Hytale Backpack Guide: How to Unlock and Maximize Storage

Your starting inventory in Hytale feels cramped the moment you start collecting resources seriously. You'll quickly discover that managing loot becomes a constant struggle without proper storage solutions. Fortunately, backpacks offer the perfect remedy, transforming your carrying capacity from restrictive to expansive.

Why Backpacks Are Essential for Progression

Backpacks aren't just convenience items in Hytale; they're progression necessities. Your default inventory handles basic survival, but once you start mining Cobalt, collecting Shadoweave Scraps, or farming Azure Kelp, space becomes premium real estate.

The backpack system works differently than you might expect. Instead of equipping a physical item, you unlock permanent inventory tabs that expand your carrying capacity. Think of it as upgrading your character's storage capabilities rather than wearing additional gear.

Crafting Your First Backpack

Step 1: Build and Upgrade Your Workbench

Before touching any backpack recipes, you need a Tier 2 Workbench. Your basic workbench won't cut it for this advanced crafting.

Workbench tier upgrade menu

Gather your upgrade materials carefully. Copper Ingots come from smelting Copper Ore in furnaces, while Iron Ingots require Iron Ore processing. Linen Scraps drop from various plants and can be crafted at textile stations.

Step 2: Gather Backpack Materials

With your Tier 2 workbench ready, you can finally see the backpack recipe in the Tinkering tab. The basic backpack requires:

• 8 Iron Ingots
• 16 Medium Leather

Medium Leather comes from processing animal hides at Tanning Racks. Hunt animals like deer, rabbits, or wolves to collect raw hides, then process them into usable leather materials.

Backpack crafting materials

Step 3: Unlock Your Storage Space

After crafting, you'll receive what looks like a piece of paper in your inventory. This isn't the backpack itself but rather an unlock item. Right-click to consume it, permanently adding the backpack tab to your inventory interface.

Access your new storage by opening your inventory and clicking the backpack icon (third tab after crafting and memories). Your initial backpack provides 9 additional slots arranged in a single row.

Maximizing Backpack Capacity Through Upgrades

Backpack Upgrade I: Doubling Your Space

The first major upgrade requires a Tier 3 Workbench and significantly more advanced materials:

Backpack Upgrade I materials

Cobalt represents mid-to-late game progression. You'll find it in deeper mining areas or by defeating challenging enemies. Cindercloth Scraps drop from fire-based creatures like Fire Skeletons, Fire Dragons, and Fire Golems.

Completing this upgrade expands your backpack to 18 total slots (two rows of nine).

Backpack Upgrade II: Maximum Capacity

The final upgrade unlocks through a completely different system: Memory Collection. You need to restore 100 Memories at the Forgotten Temple before accessing this recipe.

Memory Collection Strategy

Memories automatically collect when you encounter new creatures for the first time. Walk near any animal, enemy, or NPC you haven't seen before, and you'll gain their memory (indicated by blue particles and a notification).

The most efficient approach involves systematic exploration:

• Explore different biomes thoroughly
• Seek out creature variants in various zones
• Don't ignore passive animals; they count toward your total
• Check our Hytale Darkwood Guide for specific creature locations

Final Upgrade Materials

Once you've collected 100 memories, the Backpack Upgrade II recipe becomes available:

• 1 Voidheart (from Void creatures)
• 8 Adamantite Ingots (end-game tier material)
• 16 Storm Leather (currently requires creative mode)

This final upgrade brings your total backpack space to 27 slots (three full rows).

Advanced Storage Management Tips

Organizing Your Expanded Inventory

With maximum backpack space, organization becomes crucial:

• Row 1: Frequently used tools and weapons
• Row 2: Building materials and crafting components
• Row 3: Rare materials and special items

Complementary Storage Solutions

Backpacks work alongside other storage systems. Consider building:

• Chest networks for base storage
• Teleporter systems for quick material transport (check our Master Hytale Teleportation guide)
• Specialized storage rooms for different material types

Common Backpack Mistakes to Avoid

Workbench Placement Errors

Never move your workbench after upgrading it. The tier level resets, wasting all your upgrade materials. Choose your location carefully from the start.

Memory Collection Oversights

Many players ignore passive creatures, missing easy memory opportunities. Every unique creature type counts, regardless of threat level.

Material Hoarding

Don't wait to upgrade until you have "enough" materials. Each backpack tier significantly improves your resource collection efficiency, making future upgrades easier.

Troubleshooting Backpack Issues

Can't See Backpack Recipe

Ensure your workbench reaches Tier 2. The recipe only appears in the Tinkering tab after proper upgrades.

Memory Collection Not Working

You might have reached the 48-memory limit. Visit any Forgotten Temple and interact with the central statue to deposit collected memories.

Missing Upgrade Materials

Some end-game materials require specific strategies. For Shadoweave Scraps, check our dedicated farming guide for optimal collection methods.

Your backpack represents one of the most impactful upgrades in Hytale. From cramped inventory struggles to spacious storage freedom, these upgrades fundamentally change how you approach resource management and exploration. Start with the basic backpack as soon as possible, then work toward the memory-based upgrades for maximum carrying capacity.