New World Interactive released this tactical shooter on 12 December 2018, and it still refuses to give you a crosshair, a killcam or a minimap. Matches run up to 14 versus 14 in PvP or as co-op Checkpoint missions against AI, and one rifle round through a doorway usually ends the argument. Focus Entertainment keeps shipping free updates, with Operation Shell Shock in October 2025 adding the S12K and US12 shotguns.
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 combinations |
| 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
Farmhouse
Key resources: Long sightline practice, marksman and machine gun value, disciplined smoke usage Farming efficiency: Low value per run, but safe and consistent
Focus on gathering materials for AKM upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Crossing
Key resources: Elevation play, long range rifle work, and the clearest lesson in why smoke grenades exist Farming efficiency: Good early-game farming spot
Focus on gathering materials for AKM upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Hideout
Key resources: Room clearing practice, vertical fights through stairwells, flexible loadout choices Farming efficiency: Best mid-game farming, worth revisiting
Focus on gathering materials for AKM upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Precinct
Key resources: Close quarters discipline, breaching practice, and clear value for the Breacher role Farming efficiency: High-value materials for late-game upgrades
This is where you farm materials for M4A1 max upgrades. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Summit
Key resources: Vertical angles, ambush positions, and practice fighting uphill under fire support Farming efficiency: Best resources in the game, requires strong build
This is where you farm materials for M4A1 max upgrades. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Upgrade Path
Early Game (Farmhouse to Crossing)
- Upgrade your starting weapons to functional level
- Craft basic defensive gear
- Save specialty materials, since you'll need them later
- Focus on AKM once accessible
Mid Game (Hideout)
- Push AKM to mid-level upgrades
- Start collecting materials for M4A1
- Craft situational consumables for boss fights
- Upgrade build-specific gear pieces
Late Game (Precinct to Summit)
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 Hideout 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
- Lean with the dedicated keys instead of stepping out from cover. Peeking with a lean exposes a fraction of your body and lets you return behind the wall in one keypress, which is the difference between trading and dying.
- Farm Hideout 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 Insurgency: Sandstorm Guides
- Insurgency: Sandstorm Insurgency: Sandstorm Overview
- Insurgency: Sandstorm Best Builds
- Insurgency: Sandstorm Tier List
- Insurgency: Sandstorm Walkthrough
- Insurgency: Sandstorm Beginner's Guide
- Insurgency: Sandstorm Tips & Tricks
- Insurgency: Sandstorm Weapons Guide
- Insurgency: Sandstorm Combat Guide
- Insurgency: Sandstorm Boss Guide
- Insurgency: Sandstorm Maps & Locations
- Insurgency: Sandstorm Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Insurgency: Sandstorm, 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
