Vigor is a free-to-plays online looter-shooter set in post-apocalyptic Norway. Developed by Bohemia Interactive, it blends survival, exploration, and PvP combat, offering an immersive and competitive experience. While the game includes in-app purchases and a battle pass system, it’s entirely possible to enjoy and succeed in Vigor without spending a dime. If you’re a budget-conscious gamer or simply prefer the challenge of progressing without microtransactions, here’s a detailed guide on how to play Vigor effectively — for free.
Understand the Core Gameplay Loop
The first step to mastering Vigor for free is understanding its basic gameplay loop. The game revolves around Encounters, where players enter a map to loot resources, fight others, and attempt to extract alive. You’ll collect materials, food, weapons, and blueprints — all crucial for building your shelter and crafting gear.
Key tips for success:
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Prioritize looting over killing — especially early on. Avoid unnecessary combat unless you’re confident you can win.
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Focus on exits and escape routes. Dying means losing everything you’ve gathered in that match.
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Use free loadouts. Each day, Vigor gives players free weapons and gear to encourage participation. Make the most of these.
By fully engaging with the core loop and avoiding risky, aggressive playstyles early on, you’ll accumulate enough resources to keep playing without ever needing premium currency.
Optimize Shelter Upgrades Without Crowns
Shelter upgrades are essential to long-term progress. They reduce crafting time, increase resource output, and unlock better weapons and consumables. While you can spend Crowns (the game’s premium currency) to speed up construction, there are efficient ways to progress for free.
Strategies to build your shelter for free:
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Complete daily and seasonal challenges. These often reward materials and XP, which helps unlock upgrades.
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Recycle everything you don’t use. Weapons, gear, and ammo can be broken down into crafting materials.
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Play different maps. Each map has unique loot opportunities. Rotate between them to balance your resources.
Over time, your shelter will become self-sustaining. Focus on upgrading workbenches, generators, and material production units first, as these directly improve your crafting efficiency.
Make the Most of the Battle Pass Without Buying It
Vigor features a Battle Pass system (called the “Battle Pass” or “Season Pass”) with both free and paid tracks. Although paying unlocks more frequent and higher-tier rewards, the free track still provides valuable items if you’re consistent.
How to earn Battle Pass rewards for free:
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Log in daily. Even short sessions help you complete missions and gain XP.
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Focus on Battle Pass challenges. These include tasks like eliminating enemies with specific weapons or surviving a number of encounters.
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Team up with friends. Playing in duos or trios increases your odds of survival and successful looting.
Eventually, by progressing through multiple seasons, you may even earn enough free Crowns to unlock a future Battle Pass without paying. But even without ever buying one, you can still earn cosmetics, blueprints, and useful resources.
Use Smart PvP Tactics and Avoid Pay-to-Win Pitfalls
One of the biggest concerns for free players is that others might buy better weapons or equipment. While it’s true that paying players can access certain loadouts more easily, Vigor is ultimately a skill-based game. Strategic thinking, map knowledge, and patience often outweigh raw firepower.
PvP tips for free players:
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Use stealth to your advantage. Sound carries in Vigor — crouch walk and avoid unnecessary noise.
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Ambush rather than chase. Let enemies come to you, especially in high-loot areas.
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Play the long game. Escaping with loot is more valuable than dying with a good kill count.
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Get familiar with cheap, craftable weapons. Guns like the Suomi KP/-31 or the VZ. 52 can be highly effective when used well, and they’re easy to craft.
Remember, many paying players bring in expensive loadouts and still get outplayed. Your goal is survival and resource gathering — not domination.
