Running out of space? This step-by-step guide shows you every way to expand Warehouse storage and Backpack capacity in Escape From Duckov. You’ll learn how Storage Expansions and Expansion Boxes (S/M/L) work, the exact upgrade screens to use at base, and the best places to find materials.
1. Storage Systems Explained (Warehouse vs. Backpack)
Before upgrading anything, understand that Duckov uses two separate systems. Optimizing both is the key to smoother runs.
- Warehouse (Base/Vault) Storage: Your long-term stash at base. It expands permanently through Storage Expansion tiers that require credits and, at higher tiers, Expansion Boxes (S → M → L).
- Backpack Capacity: What you can carry inside a mission. It increases via the Skill Enhancement machine, by consuming certain backpacks you find, and by equipping gear with carry bonuses. Expansion Boxes do not affect backpack slots.
Goal: Rush the first Warehouse tier so you can stockpile crafting parts and meds, then start boosting backpack carry so every raid yields more profit.
Warehouse
2. How to Expand Warehouse Storage (Step-by-Step)
Your Warehouse grows through a dedicated upgrade screen at base. Follow this process every time you bring back materials.
- Return to Base: Keep Expansion Boxes in your character inventory (not inside a container) so the upgrade screen detects them.
- Open the Storage UI: Interact with the main storage locker and switch to the Storage Expansion / Upgrade tab (you can cycle tabs if needed).
- Select Next Tier: Early tiers typically cost only credits; later tiers add item requirements (Expansion Box S → M → L).
- Confirm the Upgrade: The game consumes the listed credits and boxes instantly and increases your Warehouse capacity.
- Organize Immediately: After upgrading, move heavy items, crafting stacks, and mission keys off your character to free weight for the next raid.
Tip: Treat Warehouse upgrades as power spikes. Each tier you unlock reduces “stash Tetris,” shortens your prep time, and lets you keep high-value parts for future crafts instead of selling them early at a discount.
Warehouse Storage Expansion
3. Expansion Boxes (S/M/L) — What They Are & How They Work
Expansion Boxes are not containers you open; they’re upgrade materials for Warehouse tiers.
- Box Sizes: S appears first, with M and L required by later tiers. Bigger boxes are rarer and heavier—prioritize extraction once found.
- One-Time Use: When you apply a tier that requires a box, the item is consumed permanently.
- Warehouse-Only: Boxes never add backpack slots. They strictly unlock more base storage.
Weight Management: If an M/L drops mid-raid, reroute to the nearest extract. It’s rarely worth risking a fight while overweight with an upgrade gate in your hands.
4. Where to Find Expansion Boxes (Reliable Spots & Early Route)
Expansion Boxes can spawn in several container types and reward chests. Use low-risk loops until you can consistently secure S/M boxes.
- Lockers & Toolboxes: The most consistent early-game containers for Expansion Box S (and occasional M). Sweep interiors and maintenance corridors—any place with utility storage.
- Enemy Camps & Mission Crates: Clear small encampments for a chance at boxes in reward crates. Listen for audio cues (metal lids, latches) when looting.
- Fast Early Loop: From the first safe area, take a short path that hits 2–3 locker clusters, then extract. Repeat. Your goal is risk-free box acquisition, not long scavenging runs.
Efficiency Tip: Bring a light, accurate primary and skip needless fights. Time-to-extract per loop determines how quickly you hit Warehouse tiers.
Enemy Camp
5. Funding Your Upgrades (Credits Without the Grind)
You’ll need steady cash to push Warehouse tiers and backpack perks. Here’s how to keep the money flowing while you hunt for boxes.
- Sell Surplus at Base: Use the vending machine/merchant to offload duplicate meds, basic ammo you don’t use, and low-tier armor. Keep crafting mats that gate future tech.
- Run High-Density Loot Paths: Short, repeatable paths with multiple small containers beat long risky routes. Prioritize loot volume and extraction success over raw rarity.
- Upgrade in Bursts: Bank credits for one full tier, upgrade, reorganize stash, then resume farming. This cadence minimizes stash clutter and decision fatigue.
Stacking Tip: Consolidate ammo and meds into full stacks before selling leftovers. Partial stack management prevents slot waste and increases net profit per run.
6. How to Expand Backpack Storage (All Methods)
Backpack upgrades increase your on-mission carrying power so you bring more loot home per extract.
- Skill Enhancement (Backpack Perk): Use the Skill Enhancement machine at base and level the backpack capacity perk first. Early ranks are cheap and give the best ROI on carry space.
- Consume Upgradable Backpacks: Some backpacks, when “consumed,” permanently add slots to your current carry capacity. Use these as soon as you secure them safely at base.
- Equip Carry-Bonus Gear: Certain armor/rigs provide extra capacity or weight threshold. Pair this with early perk ranks to avoid stamina drain from overweight penalties.
Route Planning: After a backpack upgrade, switch to loot-dense interiors and medical rooms; a larger bag shines when you can scoop many small stacks rapidly.
Backpack Storage
7. Best Early Backpack Progression (What to Prioritize)
Front-load the perks and items that immediately increase how much you can carry, then layer comfort upgrades.
- Grab the First Backpack Rank ASAP: That quick bump in slots smooths your entire early economy.
- Chase a Solid Starter Pack: Prioritize early backpacks that add multiple squares and a bit of max weight; they turn borderline extracts into guaranteed profits.
- Balance Weight vs. Capacity: Capacity is useless if you’re crawling. If your routes include armor or metal parts, push weight tolerance (via gear/perks) before raw slots.
Extraction Rule: If you cross your comfortable weight threshold, exit. The time you’d spend slow-walking is better invested in another fast, clean run.
8. Inventory Management & Space-Saving Techniques
Smart stash discipline means fewer trips to shuffle items and more time looting.
- Sort by Crafting Tier: Keep a “build shelf” for quest/crafting gates and sell the rest. Label tabs by category (Meds / Ammo / Keys / Craft Parts) if available.
- Stack First, Then Store: Combine partial stacks before moving items into the Warehouse so each slot holds maximum value.
- Stage a “Raid Kit” Tab: Pre-pack meds, ammo, and tools in one tab so you can gear up in seconds without scavenging the entire stash.
- Rotate Excess: If an item hasn’t entered a loadout after several sessions, convert it to credits to accelerate the next tier upgrade.
Weight Tricks: Ditch duplicate melee, carry one ammo type per raid when possible, and deposit crafting metals early—they’re dense weight sinks.
9. Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting
A few pitfalls can stall your progression. Here’s how to avoid them.
- “My box isn’t showing on the upgrade screen.” Make sure it’s in your character inventory at base, not inside another container, and that you’ve opened the correct Storage Expansion tab.
- “I upgraded but still feel cramped.” You likely need a stash cleanup. Stack items, sell low-value duplicates, and dedicate tabs to categories.
- “I keep losing boxes on the way out.” Switch to the short locker loop and extract immediately after a find; avoid detours and high-traffic chokepoints.
- “I’m always overweight.” Push the first backpack perk rank, equip one carry-bonus gear piece, and plan routes around light high-value items (meds, keys, attachments).
Mindset: Storage progression is compounding. Each upgrade speeds the next—focus on survival, repeatable routes, and clean extracts over flashy fights.
10. Step-By-Step Early-Game Plan
Follow this 20-minute loop to jump-start your storage progression.
- Run the locker/toolbox loop near your starting area. Avoid firefights; speed is king.
- Extract with small stacks, meds, and any Expansion Box S you find.
- At base, sell surplus, stack items, and buy the first Warehouse tier if you can afford it.
- Use the Skill Enhancement machine for your first backpack rank.
- Repeat the loop until you have the mats/credits for the next Warehouse tier. Each cycle gets easier as capacity rises.
Outcome: Within a few cycles, you’ll have a roomy Warehouse and a bigger bag—meaning fewer hard choices and more profit per raid.
