Scrap and Fuel Management — FTL: Faster Than Light Guide

Scrap and Fuel Management

In FTL, Scrap and Fuel are your lifeblood. Scrap is the universal currency for upgrades, repairs, and purchases, while Fuel dictates how far you can jump. Mastering their management is crucial for survival, especially with the relentless Rebel Fleet hot on your tail.

Scrap Acquisition and Prioritization

Scrap is primarily acquired through combat, event rewards, and selling unwanted items. How you spend it directly impacts your ship's capabilities.

• Combat Rewards: The most consistent source of Scrap. Aim to destroy enemy ships rather than disabling them, as destruction generally yields more Scrap. Consider upgrading your weapons early to ensure efficient enemy elimination.
• Event Choices: Many blue-option events offer choices between Scrap, FTL Fuel, or other resources. Carefully weigh the immediate need against long-term benefits. Sometimes, a small Scrap reward is better than a risky encounter.
• Selling Unwanted Items: Found a weapon or drone you don't need? Head to a Store beacon and sell it. Early game, even a basic Ion Blast I or a Combat Drone I can fetch valuable Scrap to fund essential upgrades.
• Prioritizing Upgrades:
  • Early Game (Sectors 1-2): Focus on core systems. Upgrade your Shields to at least 2 layers (25 Scrap) and your Engines to 2-3 power (20-30 Scrap) for better evasion. Consider a weapon upgrade (e.g., a Burst Laser II or a Pike Beam) if you find one, or invest in a second weapon power bar (20 Scrap) to use your starting weapons more effectively.
  • Mid Game (Sectors 3-5): Diversify. Invest in defensive systems like a Medbay (50 Scrap) if you don't have one, or a Door System upgrade (20 Scrap) for better boarder defense. Consider offensive upgrades like a Teleporter (75 Scrap) for boarding strategies or a Drone Control (80 Scrap) for defense or offense. Reactor upgrades (10 Scrap per bar) are always necessary to power new systems.
  • Late Game (Sectors 6-8): Maximize your ship. Aim for 3-4 layers of Shields (50-75 Scrap per layer), high Engine evasion, and a powerful weapon loadout. Consider niche systems like Cloaking (150 Scrap) for evasion during critical moments or a Hacking System (80 Scrap) for advanced combat tactics.

Fuel Management Strategies

Fuel is consumed with every jump you make. Running out of Fuel in a hostile sector can be a death sentence.

• Starting Fuel: You begin with 16 Fuel, enough for a few jumps. Don't be complacent.
• Acquisition:
  • Combat Drops: Enemy ships often drop 1-3 Fuel upon destruction.
  • Store Purchases: Stores always sell Fuel, typically for 3 Scrap per unit. Buy in bulk if you have excess Scrap and are running low.
  • Event Rewards: Many events offer Fuel as a reward, sometimes in larger quantities (e.g., 5-10 Fuel).
  • Distress Beacons: While risky, some distress calls can lead to Fuel rewards.
• Optimal Pathing:
  • Prioritize Stores: Always try to hit at least one Store per sector, especially if your Fuel is below 10. This allows you to restock and potentially sell unwanted items.
  • Avoid Backtracking: Each jump costs Fuel. Plan your route to move generally towards the exit beacon, minimizing unnecessary detours.
  • Consider Fuel-Rich Sectors: Some sector types, like Civilian or Nebula sectors, tend to have more events that offer Fuel or less aggressive encounters, making them safer for Fuel acquisition.
  • The "Fuel Buffer": Aim to always have at least 8-10 Fuel in reserve. This allows for unexpected detours, a few jumps to escape the Rebel Fleet, or to reach a crucial Store.
• Running Out of Fuel: If you run out of Fuel, you'll be stranded. You'll receive a distress call from a friendly ship, but they will demand a large amount of Scrap (often 10-20) for 3-5 Fuel. If you refuse or can't pay, they will attack. This is a desperate situation and should be avoided at all costs.