Stowaways in Crab's Goldmine are dynamic items that players can interchange at will, offering passive benefits such as stat enhancements and combat mechanic adjustments. Building robust character builds hinges on the strategic selection and utilization of Stowaways.
To equip Stowaways effectively, players must ensure they have adequate Stowaway Capacity. Fortunately, increasing this capacity is straightforward by consulting with Nemma or Polli at the Bottomfeeders in New Carcinia.
7 Sea Star
Optimal for Health
Vitality plays a crucial role in Crab's Goldmine, especially in the initial stages where close-range encounters with bosses are frequent, and long-range attacks are limited.
Having more VIT provides Kril with a buffer for errors. While Sea Star may appear modest on its own, many other Stowaways and abilities rely on a certain health threshold to deliver their full potential, making it a safe and reliable choice when better options are scarce.
6 Barnacle
Ideal for Defense
Barnacle significantly boosts Kril's defenses by +10 and is accessible early in the game, making it one of the initial Stowaways players acquire right from the game's outset. Its relevance extends well into the mid-game.
Defense primarily stems from the shells players discover and equip, with early-game shells typically offering DEF boosts ranging from +10 to +70. Equipping Barnacle encourages experimenting with high-risk, high-reward shells that boast potent spells but lower defenses.
5 Used Bandage
Perfect for Healing
Used Bandage enhances the effectiveness of every Heartkelp consumed during battles, offering 15% additional healing. While this may seem modest initially, the percentage-based healing amplifies with Kril's increased Vitality.
Pairing Used Bandage with VIT-boosting Stowaways like Sea Star or direct VIT investments during level-ups significantly amplifies its efficacy. It shines brightest in bulky, Melee-focused builds but can complement various playstyles. Note that the boosted healing applies not only to Heartkelp but to all healing abilities.
4 Lamprey
Optimum for Survival
For players inclined towards early melee builds, Lamprey stands out as a crucial Stowaway to acquire promptly, possibly even as a priority. It facilitates a riskier combat approach where Kril siphons enemy health with each strike.
Similar to Used Bandage, this healing is percentage-based and gains potency with higher Vitality levels. While reaching 28 Attack might seem daunting, focusing solely on Melee for ten level-ups can easily achieve this threshold.
3 Whelk+
Premium for MSG Builds
Whelk+ unequivocally stands as the top Stowaway for early Magic builds in the game. The straight +30% spell damage boost significantly empowers magic-oriented gameplay, especially when combined with Shell spells.
The initial segments of Crab's Goldmine heavily favor Melee combat over ranged, as potent shell spells often demand substantial resources to maintain. Despite the enhanced spell damage from Whelk+, players will need to adopt a blend of melee and magic strategies, as a full magic approach is impractical.
2 Sinker
Perfect for Melee Builds
Sinker proves particularly effective against high-health enemies, especially bosses that restrict close-range engagements to a few strikes. Bosses like Queen Mystra and the Royal Shellsplitter pose challenges, necessitating a cautious approach to deal damage effectively.
Typically, players must capitalize on every opportunity and execute flawlessly to fill a boss's stagger meter. Otherwise, the meter depletes rapidly. Sinker's +20% balance damage enhances each of Kril's swings, contributing an additional 20% to the Stagger meter.
1 Fruit Sticker
Supreme All-Rounder
Microplastics reign supreme as the universal currency in Crab's Goldmine, essential for all transactions from level-ups to gear acquisitions.
The Fruit Sticker, available at the Bottomfeeders for 7500 Microplastics, constitutes a substantial investment, particularly early in the game, but a rewarding one. Acquiring this Stowaway early enables players to expedite their progress by enhancing Microplastics gained per kill, ensuring a swift return on investment with accrued benefits.