Which upgrades should you prioritize first in Vampire Crawlers

Vampire Crawlers immerses you in chaotic dungeon runs from the very start, filled with enemies, complex resource management, and constant decision-making. While weapons and cards influence the moment, upgrades determine long-term success.

These semi-permanent bonuses shape future runs, subtly deciding whether early floors will be a struggle or a source of steady progress. The right upgrades transform slow and frustrating progress into confident ascents to strong builds and deep runs. Newcomers often chase flashy bonuses but then hit a complexity ceiling. Here are the best upgrades to start with in Vampire Crawlers.

What are upgrades in Vampire Crawlers?

In Vampire Crawlers, upgrades are permanent bonuses to characteristics purchased between runs with gold. Unlike cards or weapons found during a run, these bonuses apply to every subsequent attempt, providing a lasting advantage. They affect key mechanics: damage, health, gold gain, and resource generation. Some increase survivability, others enhance attacking power, and others offer flexibility during runs.

Players can always refund spent upgrade points if they want to choose others.

Their importance lies in their cumulative effect. One small increase seems insignificant, but several levels in key parameters quickly change the gameplay. Focusing on scalable bonuses accelerates progress, while chaotically spreading resources leads to struggling with growing complexity. Strategy—when to end a turn, which upgrades to take, and when to play certain cards—is what allows for maximum survival in the dungeon.

Which upgrades to choose first in Vampire Crawlers?

The most effective early strategy is built on three pillars: economy, damage, and survivability. Those who follow this scheme will benefit both immediately and in the long run.

“Greed” is the recommended first upgrade. It increases the gold received per run, accelerating all subsequent purchases. A snowball effect is created: each run becomes more profitable than the previous one.
“Recovery” is another good option for starting: it provides constant health recovery throughout the run.
Armor or defensive characteristics are the next priority. They help stabilize runs, especially against strong enemies and bosses.
“Power” is also important. More damage means faster fights, fewer mistakes, and better stability. This is one of the most reliable upgrades in the game.
Mana or energy upgrades follow. They allow for building long combinations and more effectively using cards, directly increasing combat effectiveness.
Utility bonuses (e.g., rerolls or niche perks) can wait until the foundation is ready.

Ignoring this structure often leads to stagnation. Decent damage or interesting builds do not compensate for a weak economy or lack of survivability—progress slows down sharply.

How to farm more gold in Vampire Crawlers

Gold is the engine of all upgrades, so increasing income remains the top priority. “Greed” ensures long-term growth, but income can be maximized during runs in several ways. Surviving longer gives more gold than rushing through floors. Deep runs naturally bring more rewards, even if they take more time. Early failure gives less gold than a slow but successful run.

Efficient combat is crucial. Quickly eliminating enemies reduces received damage and increases overall speed, allowing for progression without unnecessary risk. Vampire Crawlers rewards long-term planning, and the right upgrades pay off not in one run, but in many.