Loot runs are the heart of Vigor — Bohemia Interactive’s free-to-play looter shooter set in post-apocalyptic Norway. Whether you’re a fresh Outlander or a seasoned survivor, efficient looting is key to progressing, upgrading your shelter, and thriving in the Outlands. But without a solid strategy, you risk losing it all to more prepared players. This guide breaks down how to master loot runs and make every encounter count.
Understand the Map and Spawn Points
Success in Vigor starts before you pick up your first loot. Familiarizing yourself with the game’s maps—like Fjellkanten, Anikken, or Grontheim Valley—is crucial. Each map has unique high-value zones, commonly looted hotspots, and multiple exit routes.
Spawn points are semi-random but tend to place players evenly across the map. Knowing likely player entry zones helps you predict enemy movement and avoid early confrontations. As soon as you spawn, check your location and decide whether to go for the loot or head for exits if you’re running light.
Pro tip: Watch for the signals detector and barred house locations. These places attract traffic but often contain the highest-tier loot.
Gear Smart, Not Heavy
Choosing the right loadout is a balancing act. While it’s tempting to bring your best weapons, remember Vigor is about risk vs. reward. You lose everything if you die—gear included. So tailor your loadout based on your run’s goal.
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Scavenging Run: Go light. Bring a silenced weapon (or none at all), minimal healing, and a full inventory for loot. Focus on stealth, avoidance, and extraction.
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Combat Run: Load up on weapons, armor, and consumables. Go hunting or control high-value zones.
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Challenge Run: Completing Battle Passs or daily challenges? Optimize gear based on the objective (e.g., melee kills, signal detector interactions).
Always stash a few cheap loadouts for loot runs where loss won’t sting.
Prioritize High-Value Loot
Not all loot is created equal. In the early game, materials like nails, wire, chemicals, and glass are gold for upgrading your shelter. Later, you’ll shift to rarer items like electronics, fertilizer, and weapon parts.
Key loot zones to prioritize:
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Barred House: Often houses purple or gold loot crates.
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Locked Container: Has some of the best loot but triggers a loud alarm—expect company.
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Time Safe: Contains rare gear and weaponry, but requires activating switches in separate locations.
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Airdrop: High risk, high reward. Watch for campers and equip appropriately if going for it.
The loot economy in Vigor is dynamic. Use the in-game threat system (radio signals, exit campers, boosted loot events) to decide whether to stay greedy or make a smart exit.
Mastering Extraction and Escaping Threats
You’ve filled your bag—now what? Extraction is the most overlooked but vital part of any loot run. Pick your exit route early and head there before the map becomes too hot. Outlanders often die because they wait too long or panic.
Here are a few strategies to help with successful escapes:
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Use Cover and Terrain: Stay off main roads. Use trees, hills, and structures to stay hidden.
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Fake Movement: Use loud distractions or shoot into the air to mislead enemies.
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Campsite Check: Always assume an exit might be watched. Approach carefully and listen for movement.
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Know When to Fight or Flee: If you’ve got a bag full of loot, it’s okay to run from a fight. Live to loot another day.
If an airdrop is your target, remember you become visible on the map once you grab it. Use a Disruptive Tower to block enemy pings, or a fake airdrop to draw attention elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
Loot runs in Vigor are as much about strategy as they are about skill. The most successful Outlanders know when to engage, when to extract, and how to prepare for every kind of encounter. By mastering maps, optimizing gear, prioritizing high-value loot, and refining your extraction strategies, you’ll consistently come out ahead—both in materials and in survivability.
