1. Gunsmithing Upgrades
One of the primary uses for Rusted Tools is upgrading your Gunsmith. In Arc Raiders, upgrading your Gunsmithing ability can unlock important upgrades that improve your weapons, equipment, and overall survivability. To upgrade your Gunsmithing, you’ll need a combination of Rusted Tools, other materials, and a certain number of workshop resources.
For example, to upgrade to Gunsmith Level 2, you’ll need:

• 3 Rusted Tools
• 5 Mechanical Components
• 8 Wasp Drivers

This combination of resources allows you to progress and unlock new crafting options that are crucial as you advance in the game. If you’re wondering how to get these components, they can be found in similar areas where Rusted Tools appear.
2. Recycling for Materials
Another valuable use of Rusted Tools is recycling them. When you recycle Rusted Tools, you get the following materials:

• 8 Metal Parts
• 1 Steel Spring

Metal Parts are a versatile crafting material, and having a steady supply of them will help you craft a range of upgrades, such as new weapons or armor. Steel Springs are also used in various other crafting recipes, so it’s a good idea to recycle your Rusted Tools when you're in need of either material.
3. Salvaging for Parts
If you don’t need the materials directly, Rusted Tools can also be salvaged for a smaller yield of materials. The salvage results will typically give you:

• 7 Metal Parts

While this doesn’t yield as much as recycling, salvaging is a good backup option when you’re short on resources or don’t have the time to recycle. If you're in a pinch and need to craft something quickly, it’s worth considering salvaging your Rusted Tools.
Should You Buy Rusted Tools?
In Arc Raiders, the economy and resource management are important elements of the gameplay. Occasionally, you may find yourself in a situation where you need Rusted Tools but can’t seem to find them easily. You might be wondering, "Should I buy Arc Raiders blueprints or materials to get these tools faster?"
Buying blueprints can indeed save you time if you’re looking to upgrade quickly. However, it’s important to note that blueprints are not a guaranteed shortcut to success. Rusted Tools are typically available through scavenging, and buying them might not always be the most efficient way to obtain them. That being said, if you’re looking to upgrade your Gunsmith quickly or need them for a specific crafting project, buying Rusted Tools might be an option to consider.
Recycling vs. Salvaging: Which Is Better?
Both recycling and salvaging Rusted Tools offer valuable materials, but the choice depends on your current needs. Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide:

• Recycling gives you a better return of 8 Metal Parts and 1 Steel Spring, which are often more valuable in the long run.
• Salvaging only gives you 7 Metal Parts, which is a smaller return but still useful when you’re in need of a few quick parts.

If you’re actively working on upgrading your equipment or crafting new items, recycling is generally the better option. However, if you're just looking for a small amount of Metal Parts, salvaging might be the faster choice.
Final Thoughts on Rusted Tools
While Rusted Tools may not be the flashiest item in Arc Raiders, they play an important role in the game’s resource economy. Knowing when and where to find them, and how best to use them, can make a big difference in your gameplay. Whether you’re using them for upgrading your Gunsmith, recycling for parts, or salvaging for a quick boost, Rusted Tools are a valuable resource that shouldn’t be ignored.
If you’re running low on Rusted Tools or struggling to find them in the wild, you might want to consider investing in other crafting resources, like buying blueprints, to help speed up your progress. But remember, like any resource in Arc Raiders, managing your Rusted Tools efficiently is key to progressing through the game. Keep an eye on your surroundings, and you’ll have no trouble gathering what you need.
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