Atomic Heart is a first-person action shooter set in an alternate-history Soviet Union where advanced robotics and polymer technology have created a utopian society that goes horribly wrong. The Polymer Glove gives protagonist Agent P-3 elemental powers (electricity, ice, telekinesis) that combo with firearms and melee weapons for devastating synergies. Combat blends BioShock-style power/weapon combos with melee action inspired by souls-like timing. The open-world sections between story facilities hide optional dungeons called Testing Grounds filled with challenging puzzles and powerful loot.
Resource management and crafting determine how quickly your power scales. This guide covers what to prioritize, where to farm, and how to avoid wasting resources on the wrong upgrades.
Crafting Priority List
The order you should invest resources:
| Priority | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Primary weapons | Biggest damage increase per resource spent |
| 2 | Core build gear | Enables your role's key synergies |
| 3 | Defensive upgrades | Survivability for boss fights |
| 4 | Secondary weapons | Situational options for specific content |
| 5 | Consumables | Temporary boosts for hard content |
Resource Farming by Area
Facility 3826
Key resources: Polymer Glove unlock, basic weapon blueprints, core mechanics tutorial Farming efficiency: Low value per run, but safe and consistent
Focus on gathering materials for Electro (Pistol) upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
VDNH Complex
Key resources: Open-world exploration, Testing Ground access, crafting materials, NORA stations Farming efficiency: Good early-game farming spot
Focus on gathering materials for Electro (Pistol) upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Polygon Testing Grounds
Key resources: Rare upgrade materials, weapon blueprints, unique mods, achievement progress Farming efficiency: Best mid-game farming, worth revisiting
Focus on gathering materials for Electro (Pistol) upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Limbo
Key resources: Story progression, rare Polymer upgrades, mid-game weapon blueprints Farming efficiency: High-value materials for late-game upgrades
This is where you farm materials for Swede (Melee) max upgrades. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Chelomey
Key resources: Final upgrades, endgame materials, story conclusion, final boss Farming efficiency: Best resources in the game, requires strong build
This is where you farm materials for Swede (Melee) max upgrades. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Upgrade Path
Early Game (Facility 3826 — VDNH Complex)
- Upgrade your starting weapons to functional level
- Craft basic defensive gear
- Save specialty materials — you'll need them later
- Focus on Electro (Pistol) once accessible
Mid Game (Polygon Testing Grounds)
- Push Electro (Pistol) to mid-level upgrades
- Start collecting materials for Swede (Melee)
- Craft situational consumables for boss fights
- Upgrade build-specific gear pieces
Late Game (Limbo — Chelomey)
- Max out Swede (Melee) — this is your top priority
- Complete your build's core gear set
- Craft endgame consumables
- Optional: upgrade secondary weapons for variety
Crafting Mistakes to Avoid
- Spreading upgrades across multiple weapons — Focus one weapon to max before diversifying.
- Hoarding materials — Use them. The game provides enough if you farm efficiently.
- Upgrading the wrong gear — Check our builds guide before investing.
- Ignoring Polygon Testing Grounds farming — This area has the best resource-to-time ratio in mid-game.
- Crafting consumables too early — Save specialty materials for late-game recipes.
Resource Efficiency Tips
- Shock + water is the strongest combo in the game. Shock a water puddle to electrify the entire surface, dealing 3x damage to every enemy standing in it.
- Farm Polygon Testing Grounds during mid-game for the best return on time
- Check the walkthrough to know when each resource becomes available
- Match your farming route to your build — some classes farm faster in certain areas
More Atomic Heart Guides
- Atomic Heart Atomic Heart Overview
- Atomic Heart Best Builds
- Atomic Heart Tier List
- Atomic Heart Walkthrough
- Atomic Heart Beginner's Guide
- Atomic Heart Tips & Tricks
- Atomic Heart Weapons Guide
- Atomic Heart Combat Guide
- Atomic Heart Boss Guide
- Atomic Heart Maps & Locations
- Atomic Heart Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Atomic Heart, check out these related guides:
- Counter-Strike 2 Crafting Guide — fps game with similar mechanics
- Apex Legends Crafting Guide — fps game with similar mechanics
- Rainbow Six Siege Crafting Guide — fps game with similar mechanics
