The Hytale Backpack: Your Complete Guide (Storage & Upgrades)

From your very first steps in Hytale, you will quickly realize that base inventory space is limited. The backpack system offers the perfect solution, transforming your carrying capacity from a constraint into a major asset for exploration and resource gathering.

Unlike other games, backpack upgrades are permanent additions to your character that cannot be lost, even in death or when exploring new zones.

1. The Basic Backpack: Unlocking Your First Space

The Basic Backpack is your first step toward comfortable inventory management. The backpack crafting process is simple but requires some prior preparation of your workspace.

1.1. Preparing Your Workbench

Before you can craft your initial backpack, you must build and upgrade your workbench. Following Hytale’s first update, the requirements have been eased:

• Level 1 Workbench: 4 Wood Logs, 3 Stones.Note: Previously, a Level 2 workbench was required for the basic backpack.

1.2. Gathering Backpack Materials

With your Level 1 Workbench ready, the backpack recipe will be visible in the “Crafting” tab. To craft the Basic Backpack, you will need:

• 8 Iron Ingots
• 8 Medium LeatherNote: The cost for medium leather was reduced from 16 to 8 with the update.

Medium Leather is obtained by processing animal hides (deer, rabbits, wolves) on a Tanning Rack. Iron Ingots come from smelting iron ore in a furnace, typically found in desert caves or on mountain peaks.

1.3. Activating Your Storage Space

Once crafted, the backpack appears as an “unlocker” item in your inventory. Right-click on it to consume it and permanently add the backpack tab to your inventory interface.

Access this new space by opening your inventory and clicking on the backpack icon (the third tab after Crafting and Memories). Your initial backpack will offer 9 additional slots.

2. Backpack Upgrades: Optimizing Your Capacity

Hytale offers two major upgrades for your backpack, significantly increasing your total storage capacity.

2.1. Upgrade I: Double Your Space

The first major upgrade requires a higher-level workbench and more advanced materials.

• Level 2 Workbench: 30 Copper Ingots, 20 Iron Ingots, 20 Linen Pieces.Note: Previously, a Level 3 workbench was required for this upgrade.

For the Backpack Upgrade I process, you will need:

Cobalt is a mid-to-late game resource found in deep mining zones or on difficult enemies. Cindercloth Scraps are obtained by eliminating fire-type creatures. Once this upgrade is complete, your backpack will reach 18 slots (two rows of nine).

2.2. Upgrade II: Maximum Capacity and the Memories System

The Final Backpack Upgrade is unique because it is unlocked via a different system: the collection of Memories. You must restore 100 Memories at the Forgotten Temple before accessing the recipe.

The materials for Backpack Upgrade II are:

This final upgrade will bring your maximum backpack capacity to 27 slots (three full rows).

3. Mastering the Memories System for Upgrades

The Memory Collection System is crucial for unlocking Upgrade II. Here is how it works:

• Automatic Collection: Memories are automatically collected when you encounter new creatures (animals, enemies, NPCs) for the first time. Blue particles and a notification will confirm the collection.
• Exploration Strategy: For efficient collection, systematically explore different biomes, look for creature variants, and do not ignore passive animals, as each one counts toward your total.
• The Forgotten Temple: You can only carry 48 Memories at a time. Visit the Forgotten Temple regularly and interact with the central statue to deposit your collected memories. If you hit the limit, you will miss collection opportunities.

4. Advanced Tips for Storage Management

With expanded inventory space, organization becomes essential for a smooth gameplay experience.

• Inventory Organization:
  • Row 1: Frequently used tools and weapons.
  • Row 2: Building materials and crafting components.
  • Row 3: Rare materials and special items.
• Complementary Storage Solutions: Backpacks work in synergy with other storage systems. Consider building chest networks for base storage and teleportation systems for fast transport of materials between your different bases or harvesting zones.

5. Common Mistakes

Even with a clear system, errors can happen. Here are common backpack mistakes to avoid and how to resolve issues.

• Workbench Placement Errors: Never move your workbench after upgrading it. The workbench level resets, effectively wasting all your upgrade materials. Choose your location carefully from the start.
• Forgetting to Collect Memories: Many players ignore passive creatures, missing out on valuable memory opportunities. Every unique creature type counts, regardless of its threat level. Also, ensure you regularly empty your memories at the Forgotten Temple to avoid hitting the cap.
• Backpack Recipe Not Found or Missing Materials:
  • Invisible Recipe: Ensure your workbench has reached the required level. The recipe will only appear in the “Crafting” tab after the necessary upgrades.
  • Missing Materials: Some end-game materials require specific strategies. Check dedicated guides for optimization of gathering (e.g., for Heavy Leather or Cindercloth Scraps).