How to Get Quality Metal in Permafrost
Updated 2026-10-14 · Last checked 2026-10-14 · Early Access
The community recipe extract lists two ways to make one quality metal: 5 iron + 5 scrap at a makeshift smelter, or 2 iron ingots + 2 scrap at a professional smelter. This confirms recipes, not every possible loot or trading source.
Both rows were rechecked in the community archive downloaded on 14 October 2026. The archive files are dated 9 October and do not identify a game build. The time values are internal parameters, not measured seconds. Use the live recipe screen if a patch changes the cost.
Two ways to smelt the same bar
Both rows output 1 quality metal. The unit of the internal Time field has not been verified.
| Path | Input for 1 quality metal | Time parameter (unit unverified) | Station |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early | 5 iron + 5 scrap | 20 | Makeshift smelter |
| Later | 2 iron ingots + 2 scrap | 10 | Professional smelter |
Building the smelters
The makeshift smelter costs 5 scrap to build. The professional smelter costs 5 iron ingots. To make an iron ingot, the extract lists 3 iron + 3 coal at a stone furnace; that furnace costs 40 stone. These costs do not establish when each blueprint unlocks.
The professional quality-metal row uses 2 ingots, which represent 6 raw iron and 6 coal before smelting, plus 2 scrap. It saves scrap relative to the makeshift recipe, not raw iron. The location guide linked on the map page relays iron near the radio tower; we have not verified exact coordinates.
Example uses in the extract: armored door, 2 quality metal; workbench furnace, 5; quality pickaxe, 2 quality metal + 4 wood + 1 processed plastic. Plastic is required in that recipe, not optional. File presence does not guarantee the unlock is available in your save.
Questions
How do you get quality metal in Permafrost?
Smelt 5 iron and 5 scrap at a makeshift smelter, or 2 iron ingots and 2 scrap at a professional smelter.
How do I build the professional smelter?
The file reference lists 5 iron ingots. Iron ingots use 3 iron and 3 coal each at a stone furnace. The blueprint unlock condition is not verified here.
Related pages
Sources
- ITRIABOV — game-file reference tables on Steam Community — Downloaded and checked 2026-10-14. Archive files dated 2026-10-09; game build not identified. Includes hidden, NPC and quest variants, not just player-accessible content.