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How to Expand Inventory in The Sinking City 2

Find inventory upgrades in E.R.C. crates or on tables in dungeon areas and open crates with an activator pen.

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Quick Answer

Inventory space increases through inventory upgrades found inside E.R.C. crates or placed on tables in some dungeons. E.R.C. crates require an E.R.C. activator pen, which can be found in different locations within levels, so retain the pen and revisit a marked crate if you cannot open it yet.

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Key Takeaways

  • Inventory upgrades are found in E.R.C. crates or on dungeon tables.
  • E.R.C. crates need an activator pen.
  • Activator pens appear in different level locations.
  • Revisit unopened crates after finding a pen.

E.R.C. Crate Checklist

  • Search both E.R.C. crates and visible tables in dungeon areas; upgrades are not limited to one container type.
  • Keep the activator pen when you find one because it opens an E.R.C. crate.
  • Mark an unopened crate and continue the level if the pen has not appeared yet.
  • Recheck side rooms and readable surfaces before leaving the dungeon.
  • Use the extra capacity for a balanced supply plan, then apply the combat and ammo checklist rather than filling every slot with one resource.

Do not limit the search to one container type. The official FAQ confirms both E.R.C. crates and loose upgrades on tables in some dungeons. Search side rooms and readable surfaces, then treat a locked crate as a return point rather than a dead end.

An activator pen opens an E.R.C. crate. Because pens can be found in different places on a level, continue the active route and return once equipped if the crate cannot be opened immediately.

FAQ

Are all inventory upgrades in E.R.C. crates?

No. Some are also placed on tables in dungeon areas.

What opens an E.R.C. crate?

An E.R.C. activator pen.

Is a crate permanently missable without a pen?

The official FAQ does not say that; note the location and revisit it when you obtain a pen.

Practical Checklist

  • Read the active objective and nearby environmental clues before leaving the area.
  • Spend scarce ammunition only when avoidance or positioning will not solve the encounter.
  • Use the exact puzzle, item, or progression guide for the blocker you can name.

Common Mistakes

  • Assuming every blocked route is solved by combat.
  • Using a spoiler-heavy walkthrough before checking the current objective and room clues.
  • Treating an optional resource as a required story key without evidence.

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Next Steps

01How to Get Talent Points and Dream Essence in The Sinking City 2Find clues throughout a level and correctly connect related evidence in Investigation Space to earn Dream Essence. Optional Investigations can also reward it. Once the Talent Table becomes available from the third Safe Room, spend Dream Essence there to unlock and equip Talents.02Do You Need to Play The Sinking City 1 Before 2?No. You do not need to finish the first game before playing The Sinking City 2. The sequel uses a new setting and cast and is designed as a separate entry point, although returning players will recognize the Lovecraftian world and broader themes. Start with 2 if its survival-horror focus interests you most.

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The Sinking City 2 Beginner Survival Guide

Explore before committing resources, use focused shots on enemy weak points, avoid optional fights when health or ammunition is low, and check the map for active tasks. Return to Safe Rooms to manage Talents, preserve recovery options, and treat retreat as a normal survival tool.

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The Sinking City 2 Combat and Ammo Tips

If combat feels too hard or ammunition runs out, lower the difficulty if needed, focus aim before shooting weak points, and skip encounters that do not block the main goal. Preserve a retreat route, use stomp for grounded enemies or breakables, and return when better equipped instead of forcing a bad fight.

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What to Do When Stuck in The Sinking City 2

If story progress stops, open the map and check every active task first. Review the pause menu's How to Play section for forgotten mechanics. If Calvin or an enemy is stuck in collision, reload the latest save; for a repeatable bug, collect a screenshot, dxdiag, and local save files before contacting Frogwares support.

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Take the Trident from behind the Church's Star-locked door and place it on the Obelisk. Set the four symbol sections from top to bottom to Serpent Form, Crooked Cross, Spearhead, and Splayed Womb. Let lightning charge all three tips, retrieve it, return it to its original holder, then use the revealed dagger at the altar.

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