Trader Spawn Events
Roaming traders break the monotony of static [shop locations](map/shop-locations) by offering limited stock at unpredictable positions — within rules you can learn. This guide explains spawn patterns, high-value purchases, and squad tactics to camp traders without dying to raiders or [nuke cycles](guides/survive-nuclear-blasts).
How trader spawns work
Traders are temporary NPC vendors that appear during server-wide or scheduled windows. They stock rare upgrade modules, premium ammo, medical bundles, and event leftovers not found in regular stores.
Spawns may announce via global chat, sirens, or map markers. Arrive early — queues form and hostile players camp nearby hoping to ambush buyers leaving with S-tier loot.
Likely spawn areas
Central plaza, commercial strip intersections, and bunker-adjacent side roads see the most reports. Traders rarely sit deep inside mutant nests without warning events.
Cross-reference town overview landmarks. If no marker appears, rotate between plaza and boulevard midpoints every few minutes rather than sprinting entire map diagonals wasting stamina from hunger systems.
What to buy first
Prioritize items you cannot craft efficiently: rare power components, high-tier meds, exclusive ammo matching your main weapon, and quest tokens.
Skip overpriced cosmetic flair unless scraps overflow. Feed purchases into recycle room planning if items duplicate what you already stash in armory.
Squad and PvP tactics
Send a scout on bike or sprint path while others hold bunker line of sight. Buy fast, dump purchases into inventory, evacuate via roof alleys documented in shop locations guide.
In multiplayer survival, designate one player to buy while others overwatch — splitting scraps fairly prevents internal drama.
Timing with other events
Trader windows sometimes overlap Krush Gladiator weekends, splitting player attention. Farm arena scraps first if traders sell redundant goods; flip priority if traders offer one-time modules.
Track time with nuke timer so purchases do not trap you surface-side during radiation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do traders spawn?
Depends on live scheduling — often multiple times per day during events, rarer on vanilla weekends. Watch in-game announcements.
Can traders spawn during a nuke?
Usually no. Plan purchases in safe windows with clear bunker return paths.
Do traders accept scraps or items as payment?
Most take scraps or standard currency. Bring sell room profits for expensive modules.
Is camping traders considered fair play?
Ambushing buyers is part of PvP risk on surface — approach with squad overwatch and light inventories.