Badlands Crew is a real-time strategy survival game where you command a heavily modifiable battle truck and a team of eight crew members. Your goal? Defend the last human city from all-out mayhem in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Imagine Mad Max, but with just the right amount of ridiculousness and strategy.
In Badlands Crew, survival isn’t just about firepower—it’s about smart crew management, quick decision-making, and knowing when to fight or flee. This Badlands Crew Beginner Guide wiki will walk you through the core systems and early strategies you’ll need to keep your crew alive and your mission on track.
Let’s break down everything you need to know before the wasteland breaks you.
Badlands Crew Beginner Guide – Spar Keys & Training Manuals
Don’t Waste Spar Keys & Training Manuals
If you’ve just started diving into the Badlands Crew base and feel tempted to upgrade everything right away — STOP.
At first, I was just like you: throwing Spar Keys and Training Manuals into upgrading Garage Facilities and Crew Facilities, thinking I’d unlock more crew slots or increase trailer limits.
But here’s the truth: You don’t unlock those limits through upgrades alone.
What Actually Unlocks Crew/Trailer Slots?
You unlock additional crew limit, car trailer space, and wagon capacity by defeating the Boss in each Base level — not by upgrading the facilities.
So if you upgrade too early, you’re just burning valuable resources you’ll regret later.
What You Should Do Instead
SAVE your Spar Keys and Training Manuals until after you defeat the Boss.
Upgrade Costs Breakdown (Don’t Upgrade Before Unlocking!)
Here’s a breakdown of how much you’ll need after the new slots are unlocked:
Crew Limit Upgrades
- To reach 6 Crew Limit: 5 Training Manuals
- To reach 7 Crew Limit: 10 Training Manuals
Car Trailer Limit
- To reach 2 Trailer Limit: 4 Spar Keys
Extra Wagon Slot
You’ll need 4 Spar Keys to unlock one that you can switch between.
Once you beat the boss and unlock the limit, then you can invest in upgrades to fill that newly opened slot.
Beginner Tips for Surviving the Badlands
Use Middle-Click for Fast Commands – Middle-click on crew members to quickly assign tasks like repairs or healing—no need to open menus.
Customize Your Controls – Adjust your keybinds in the Options menu. Many players find WASD movement more intuitive.
Use Slow Time Often – Press Shift to slow time and make better decisions during chaos. It’s especially helpful during fights and multitasking.
Upgrade Fuel Early – Install extra fuel tanks as soon as possible to avoid getting stranded during long missions.
Keep Moving to Avoid Sandworms – Don’t let your Battle Wagon sit idle—sandworms can appear and end your run fast.
Use Crew Abilities Smartly – Every crew member has special skills like dodging or fast repairs. Combine them with Slow Time for best results.
Look for Optional Objectives – Spot side missions like loot stashes or blueprints from the Command Station—but don’t overextend if you’re low on resources.
Equip Escape Devices – If things go south, use escape pods to save your crew. It’s better to retreat and regroup than lose everything.
Upgrade Your Base – Improve your crew quarters and garage to get better replacements and recover more gear after setbacks.
Accept Losses and Keep Learning – You’ll face defeats, but every run helps you improve. Stay persistent and adapt your tactics.