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Upgrades

Outbound Camper Van Upgrades — Full Path

The camper van is the single most important object in Outbound. Here is every upgrade, cost and unlock requirement in order.

Game version 1.0Updated 2026-05-11Platform: Steam (PC)
UpgradeTierCostEffectUnlock
Solar Panel Mk1T1Glass ×4, Wire ×2, Iron ×1+10 PowerWorkshop
Storage ExpansionT1Wood Plank ×8, Iron ×4+8 SlotsWorkshop
Basic Engine TuneT1Iron ×6, Wire ×2+10% speed, −10% fuelWorkshop
Comfort BedT2Wood ×6, Plastic ×2+1 ComfortWorkshop Lv.2
Water TankT2Plastic ×4, Iron ×2+50 Water capacityWorkshop Lv.2
Engine UpgradeT2Steel ×4, Circuit ×1+30% speedFabricator
Advanced Solar ArrayT2Solar Mk1 ×2, Circuit ×2+25 PowerFabricator
Water RecyclerT3Plastic ×6, Wire ×3Infinite waterFabricator
Suspension KitT3Steel ×6, Gear ×3Travel rough terrainFabricator Lv.2
Cargo RackT3Steel ×4, Wood ×8+16 Slots (external)Fabricator Lv.2
Hover ThrustersT4Hover Coil ×4, Engine Part ×2Cross Crystal FieldsIon Forge
Ion ReactorT4Ion Cell ×2, Steel ×6Unlimited night powerIon Forge
Phase ShieldT5Phase Plate ×1, Circuit ×4Immune to Ruined Spire hazardsIon Forge Lv.2

Recommended upgrade order

  1. Solar Panel Mk1 → Storage Expansion → Workshop Lv.2.
  2. Comfort Bed (massive QoL) → Water Tank.
  3. Engine Upgrade + Advanced Solar (enables cross-biome travel).
  4. Fabricator → Water Recycler → Cargo Rack.
  5. Hover Thrusters as soon as you can afford them — unlocks T4.

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