Etchspace Salvage MASTERY GUIDE
Advanced strategies for optimal runs and endgame progression
Last updated: 2026-02-08
* TL;DR - Key Points
- * Combat is the biggest derangement drain -- optimize for under 10 second fights
- * Inventory becomes limiting factor post-upgrade -- plan loot routes carefully
- * Ziplines connect all zones -- learn all routes for maximum efficiency
- * Weekly objectives provide 5k points each after unlocking Zone 3
- * Pre-farm materials for future updates -- zones 4-5 coming
- * Specialize runs: commissions vs. loot vs. unlocking
Advanced Etchspace Salvage Guide
After completing initial upgrades, Etchspace Salvage transforms from a test of survival to a challenge of optimization. This guide covers advanced strategies for Zone 2 & 3, combat optimization, inventory management, and endgame preparation.
Prerequisite Knowledge
This guide assumes you've completed the Etchspace Salvage Beginner Guide and have unlocked at least Zone 2 with basic derangement upgrades (Derangement Limit + Derangement Rate).
Exact Derangement Rates
Understanding precise derangement costs is essential for optimal route planning.
| Action Type | Base Limit | Max Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Walking only | ~8 min | ~25 min |
| Looting sparse | ~4 min | ~12 min |
| Looting dense | ~2 min | ~6 min |
| Combat light | ~1.5 min | ~4.5 min |
| Combat heavy | ~45 sec | ~2 min |
Pro Tip: Combat Multiplier
Combat derangement multiplier: 3-5x normal build-up. Every second in combat: +3, skills: +15, engaged enemies: +5 each, killed enemies: +10. One avoided fight saves 150-300 derangement (1-2 minutes).
Zone 2 & 3 Advanced Strategies
Zone 2 Optimal Key Route
Zone 2 has 5 keys distributed across complex terrain:
- 1. Entrance area left side (hidden corridor)
- 2. Upper platform (reachable by zipline)
- 3. Bottom level maintenance tunnel
- 4. Central hub locked door (need first 3 keys)
- 5. Boss arena treasure room (drops from mini-boss)
Time: 3-4 minutes with optimal routing, 2 minutes max-upgraded
Zone 2 Boss: Energy Construct
- Weakness: Physical, fire
- Phases: 3 at 66%, 33% HP
- Derangement: ~15/sec
Zone 3 Boss: Derangement Core
- Weakness: Water, ice
- Phases: 5 throughout fight
- Derangement: ~21/sec (accelerated)
Pro Tip: Cross-Zone Zipline Network
Zone 1 Hub ↔ Zone 2 Hub connects directly via Bottom Tunnels shortcut. Zone 2 Hub → Zone 3 Entrance. Zone 3 Boss Arena → Zone 2 Hub (15 second return). Memorizing these connections saves 60-90 seconds per run.
Inventory Management Mastery
After maxing derangement upgrades, inventory becomes the limiting factor. Adopt strict loot priorities.
| Priority | Items | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| 1: Commission | Required materials | Only loot these, ignore everything else until complete |
| 2: Upgrade | Big crystals, energy cores | Dedicated runs or commission runs for specific items |
| 3: One-time | Oroberyl chests, pull boxes | Loot immediately on dedicated clears |
| 4: Low-value | Common materials, duplicates | Skip entirely, unless on dedicated farming runs |
Pro Tip: Vendor Auto-Vendor Technique
Click vendor twice to harvest all inventory instantly (Click #1: Open, Click #2: Harvest). Empty inventory first, use click-click rhythm, memorize useful vendor spawns with 100+ items.
Quick Reference Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does the derangement meter fill in combat?
Combat increases derangement 3-5x faster than exploration. Each second spent in combat adds +3 derangement, skills cost +15, engaging enemies costs +5 per enemy, and killing enemies costs +10. Avoiding unnecessary combat saves 150-300 derangement per fight.
Should you prioritize derangement limit or rate upgrades?
Upgrade Derangement Limit first to double run time, then Derangement Rate to slow accumulation by 40%. The rate upgrade is more valuable long-term as it adds 6-8 minutes of exploration time. Only upgrade inventory after addressing time constraints.
What's the optimal boss fight time in Etchspace Salvage?
Aim to defeat bosses in under 30 seconds for maximum efficiency. Zone 2 boss (Energy Construct) costs ~15 derangement per second. Zone 3 boss (Derangement Core) costs ~21 per second with accelerated final phase. Pre-buff in rest zones and burst damage during vulnerability windows.
How do you pre-farm materials for Zone 4+ in Etchspace Salvage?
Continue farming commission materials and big crystals after reaching max upgrades. Store in Valuables Stash (unlimited space). Zones 4-5 are confirmed locked content requiring new materials. Pre-farming saves 20-40 hours when content updates arrive.