Duct Tape sources and what to unlock first
Quick answer
Earn Duct Tape through boss progression and relevant achievements, then spend it on camp unlocks. In 1.0, boss bonuses increase at MKing Response Levels3 and5; the Reaper also drops one tape.
On this page
Know which reward you are farming
Duct Tape opens systems and access; apples buy permanent improvements, while scrap supports shopping and repairs within a run. Check the camp requirement before starting a farming attempt so you do not optimize the wrong currency.
Compare boss payouts with difficulty
The 1.0 notes add one tape to boss rewards at response level3 and two at level5. The HQ final boss’s base drop was changed from five to three. These changes invalidate older claims that every run always has the same two-tape ceiling. Look at the actual mission reward and your reliable completion rate instead of selecting the hardest setting automatically.
Buy the next useful system
Prioritize an unlock you will use in your next runs: the workbench, rerolls, access to needed items or another survivor’s playstyle. The Costume Shop is a later build option once its achievement and unlock are available. Do not spend tape simply because a new entry appears; keep enough for the prerequisite your current goal requires.