The Junkyard is the first area every player experiences in Storage Hunters: Open World. This free starter zone introduces you to the core mechanics of bidding, hauling, and selling that define the entire game. While the Junkyard's containers and loot quality are the lowest in the game, understanding this area thoroughly is essential for building the foundation you need to progress. This Junkyard Area Guide covers everything about the starter zone, from container types and NPC quests to optimal auction strategies and how to escape to the next area as quickly as possible.
Junkyard Overview
The Junkyard is the entry-level area in Storage Hunters: Open World, available to all players from the moment they join the game. It features C-Tier containers, basic NPC quests, and the simplest auction board in the game. The area serves as a tutorial zone that teaches you the core gameplay loop before you move on to more challenging and rewarding areas.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Area Name | Junkyard |
| Unlock Requirement | Free (starter area) |
| Container Tier | C-Tier |
| Loot Quality | Common to Uncommon |
| Mutation Rates | Very low |
| Primary NPC | Billy |
| Auction Board | Yes |
| Shop | Basic starter shop |
The Junkyard's visual theme is exactly what you would expect: piles of scrap metal, old tires, rusted shipping containers, and a gritty industrial atmosphere. The auction board sits near the center, and Billy the NPC stands close to the entrance to greet new players.
Junkyard Containers
The Junkyard features two container types, both at C-Tier:
Junkyard Container
The Junkyard Container is the standard container in this area. It is the cheapest container type to bid on in the entire game, making it perfect for learning the auction system without risking significant cash.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | C |
| Typical Starting Bid | 50-100 cash |
| Average Contents Value | 100-300 cash |
| Mutation Rates | Very low (Common and Uncommon only) |
| Common Items | Household goods, small electronics, agricultural items |
| Rare Finds | Uncommon mutations (Silver, Pure) |
Junkyard Containers are the bread and butter of your early game. They are cheap enough that even a total loss does not set you back significantly. The key is to bid conservatively and learn how to evaluate container value.
Storage Locker
The Storage Locker is a lower-tier container that can appear in the Junkyard and other areas. It is even cheaper than the Junkyard Container but offers the lowest loot quality in the game.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | C |
| Typical Starting Bid | 25-50 cash |
| Average Contents Value | 50-150 cash |
| Mutation Rates | Very low |
| Common Items | Basic household items, low-value collectibles |
Storage Lockers are best for volume play when you have very limited cash. They rarely produce anything exciting, but they are nearly risk-free at their low price point.
For a complete container reference across all areas, see our All Containers Guide.
Junkyard NPCs
Billy (Quest Giver)
Billy is the primary NPC in the Junkyard. He stands near the entrance and offers beginner-friendly quests that teach you the basics while rewarding cash, experience, and accessories.
Billy's Quest Chain:
| Quest | Objective | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome to the Junkyard | Talk to Billy | 50 cash |
| First Auction | Win your first auction | 100 cash |
| Haul It | Haul items to your shop | 100 cash + Goggles accessory |
| Sell It | Sell items at your shop | 150 cash |
| Weight Management | Fill your vehicle to 80% capacity | 200 cash |
| Junkyard Veteran | Complete all previous quests | 500 cash + Keychain accessory |
Billy's quests are the fastest way to build your starting bankroll. Completing the entire quest chain earns you 1,100 cash plus two accessories (Goggles and Keychain). This is more than enough to start bidding on Junkyard Containers consistently.
For more on NPCs across the game, see our All NPCs Guide and Quest NPCs Guide.
Auctioneer
The Auctioneer runs the Junkyard auction board. While you cannot interact with the Auctioneer for quests, understanding the auction mechanics in the Junkyard is crucial for your early progression. See our Auctioneer NPC Guide for more on how auctions work.
Shop Keeper
The Junkyard Shop Keeper sells basic items and accessories. The most notable purchase is the Sunglasses accessory for 500 cash. The shop also sells basic supplies and vehicle upgrades.
Junkyard Auction Strategy
Auctions in the Junkyard are simpler and less competitive than in later areas, but they still require strategy to maximize your returns.
Bidding Guidelines
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| First auction | Bid 50-100 cash maximum |
| Two players bidding on same container | Let them fight, find a cheaper one |
| You see a container with visible high-value items | Bid up to 200-300 cash |
| Your cash is below 300 | Skip auctions, complete quests instead |
| Multiple containers available | Bid on the cheapest one with visible items |
Common Junkyard Loot Categories
Understanding what items you are likely to find helps you estimate container value:
| Category | Value Range | Weight | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Household items | 10-50 cash | Low | Very common |
| Small electronics | 30-100 cash | Low-Medium | Common |
| Agricultural items | 20-80 cash | Medium | Common |
| Basic collectibles | 50-150 cash | Low | Uncommon |
| Industrial items | 40-120 cash | High | Uncommon |
The value-to-weight ratio is critical in the Junkyard because your starter vehicle has limited capacity. Always prioritize lightweight high-value items like collectibles and small electronics over heavy industrial items.
For detailed weight management strategies, see our Vehicle Transport and Weight Guide.
Junkyard Progression Roadmap
Your goal in the Junkyard is to reach 750 net worth as quickly as possible to unlock the Shipyard. Here is the optimal roadmap:
Phase 1: Quest Completion (0-15 minutes)
- Talk to Billy and accept all available quests
- Complete the "Welcome to the Junkyard" quest (50 cash)
- Win your first auction for the "First Auction" quest (100 cash)
- Haul items for the "Haul It" quest (100 cash + Goggles)
- Sell items for the "Sell It" quest (150 cash)
- Complete remaining Billy quests (700 cash total)
Phase 2: Auction Grinding (15-45 minutes)
- Bid on Junkyard Containers with a maximum bid of 200 cash
- Haul and sell items efficiently
- Reinvest all profits into more auctions
- Target containers with visible high-value items
Phase 3: Shipyard Unlock (45-90 minutes)
- Continue auction grinding with increased bid sizes (200-400 cash)
- Look for Silver and Pure mutation items for 1.5-2x value boosts
- Complete any remaining available quests
- Check for lost items around the Junkyard for bonus value
With efficient play, most players can reach 750 net worth and unlock the Shipyard within 1-2 hours of focused gameplay.
Things to Do Before Leaving the Junkyard
Before moving on to the Shipyard, make sure you have completed these tasks:
- Completed all of Billy's quests
- Earned the Goggles and Keychain accessories
- Purchased Sunglasses from the shop (500 cash)
- Familiarized yourself with the auction system
- Learned how to manage vehicle weight effectively
- Reached 750 net worth for Shipyard unlock
You can always return to the Junkyard later, but completing everything before moving on ensures you have built a strong foundation for mid-game progression.
Junkyard Tips and Tricks
- Never bid more than half your cash on a single Junkyard Container. The returns are limited, and you need to keep cash flowing for multiple auctions.
- Complete Billy's quests before any auction grinding. The guaranteed quest rewards are faster and safer than auction profits.
- Watch other players bid. The Junkyard is the best place to learn auction timing and psychology without risking much cash.
- Avoid Dirty mutation items. The 0.8x multiplier means these items sell for less than base value. Only haul them if you have spare vehicle capacity. See our All Mutations Guide.
- Check every corner of the Junkyard for lost items. The 29 lost items scattered across the map include some in the Junkyard that provide bonus rewards. Read our Lost Items Locations Guide.
- Sell items promptly. Do not let items sit on your shelves for too long. Fast turnover means faster cash for more auctions. Check our Shop Upgrades and Management Guide for selling tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to progress past the Junkyard? Most players can reach 750 net worth within 1-2 hours of focused gameplay. Completing Billy's quests first and then grinding Junkyard Container auctions is the fastest path.
Can I find rare mutations in the Junkyard? Technically yes, but the probability is extremely low. The Junkyard's C-Tier containers have very poor mutation rates. You should expect mostly Common and Uncommon mutations. Save your rare mutation hunting for later areas.
Is it worth buying the Sunglasses from the Junkyard shop? Yes, if you have 500 cash to spare. The Sunglasses are an easy accessory to add to your collection, and collecting all accessories is a long-term goal. However, do not buy them if it means you cannot afford to continue bidding on containers.
Should I stay in the Junkyard after unlocking the Shipyard? Generally no. The Shipyard offers significantly better containers, loot, and mutation rates. Move to the Shipyard as soon as you unlock it, but you can always return to the Junkyard to complete missed quests or hunt for lost items.
What is the maximum bid I should place on a Junkyard Container? As a general rule, never bid more than 300 cash on a Junkyard Container. The expected value of C-Tier container loot rarely exceeds this amount, and overbidding is the fastest way to lose money in the early game.
Related Guides
- All Areas Guide - Complete area reference
- Shipyard Area Guide - Next area after the Junkyard
- Mansion Area Guide - Advanced area guide
- Beginners Guide - Complete beginner walkthrough
- All Containers Guide - Container types by area
- All NPCs Guide - NPC quest givers