How to Buy & Open Crates in 100 Waves Later (June 2026)

Welcome to your complete guide on how to buy and open loot crates in 100 Waves Later Roblox! If you’re struggling to understand the crate system or wondering where your purchased crates disappear to, you’re in the right place. I’ve spent countless hours mastering this zombie survival game, and I’m here to share everything you need to know about the crate system that can make or break your survival journey.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn the exact step-by-step process for buying crates, where to find them after purchase, the best strategies for maximizing your rewards, and pro tips that most players miss. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced survivor looking to optimize your crate usage, this guide has something for everyone.

Quick Overview:

Aspect	Key Information
Main Currency	Scraps (earned from enemies and wave completion)
Crate Types	Regular Loot Crates, Present Crates, Pristine Crates
Best For Beginners	Regular Loot Crates
Where to Buy	Main menu → Loot Crate/Crates section
Where Crates Go	Inventory/Crate storage (may appear as “Rusty” or “Game Crate”)

Table of Contents

Understanding Loot Crates in 100 Waves Later

What Are Loot Crates?

Loot crates are special reward containers that play a crucial role in your progression through 100 Waves Later. These mysterious boxes contain random rewards including weapons, gear, and useful items that can significantly boost your survival chances. The quality and type of rewards typically depend on the crate type you choose to open.

From my experience, loot crates are one of the fastest ways to unlock better weapons and essential upgrades, especially when you’re starting out. Unlike grinding endlessly for scraps to buy specific weapons, crates offer the excitement of random rewards that can sometimes give you game-changing items much earlier than you’d normally acquire them.

Types of Loot Crates Available

Based on my research and gameplay experience, 100 Waves Later features several types of crates:

Regular Loot Crates: The standard crate type available to all players
Present Crates: Special event crates that often contain seasonal or limited-time items
Pristine Crates: Higher-tier crates with better reward pools (though these may require special conditions to obtain)

Each crate type has its own reward pool and cost in scraps. Regular crates are your go-to for consistent progression, while special crates like Present Crates often appear during events or holidays and may contain exclusive items.

How to Buy Loot Crates in 2026?

Step 1: Access the Crate Menu

The first challenge many players face is simply finding where to buy crates. The game’s menu system isn’t immediately intuitive, so here’s exactly what you need to do:

Open the main game menu – This is typically done by pressing ESC or clicking the menu button
Look for the “Loot Crate” or “Crates” section – This might be labeled differently depending on updates
You may also see options like “Present Crate” – Especially during special events
Select the crate menu to view available crates – This will show you all purchasable options

Pro Tip: If you can’t find the crate option immediately, try looking in different menu tabs. Sometimes crate options are nested under “Shop” or “Store” sections.

Step 2: Choose Your Crate

Once you’re in the crate menu, you’ll see the available crate types and their costs. Here’s what to consider:

Check the cost before buying – Make sure you have enough scraps
Consider your current progression – Some crates might be better for different stages of the game
Look for any special bonuses – Event crates often have boosted drop rates

Step 3: Complete Your Purchase

The purchasing process is straightforward:

Select the crate you want – Click on it to highlight
Confirm your purchase – Double-check the cost and confirm
Wait for the confirmation – The game should acknowledge your purchase

Important Note: After buying a crate, it doesn’t always open automatically! This is where most new players get confused.

Where to Find Your Purchased Crates?

This is arguably the most confusing part of the crate system for new players. After purchasing a crate, it doesn’t immediately appear in your inventory or open automatically. Here’s where to look:

Check Your Inventory/Crate Storage

Navigate to your inventory – This is usually separate from the shop menu
Look for crates listed as “Rusty,” “Game Crate,” or similar – The naming can be inconsistent
Check separate sections beyond the main shop menu – Some crates appear in dedicated crate storage areas

Troubleshooting Missing Crates

If your inventory looks empty at first:

Scroll through all available tabs – Crates might be in a different section
Check for a dedicated “Crates” tab – Some versions of the game have this
Look in “Storage” or “Inventory” sections – These are common hiding spots
Restart your game session – Sometimes crates need a refresh to appear

From my experience, the crate will always be there – it’s just a matter of finding the right menu section.

How to Open Loot Crates Properly?

Once you’ve located your crate in your inventory, opening it is relatively simple:

Step-by-Step Opening Process

Select the crate from your inventory – Click on it to highlight
Press the open or use button – This is typically right-click or a dedicated “Open” button
Wait for the reward animation – The game will show you what you received
The item will be added to your account automatically – No need to equip immediately

Understanding Your Rewards

After opening a crate, you’ll receive random items that can include:

Weapons – From basic pistols to powerful shotguns
Gear/Equipment – Items that boost your stats
Consumables – Temporary boosts or special items
Upgrades – Permanent improvements to your character

Important: You don’t need to equip rewards instantly. Items can usually be accessed later through your loadout or equipment menu, giving you time to decide when to use them.

Maximizing Your Crate Rewards

Smart Crate Usage Strategies

Based on extensive gameplay, here are my top strategies for getting the most value from your crates:

1. Save Crates Until You Understand Weapon Stats

Don’t rush to open all your crates immediately. Take time to learn:

Weapon damage values – Higher numbers aren’t always better
Ammo efficiency – Some weapons look powerful but waste ammo
Upgrade potential – Some weapons scale better with upgrades

2. Don’t Waste Crates Early

If you can’t use the rewards effectively, you’re wasting potential. Consider:

Waiting until you have a stable build – Don’t open crates when struggling with basics
Saving crates for key progression points – Use them when you hit a wall
Understanding your playstyle – Some rewards are better for certain approaches

3. Focus on Crate Types That Fit Your Current Playstyle

Melee players might want different crates than ranged players
Solo players should prioritize different rewards than team players
Farming builds benefit from different items than progression builds

4. Open Crates Between Runs, Not Mid-Game

Never open crates during an active run:

It breaks your flow – You might lose momentum
Risk of crashes – Opening crates mid-game can sometimes cause issues
Better planning – You can plan your build around new rewards between runs

Advanced Crate Management

Some experienced players prefer:

Farming multiple crates first – Then opening them all at once
Batch opening – This helps manage inventory better
Strategic timing – Save crates for when you really need a boost

Scrap Farming: Fueling Your Crate Purchases

Since scraps are the currency used to buy crates, understanding how to farm them efficiently is crucial. Based on my research and gameplay, here’s the most effective approach:

Understanding How Scraps Work

Scraps primarily come from:

Defeated enemies – The more you kill, the more you earn
Wave completion rewards – Each wave cleared gives bonus scraps
Survival time – Longer runs generally yield more scraps

Best Scrap Farming Method (Beginner Friendly)

If your goal is maximizing scrap income for crates:

Start a run with your best available setup
Focus on key upgrades – Reload speed, damage, and luck
Clear waves efficiently up to Wave 10-20 – Don’t push too far initially
End the run safely – Collect your scraps
Repeat the process – Consistency beats risky high-wave attempts

This method is:

Consistent and safe – Lower risk of losing progress
Time-efficient – Quick runs maximize scraps per hour
Perfect for learning – Helps you understand game mechanics

Early Upgrade Priority for Maximum Scrap Gain

When starting a scrap farming run, prioritize these upgrades:

Reload Speed – Faster reloads = more damage over time
Gun Damage – Clear enemies faster = more scraps per minute
Max Ammo/Clip Size – Less downtime reloading
Luck – Better chance at good weapons and upgrades

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Buying Crates Without Enough Scraps

Always check your scrap balance before purchasing. It’s better to save up for multiple crates than to buy one and be left with nothing.

2. Opening Crates at the Wrong Time

Don’t open crates:

During difficult waves – Wait for safer moments
When your inventory is full – You might lose rewards
Right before quitting – Give yourself time to use new items

3. Ignoring Crate Types

Different crates serve different purposes. Don’t assume the most expensive crate is always the best choice for your current situation.

4. Not Tracking Your Crate Usage

Keep mental notes of:

Which crates gave you the best rewards
When you opened them – Some believe timing affects drops
What worked for your playstyle

Pro Tips for Crate Mastery

From the Community

Based on community discussions and my own experience:

The “Save and Batch” Strategy – Collect 5-10 crates, then open them all at once for better inventory management
Event Crate Priority – During special events, focus on event crates as they often have boosted drop rates
Class-Specific Crates – Some crates might have better drops for certain classes
Team Crate Sharing – In team games, coordinate who opens which type of crate

Advanced Techniques

For experienced players looking to optimize:

Timing crate openings with wave progression – Some players report better drops at specific wave milestones
Coordinating with team members – Share crate rewards based on class needs
Tracking crate drop patterns – While random, some players notice patterns in reward types

Platform-Specific Information

PC vs. Mobile

The crate system works similarly across platforms, but:

PC players have easier inventory management with mouse controls
Mobile players should be extra careful not to accidentally open wrong crates
Cross-platform play maintains the same crate system across all devices

Performance Considerations

Lower-end devices might experience lag during crate opening animations
Close other apps when opening multiple crates to prevent crashes
Consider opening crates one at a time on older devices

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I find my purchased crates?

This is the most common issue! After purchasing, crates don’t appear in your main inventory. Check your dedicated crate storage section, look for tabs labeled “Crates” or “Storage,” and scroll through all inventory sections. Crates often appear as “Rusty Crate” or “Game Crate” in your inventory.

Are loot crates worth the scrap cost?

For most players, yes – especially early game. Crates provide access to weapons and items you might not be able to purchase directly. However, as you progress, direct purchases might become more reliable than crate RNG.

Can I get free crates without spending scraps?

Sometimes! The game occasionally offers free crates through:

Special events – Holiday events often include free crates
Daily login bonuses – Some days might include crate rewards
Achievement milestones – Reaching certain waves or goals

What’s the best crate type for beginners?

Regular Loot Crates are your best bet starting out. They’re affordable and provide a good mix of useful items. Save special crates like Present Crates for when you understand the game better.

Do crates have better drop rates at certain times?

While the game doesn’t officially confirm this, many players believe that:

Event periods have better drop rates
Higher waves might influence crate rewards
Team games could affect drop quality

Can I trade crate rewards with other players?

Currently, 100 Waves Later doesn’t support trading crate rewards. All items you receive are bound to your account.

What happens if I open a crate with a full inventory?

Most of the time, the game will handle this automatically, but it’s safer to:

Clear inventory space before opening multiple crates
Open crates one at a time if your inventory is near full
Check for overflow storage – Some games have systems for this

Are there any secret crate types?

The community occasionally discovers special crate types through:

Hidden achievements – Some secret goals unlock special crates
Developer events – Special crates sometimes appear during developer streams
Glitch or exploit fixes – Sometimes temporary crate types appear

Conclusion

Mastering the loot crate system in 100 Waves Later is essential for efficient progression and enjoying the game to its fullest. By following the strategies and tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to buy, locate, and open crates like a pro while maximizing the value you get from each purchase.

Remember these key takeaways:

Always check your dedicated crate storage after purchasing
Save crates for strategic moments rather than opening them immediately
Focus on scrap farming efficiency to fuel your crate purchases
Learn from each crate opening to improve your future decisions

The crate system adds an exciting element of chance to your progression, but with smart management and strategic thinking, you can turn that randomness into consistent advancement. Whether you’re saving up for that perfect weapon or just enjoying the thrill of opening mystery boxes, understanding how the system works is your key to success.

Aditya Jain

I’m a passionate gamer and tech enthusiast from Pune who finds joy in both virtual adventures and real-world builds. From testing gaming rigs to exploring vast open worlds like GTA and Elden Ring, I love sharing honest insights, hardware tips, and gaming stories that help others enjoy the digital experience even more.

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