The Material Workshop in Last War: Survival produces Screws, an important material used in the gear-crafting process. Upgrading this building increases hourly Screw production, helping you create gear materials and strengthen your heroes more consistently.
However, higher Workshop levels require large amounts of Iron, Food, Coins, and construction time. This guide explains how the Material Workshop works, why Screws matter, and when you should prioritize its upgrades.
How the Material Workshop Works
The Material Workshop automatically produces Screws over time. The higher the building level, the more Screws it generates each hour.
Screws are not directly equipped by your heroes. Instead, they are processed through the gear system and used to create more advanced materials. This makes the Material Workshop an important part of long-term hero development.
For a closer look at how this resource is obtained and used, read the Last War Screws guide.
Why Screws Matter for Gear Progression
Screws are basic components used at the Gear Factory. They can be combined or processed into materials needed for crafting and improving hero gear.
Because gear contributes to hero attributes and combat performance, slow Screw production can eventually limit your squad development. A better Material Workshop provides a consistent supply without requiring you to depend entirely on events, shops, or reward chests.
To understand how these materials fit into the complete crafting process, review the Last War Gear Factory guide. It explains how the Gear Factory supports hero equipment development.
Material Workshop Upgrade Requirements
Upgrading the Material Workshop requires Iron and Food at lower levels. Higher upgrades also require Coins, while construction times become significantly longer.
The table below shows selected upgrade levels, approximate costs, construction times, and hourly Screw production.
| Level | Iron | Food | Coin | Upgrade Time (Approx.) | Screw Output/hr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 | 10 | – | 1s | 4 |
| 5 | 6,700 | 6,700 | – | 5m 57s | 16 |
| 10 | 810,000 | 810,000 | – | 4h 3m 17s | 40 |
| 15 | 2,000,000 | 2,000,000 | – | 7h 56m 49s | 48 |
| 20 | 10,000,000 | 10,000,000 | 4,800,000 | 1d 6h 31m 41s | 60 |
| 25 | 48,000,000 | 48,000,000 | 23,000,000 | 5d 11h 27m 37s | 76 |
| 30 | 240,000,000 | 240,000,000 | 120,000,000 | 25d 9h 37m 41s | 90 |
Note: Resource requirements and construction times may vary depending on research, buffs, survivor bonuses, alliance assistance, and game updates.
When Should You Upgrade the Material Workshop?
The Material Workshop is useful, but it should not automatically take priority over every other building. The best timing depends on your current gear needs, resource supply, construction queue, and Headquarters requirements.
Consider prioritizing the Material Workshop when:
- Your Screw production is too slow for your gear-crafting needs.
- Your main heroes need better gear to remain competitive.
- The Workshop is several levels behind the rest of your base.
- You have enough Iron, Food, and Coins without delaying a critical building.
- A construction or power event rewards building upgrades.
- Your Gear Factory is ready to process more materials.
You may delay the upgrade when your Headquarters, Tech Center, troop buildings, hospital, or another required structure has greater immediate value.
How to Optimize Material Workshop Production
- Upgrade consistently: Avoid leaving the Workshop far behind your overall base level, especially when gear progression becomes a priority.
- Maintain a resource reserve: Keep enough Iron, Food, and Coins available for important upgrades instead of spending everything immediately.
- Use construction speed-ups carefully: Save valuable speed-ups for long upgrades, events, or situations where completing the building provides an immediate benefit.
- Request alliance help: Alliance assistance can reduce the remaining construction time after an upgrade begins.
- Coordinate with the Gear Factory: Additional Screw production is most valuable when you are actively crafting or upgrading gear materials.
- Check available bonuses: Research, VIP benefits, survivors, or temporary buffs may improve production or construction efficiency.
Common Material Workshop Mistakes
Upgrading It Too Early
Investing too many resources in the Workshop can delay Headquarters progression or essential troop buildings. Upgrade it according to your actual gear needs.
Ignoring the Gear Factory
Producing more Screws has limited value if your Gear Factory cannot process them efficiently. Develop both buildings as part of the same gear progression system.
Using All Construction Speed-Ups
High-level Workshop upgrades take several days. However, using every speed-up immediately may leave you unprepared for a more valuable building or construction event.
Neglecting Other Gear Materials
Screws are only one part of the equipment system. You will also need other materials, blueprints, and resources to craft and improve high-quality gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How important is the Material Workshop?
The Material Workshop is important for long-term gear development because it produces Screws automatically. However, its priority depends on your current hero, building, and resource needs.
What does the Material Workshop produce?
It produces Screws, which are used as part of the gear material and crafting system.
Can I increase Screw production in other ways?
Some research, VIP benefits, survivors, buffs, or temporary game effects may improve production. Check the active bonuses shown on your account.
What happens if I do not upgrade the Material Workshop?
Your Screw production will remain lower, which may eventually slow down gear crafting and hero equipment development.
Does alliance technology affect Screw production?
Available alliance technologies and bonuses can change over time. Review your alliance technology menu to see whether any current effects improve production or construction.
Should I upgrade the Material Workshop before the Gear Factory?
The two buildings should generally be developed together. A strong Workshop provides materials, while the Gear Factory allows you to process and use them.
What is the maximum Material Workshop level?
The table in this guide covers upgrades up to level 30, where the listed base production reaches 90 Screws per hour.
Should I use speed-ups on Material Workshop upgrades?
Use them when faster completion supports an event, unlocks needed production, or prevents the upgrade from blocking a more important construction plan.
Conclusion
The Material Workshop supports long-term gear progression by providing a steady supply of Screws. Keeping it upgraded can help you produce equipment materials more consistently and strengthen the heroes in your main squads.
However, the Workshop should remain part of a balanced building strategy. Coordinate its upgrades with your Gear Factory, Headquarters, resource economy, and current gear requirements to avoid spending resources without receiving an immediate benefit.
Building a strong gear system from the beginning requires time, resources, Workshop upgrades, and repeated material crafting. Players who prefer to start with more developed heroes, established buildings, and stronger equipment progression can explore a Last War account for sale through Heaven Guardian. Available accounts may include different hero lineups, base levels, gear development, resources, lifetime warranty, and premium support, depending on the selected listing.
