SAND Resource Priority List: What to Pick Up First
Short answer
When cargo space is tight, prioritize fuel and repair materials first, then rare module parts, then weapons and artifacts. Fill remaining space with general scrap last, because it is the easiest to replace and the least valuable per slot.
Prioritize by value per cargo slot
The useful question is not 'what is most valuable' but 'what is most valuable per unit of cargo space'. Fuel and repair materials rank high because they directly extend your ability to raid and extract. Rare module parts rank high because a single part can unlock an upgrade that would otherwise take many runs to afford. General scrap ranks last because it is abundant and low value per slot.
Tier 1: Fuel and repair materials
These keep your mech running. Without fuel you cannot reach extraction, and without repair materials a single bad engagement ends your raid. Take these first whenever they appear, even if your cargo does not feel full yet, because they buy you the option to keep going or leave safely.
Tier 2: Rare module parts and artifacts
Rare parts gate meaningful upgrades and are worth the slot they take. Artifacts are often high value but check the current market before overcommitting cargo to them, since their value can swing between patches. Treat artifacts as a high-reward slot that you take only after your tier-one needs are met.
Tier 3: Weapons and general scrap
Weapons are situational: take one only if it is an upgrade over what you carry. General scrap is your filler; grab it only when your higher-priority tiers are stocked and you still have empty space. It is never worth dropping fuel or repair materials to make room for scrap.
Frequently asked questions
What if I find artifacts but my cargo is full of scrap?
Drop the lowest-value scrap and take the artifact, but only after your fuel and repair material needs are met. Artifacts are usually worth the swap; scrap is not.
Are weapons worth picking up to sell?
Rarely, unless you have confirmed their market value per slot beats your other options. Most picked-up weapons are worth less per slot than fuel or parts.
How do I know if a part is 'rare'?
Rough rule: if it gates an upgrade you cannot currently afford after several runs, treat it as rare. Exact tiers change between patches, so verify against the current data before a long raid.
Should I loot during a fight?
No. Looting mid-fight locks you in place and is one of the most common ways new players die. Clear the area, then loot.