To use a settlement workbench in Fallout 4, activate the Workshop bench and follow the on-screen prompt to enter Workshop mode. From there, use the displayed controls to build, place, store, or scrap eligible objects. To make junk available for settlement building, transfer it into that settlement’s Workshop inventory through the bench’s transfer prompt.
Use a settlement workbench step by step
- Find a settlement Workshop bench. You need access to a settlement and its Workshop bench to use settlement build mode.
- Activate the bench. Follow the prompt shown on your screen to enter Workshop mode. Controls can differ by platform and configured bindings; the official PC quick manual covers general keyboard and mouse commands, but not a complete set of settlement Workshop controls. Check the live prompts and your in-game controls rather than relying on a universal button or key.
- Transfer useful items. Use the bench’s transfer prompt to move junk into the settlement Workshop inventory. Players commonly use this workflow so stored junk components can be used for building and crafting; details may vary with edition or mods.
- Choose an object and check its requirements. Browse the build categories, select an eligible item, and read the materials and perk requirements shown in game. Owning an add-on does not automatically supply its materials or unlock every required perk.
- Place, store, or scrap objects as needed. Follow the on-screen controls for the selected action, then use the displayed command to leave Workshop mode when you are done.
What the settlement Workshop does
The settlement Workshop is the entry point for constructing and managing settlement objects. It is different from individual crafting stations such as weapon, armor, cooking, chemistry, and power-armor stations. Those stations serve their own crafting functions; the settlement bench opens Workshop mode for settlement construction and object management.
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Do you need DLC to use a workbench?
No. Ordinary settlement workbench use does not require Workshop DLC. The add-ons expand what you can build or do, but they are optional and have distinct features and unlock conditions.
| Content | What it adds or requires |
|---|---|
| Standard settlement Workshop | Settlement construction and object management. Use the prompts shown in game; no universal control binding is established for every platform. |
| Contraptions Workshop | Optional machinery and manufacturing features, including conveyor belts, scaffolding kits, track kits, and logic gates. The Xbox listing says the base game is required. Builders can process items for needed components and store leftover components in the machine. |
| Wasteland Workshop | Optional add-on content available once a settlement and Workshop are available. You still need to obtain required resources and perks. |
| Vault-Tec Workshop | Optional, quest-linked content. At level 20 or higher, the Vault 88 signal appears on loading; lower-level characters can start by exploring Quincy Quarries. Completing parts of the content unlocks most new items, but building them still requires the appropriate resources and perks. |
| Virtual Workshops | A separate mode entered by building and powering a VR Pod and connecting a Workshop Terminal. Its special rules do not apply to ordinary settlements: crafting requires no resources and scrapping returns none, while perk-dependent items still require the relevant perks. |
Troubleshoot an item that will not appear
If an item that was available before will not build at a Far Harbor settlement, Bethesda’s advice is to exit Workshop mode, move to a different viewing angle, and try again. For other missing objects, check the displayed requirements and whether you have the necessary materials and perks.
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Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Brand New, Factory Sealed
Rank #3
- GOTY edition, includes original game on disc and all available DLC as download codes
- Do whatever you want in a massive open world with hundreds of locations, characters, and quests. Join multiple factions vying for power or go it alone, the choices are all yours
- Be whoever you want with the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. character system. From a Power Armored soldier to the charismatic smooth talker, you can choose from hundreds of Perks and develop your own playstyle.
- An all-new next generation graphics and lighting engine brings to life the world of Fallout like never before. From the blasted forests of the Commonwealth to the ruins of Boston, every location is packed with dynamic detail.
- Intense first or third person combat can also be slowed down with the new dynamic Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System (V.A.T.S) that lets you choose your attacks and enjoy cinematic carnage.
Rank #2
- ANNIVERSARY EDITION — Get Fallout 4, all six official expansions, and more than 150 Creation Club items in one package.
- EXPLORE THE COMMONWEALTH — Play as the Sole Survivor of Vault 111 and shape the Commonwealth through choices, factions, and exploration.
- SIX EXPANSIONS — Explore Automatron, Wasteland Workshop, Far Harbor, Contraptions Workshop, Vault-Tec Workshop, and Nuka-World.
- CREATION CLUB ITEMS — Enrich your adventure with more than 150 items, including unique weapons, power armor sets, building packs, paint jobs, homes, and Dogmeat appearance options.
- OPEN-WORLD RPG — Explore the post-nuclear world, craft weapons and armor, and build and manage settlements.
#1 Best Overall
- Freedom and Liberty Do whatever you want in a massive open world with hundreds of locations, characters, and quests. Join multiple factions vying for power or go it alone, the choices are all yours
- Be Whoever You Want With the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Character System. From a Power Armored Soldier to the Charismatic Smooth Talker, You Can Choose From Hundreds of Perks and Develop Your Own Playstyle
- New Next Generation Graphics & Lighting Engine Brings to Life the World of Fallout. From the Blasted Forests of the Commonwealth to the Ruins of Boston, Every Location Is Packed With Dynamic Detail
- Intense first or third person combat can also be slowed down with the new dynamic Vault Tec Assisted Targeting System (V.A.T.S) that lets you choose your attacks and enjoy cinematic carnage
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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