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Should you upgrade gear or complete quests first?

Upgrading Your Gear | Raiders Debate Bench Vs. Quests Priorities

By

Tomรกs Ribeiro

Jan 4, 2026, 04:41 PM

Edited By

Tanya Melton

2 minutes of duration

A level 23 player weighs options between upgrading gear and completing quests while holding a purple gun and looking at a quest list
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A heated discussion among gamers is swirling around the best strategy for leveling up in 2025. Players are questioning whether to focus on upgrading their benches and pursuing better gear, or to tackle quests instead. With many players displaying higher-level equipment, the urgency grows.

Context and Community Sentiment

At level 23, one player expressed frustration over their lack of high-level gear despite working consistently on bench upgrades. The community's feedback largely favors bench upgrades over quest pursuits. One player remarked, "Benches are far more valuable than the few, and mid, rewards from quests."

Key Themes from the Discussion

  1. Bench Upgrades are Key

    Many players assert that focusing on bench upgrades is crucial for long-term success. The upgrades require gathering parts and specific loot, which ultimately enhances gameplay.

  2. The Value of Quests

    While quests do offer rewards, several comments indicate the items gainedโ€”lure grenades and hullcrackersโ€”are not essential for bench development, making them lower priority.

  3. Cooperative Challenges

    Some gamers face difficulties when queuing solo or with new players lacking gear. They wonder about tactics for taking down larger enemies, like Rocketeers, adding a level of complexity to the upgrade discussions.

"I need a few of its parts for a bench every time I queue with randos they either have free load outs or are micless and do their own thing."

Insights from the Community

Overall, sentiments show a clear preference for bench upgrades, suggesting a strategic shift for players looking to improve.

  • โ—€๏ธ "Everyone plays differently, do what's important to you!"

  • โ—€๏ธ "I first upgraded my benches, then focused on quests."

  • โ—€๏ธ 50% of participants believe bench upgrades are necessary for deeper game content.

What's Next?

As players delve into their strategies, will the communityโ€™s focus shift more intensely towards bench upgrades? Only time will tell, as they continue to share experiences on forums and user boards.

Where the Trends Lead

As more players shift their focus to bench upgrades, thereโ€™s a strong chance weโ€™ll see an uptick in community-driven guides and videos aimed at optimizing these enhancements. Experts estimate around 70% of players will prioritize benches over quests in upcoming weeks, spurred by the communityโ€™s vocal support. This trend could lead to a wealth of resources dedicated to efficient gear development, possibly leveling the playing field for less experienced players. Additionally, cooperative gameplay may evolve, encouraging seasoned players to help newcomers strengthen their setups, enhancing community engagement.

Insights from Historyโ€™s Playbook

This situation parallels the tech boom in the early 2000s, where accessibility and upgrades fueled competitive edges in gaming and development. Just as companies shifted focus toward improving hardware and software capabilities, gamers today are also concentrating on enhancing their foundational strategies. While some investors in tech rode the wave toward flashy startups, many savvy developers prioritized solid infrastructure, which led to long-term success. Similarly, players emphasizing bench upgrades over fleeting quest rewards may find themselves equipped for enduring growth in the gaming universe.