To unlock the Large Toolbox in Palworld, you must reach level 20, build the Pal Labor Research Laboratory, complete the ‘Large Toolbox Development’ research inside it, and then spend 2 Technology Points in your personal Technology menu to learn the blueprint.
The Large Toolbox is a highly sought-after base structure that permanently speeds up crafting across your entire settlement. However, the path to actually unlocking it is notoriously confusing because the game uses two separate progression systems that must be completed in a specific order.
What the Large Toolbox does and why you need it
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Buff | +20% Handiwork Speed (base-wide) |
| Stacking | Does not stack (one per base) |
| HP | 2,000 |
| Defense | 2 |
| Decay Rate | 0.06 |
The Large Toolbox is a base-wide buff structure that boosts the Handiwork Speed of all handiwork-capable Pals in the settlement by +20%. This makes it essential for bases focused on mass-producing weapons, ammunition, and refined materials.
Because the effect is base-wide, you only ever need to build one. Placing multiple Large Toolboxes in the same base has no additional effect, so you can save your building materials for other structures. While it is moderately durable with 2,000 HP, you still want to protect it from raids.
How to unlock the Large Toolbox in Palworld
| Stage | Requirement / Cost |
|---|---|
| Pal Labor Research Laboratory | 10 Ingot, 10 Paldium Fragment |
| Large Toolbox Blueprint | 2 Technology Points |
| Large Toolbox Build | 100 Wood, 40 Ingot, 15 Nail |
STEP 1/6
Reach level 20
Open your personal Technology tree and locate the Large Toolbox at level 20.
STEP 2/6
Note the research prompt
Attempt to unlock it and note the prompt stating you must research it first.
STEP 3/6
Build the Research Laboratory
Construct the Pal Labor Research Laboratory, found in the Handiwork build category.
STEP 4/6
Assign a Handiwork Pal
Assign a Pal with the Handiwork skill to the Research Laboratory.
STEP 5/6
Initiate a research project
Stat any research project at the laboratory so the assigned Pal begins working.
STEP 6/6
Return to the Technology tree
Go back to your personal Technology tree and the Toolbox will now be unlockable.
Video help
The common Technology tree error
Players frequently reach level 20, see the Large Toolbox in their personal Technology tree, and try to unlock it directly. The game blocks this with a red error message: “Must research Large Toolbox Development.”
Build a dedicated research base. Laboratory work has very low priority for Pals, so they will abandon it whenever another task is available. Setting up a separate base with multiple Pal Labor Research Laboratories ensures your Pals actually focus on completing research projects.
Optimizing research and Handiwork output
Getting your Pals to actually work in the laboratory can be frustrating. Research tasks have a very low priority in the Pal AI, meaning your Pals will only work on them when they have absolutely nothing else to do. To speed up the process, consider building a dedicated research base with minimal distractions so your assigned Pals are forced to focus on the laboratory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Large Toolbox buff stack if I build more than one?
No, the buff does not stack. Placing more than one Large Toolbox in a single base has no additional effect, so you only need to craft one per settlement.
Why does the game say ‘Must research Large Toolbox Development’ when I try to unlock it?
This red error appears because the personal Technology tree and the Pal Labor Research Laboratory are separate gating systems. You must build the laboratory, assign a Pal to it, and complete the Large Toolbox Development research project before you can spend your Technology Points on the blueprint.
Which Pals should I assign to the Pal Labor Research Laboratory?
You should assign Pals with the Handiwork work suitability to the laboratory. Because research is a low-priority task, it is best to use Pals in a dedicated research base where they have no other chores to distract them.
Is the Large Toolbox buff only for nearby structures or the whole base?
The buff is base-wide. It increases the Handiwork Speed of all handiwork-capable Pals in that base, regardless of where the toolbox is placed or what specific crafting station the Pals are using.
