Top 10 Upgrades to Prioritize in Cronos: The New Dawn – Pro Gamer’s Guide

Cronos: The New Dawn drops you into a brutal post-apocalyptic Poland where every bullet, Core, and Energy cell matters. With upgrade resources scarce, the choices you make early on will define your entire run. This guide highlights the 10 best upgrades—tested by the community and expert players—to maximize survivability and combat efficiency whether you’re a first-time Traveler or a hardened veteran.


⚙️ 1. Inventory Slots (Temporal Shell)

  • Why It’s Key: You begin with only six slots, which fill fast with weapons, ammo, and quest items.

  • Cost: 1 Core for 7 slots, 2 Cores for 8 slots.

  • Pro Tip: Store unused Cores in safe-room stashes until ready to upgrade.

Top 10 Upgrades to Prioritize in Cronos
❤️ 2. Suit Integrity (Temporal Shell)

  • Why It’s Key: Bigger health pool = bigger safety net for early mistakes.

  • Cost: 1 Core per upgrade.

  • Pro Tip: Push to 200 health (4 slots) before maxing inventory.

⚡ 3. Weapon Charge Speed (All Weapons)

  • Why It’s Key: Charged shots double damage but the default charge is slow.

  • Cost: Handgun ~1,500 Energy; Shotgun ~2,000.

  • Pro Tip: Boost the Sword MK-1615 Handgun first.

🔫 4. Shotgun Firepower (Hammer PROV-2030)

  • Why It’s Key: Primary boss and crowd-control weapon; scales beautifully with upgrades.

  • Cost: ~3,000 Energy for first tier.

  • Pro Tip: Pair with charge-speed upgrades for devastating bursts.

🎯 5. Handgun Stability (Sword MK-1615)

  • Why It’s Key: Reduces sway, saves ammo, and improves headshot consistency.

  • Cost: ~1,000 Energy.

  • Pro Tip: Less critical for the shotgun’s wide spread.

🧰 6. Resources Limit (Temporal Shell)

  • Why It’s Key: Larger material stacks (metal, chemicals) mean less clutter and fewer trips.

  • Cost: 1 Core per tier.

  • Pro Tip: Upgrade after inventory and health boosts.

🔥 7. Burning Time (Torch)

  • Why It’s Key: Longer burn keeps Orphans from merging and locks down mobs.

  • Cost: 1 Core per level.

  • Note: Skip early fuel-capacity upgrades—free refills at dispensers make them unnecessary.

💥 8. Shotgun Clip Size (Hammer PROV-2030)

  • Why It’s Key: Base 2-shell capacity forces constant reloads.

  • Cost: ~2,500 Energy per upgrade.

  • Pro Tip: Combine with Firepower for massive DPS.

🔧 9. Handgun Clip Size (Sword MK-1615)

  • Why It’s Key: Fewer reloads, more sustained fire, better ammo economy.

  • Cost: ~2,000 Energy.

  • Pro Tip: Tackle after charge speed and stability.

⏳ 10. Extra Suit Integrity (Late-Game)

  • Why It’s Key: End-game bosses hit hard—extra health is insurance.

  • Cost: 2+ Cores per tier.

  • Pro Tip: Balance with weapon upgrades to avoid resource starvation.


💎 Upgrade Strategy Recap

Resource Tips

  • Cores: Rare—often hidden or earned by petting cats. Always stash before spending.

  • Energy: Plentiful—sell valuables like cameras for quick boosts.

  • Crafting: Don’t hoard; craft ammo and healing items to free space.

Recommended Sequence
1️⃣ Inventory Slots (1–2 tiers)
2️⃣ Suit Integrity to 200 health
3️⃣ Handgun Charge Speed & Stability
4️⃣ Shotgun Firepower & Charge Speed
5️⃣ Resources Limit
6️⃣ Late-game health & niche upgrades


🌐 Community Links & Resources

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