I love all the suggestions about how to approach progression and I wanted to chuck another idea in the mix.
Keep the blueprint frags as they are. Need 5 of each to unlock each tier of bench. Workbench Level 1 remains available to craft with no frags.
Remove all tech-tree from the workbenches.
Blueprints only unlock-able via the research table. Research still consumes the item being researched and costs scrap. However increase the time an item takes to be researched at the table. Time is shortened if you remain within the direct area of the research table (similar to the workbench with crafting).
Finally all items can be crafted at all tiers of workbench. However the inputs (components) and crafting time drop with each higher tier of workbench, thus incentivising grinding frags.
Possible outcomes that come from this:
- people need to actually loot and roam
- finding a useful item will give you that “gotta get home with this” feeling
- solos and small groups can still progress even if they don’t have the frags for t2 / t3.
- a solo need only kill and loot one Zerg member running ak and full metal and they can research and craft that whole kit albeit at a higher cost if they’re on t1/t2.
What are your thoughts on something like this?