NPCsbeginnerUpdated: 6/29/2026

Storage Hunters: Open World All NPCs Guide

Complete guide to all NPCs in Storage Hunters: Open World. Learn about every NPC including the Auctioneer, Shop Keeper, Guide, Billy, Sal, Ted, and quest NPCs across all areas.

NPCs in Storage Hunters: Open World are more than just background characters. They provide quests, sell items, run auctions, and offer guidance that can significantly accelerate your progression and earnings. From Billy's starter quests in the Junkyard to the Auctioneer who runs the bidding boards, every NPC serves a purpose that smart players leverage for maximum profit. This All NPCs Guide covers every character you will encounter across the game's four areas, including their locations, quest chains, and the rewards they offer.

How NPCs Work in Storage Hunters: Open World

NPCs in Storage Hunters: Open World fall into several functional categories:

NPC TypeFunctionExamples
Quest GiversOffer tasks that reward cash, XP, and accessoriesBilly, Sal, Ted, Shipyard NPC
AuctioneersRun the auction boards in each areaArea-specific auctioneers
Shop KeepersSell items, accessories, and upgradesArea-specific shop keepers
Guide NPCsProvide tips and game mechanic explanationsMansion Guide NPC
Special NPCsHandle unique transactions like mutation item tradesDiamond Necklace trader

Interacting with NPCs is free and often rewards you with cash or items. You should always check for available NPC interactions when entering a new area or between auction cycles.

All NPCs by Area

Junkyard NPCs

NPCTypeLocationKey Rewards
BillyQuest GiverNear Junkyard entranceGoggles, Keychain, 1,100 cash
AuctioneerAuction RunnerJunkyard auction boardRuns all Junkyard auctions
Shop KeeperVendorJunkyard shopSunglasses (500 cash), basic items

Shipyard NPCs

NPCTypeLocationKey Rewards
SalQuest GiverNear Shipyard auction boardCowboy Hat, 2,500 cash
Shop KeeperVendorShipyard shopWatch (2000 cash), mid-tier items

Mansion NPCs

NPCTypeLocationKey Rewards
TedQuest GiverMansion groundsMonocle, 7,100 cash
Guide NPCHelperMansion interiorGame tips, mechanic explanations
Shop KeeperVendorMansion shopPremium items, vehicle upgrades

Secret Area NPCs

NPCTypeLocationKey Rewards
Endgame Quest NPCQuest GiverSecret Area auction boardNeon Glasses, Cape progression
Special TraderUniqueHidden locationDiamond Necklace (trade Secret item)
Shop KeeperVendorSecret Area shopEndgame items

Detailed NPC Profiles

Billy (Junkyard Quest Giver)

Billy is the first NPC every player interacts with. He stands near the Junkyard entrance and offers beginner-friendly quests that teach the core gameplay loop while rewarding cash and accessories.

Billy's Quest Chain:

QuestObjectiveReward
Welcome to the JunkyardTalk to Billy50 cash
First AuctionWin your first auction100 cash
Haul ItHaul items to your shop100 cash + Goggles
Sell ItSell items at your shop150 cash
Weight ManagementFill vehicle to 80% capacity200 cash
Junkyard VeteranComplete all previous quests500 cash + Keychain

Total rewards: 1,100 cash + Goggles + Keychain

Billy's quests are the fastest way to build your starting bankroll. Always complete them before grinding Junkyard Container auctions. See our Beginners Guide for a complete early-game walkthrough.

Sal (Shipyard Quest Giver)

Sal is the mid-game quest NPC in the Shipyard. His quest chain builds on what you learned from Billy and offers substantially better rewards.

Sal's Quest Chain:

QuestObjectiveReward
Welcome to the ShipyardTalk to Sal100 cash
Shipyard ScavengerFind a specific item type200 cash
Mutation HunterFind Silver or better mutation300 cash
Heavy HaulerHaul items worth 1000+ cash400 cash
Shipyard SharkWin 5 Shipyard auctions500 cash + Cowboy Hat
Sal's FavoriteComplete all previous quests1000 cash

Total rewards: 2,500 cash + Cowboy Hat

Sal's quests require more gameplay knowledge than Billy's but reward more than double the cash. The Cowboy Hat is a unique accessory only available through this quest chain. For tips on completing Sal's quests efficiently, see our Shipyard Area Guide.

Ted (Mansion Quest Giver)

Ted is the advanced quest NPC in the Mansion. His quest chain is the most rewarding in the game but also the most challenging.

Ted's Quest Chain:

QuestObjectiveReward
Welcome to the MansionTalk to Ted200 cash
Rare FindFind Gold or better mutation500 cash
High RollerWin a Barn Garage auction800 cash
Weight ChampionHaul heavy items600 cash
Mansion MasterComplete all previous questsMonocle + 2000 cash
Ted's ChallengeSell items worth 10,000 cash3000 cash

Total rewards: 7,100 cash + Monocle

Ted's quests are designed for experienced players who have reached the Mansion area. The rewards reflect the advanced difficulty, with 7,100 total cash and the Monocle accessory. For Mansion strategies, see our Mansion Area Guide.

Auctioneer (Auction Runner)

The Auctioneer is present at every auction board across all areas. While not a traditional quest NPC, the Auctioneer is essential to the core gameplay loop. They manage the bidding process, announce winning bids, and release container contents to the winner.

Auctioneer Functions:

  • Manages auction timer and bid increments
  • Announces when a new container is up for bidding
  • Determines the winning bidder when the timer expires
  • Grants container access to the winner

For auction strategies, see our Auction Tips and Bidding Strategy Guide and our Auctioneer NPC Guide.

Shop Keeper (Vendor)

Each area has a Shop Keeper NPC who sells items, accessories, and vehicle upgrades. The inventory improves as you progress through areas.

Shop Inventories by Area:

AreaNotable ItemsPrices
JunkyardSunglasses, basic supplies500 cash (Sunglasses)
ShipyardWatch, mid-tier vehicle upgrades2,000 cash (Watch)
MansionPremium items, vehicle upgradesHigher prices
Secret AreaEndgame items, exclusive upgradesHighest prices

For a detailed breakdown of the Shop Keeper's role, see our Shop Keeper NPC Guide.

Guide NPC (Helper)

The Guide NPC appears in the Mansion area and provides helpful explanations of advanced game mechanics. This NPC does not offer quests but serves as an in-game tutorial for concepts like mutation stacking, container evaluation, and endgame strategies.

Topics Covered by the Guide NPC:

  • How mutations stack and combine
  • Container tier differences and expected values
  • Weight management tips for advanced items
  • Endgame progression advice
  • Selling optimization strategies

For a complete guide to the Guide NPC, see our Guide NPC Guide.

Special Trader (Diamond Necklace)

The Special Trader is a hidden NPC in the Secret Area who accepts a Secret mutation item in exchange for the Diamond Necklace accessory. This is the only way to obtain the Diamond Necklace, making this NPC critical for accessory collectors.

Trade Details:

  • Required: One Secret mutation item (50x multiplier)
  • Received: Diamond Necklace accessory (Legendary)
  • Location: Hidden area in the Secret Area
  • One-time trade: Yes, one necklace per Secret item

For more on this trade and whether it is worth making, see our Golden Crown Accessory Guide and Secret Mutation Guide.

Quest NPC Comparison

NPCAreaTotal CashAccessoriesDifficultyQuest Count
BillyJunkyard1,100Goggles, KeychainBeginner6
SalShipyard2,500Cowboy HatIntermediate6
TedMansion7,100MonocleAdvanced6
Endgame NPCSecret AreaHighNeon GlassesEndgame5+

The quest rewards scale significantly with area progression. Completing all quest chains across the game earns over 15,000 cash plus multiple unique accessories.

NPC Quest Strategy

Optimal Quest Order

  1. Complete Billy's quests immediately - These teach the basics and provide essential starter cash
  2. Move to Sal's quests as soon as you unlock the Shipyard - The Cowboy Hat and 2,500 cash are significant mid-game boosts
  3. Begin Ted's quests upon reaching the Mansion - The 7,100 cash and Monocle accelerate late-game progression
  4. Complete the endgame quest chain in the Secret Area - The Neon Glasses are the final quest reward accessory

Quest Tips

  • Always check for available quests before starting auction cycles - Quests provide guaranteed rewards, unlike auctions which carry risk
  • Stack quest objectives - If a quest requires winning an auction, you can progress toward that goal while earning money from regular gameplay
  • Complete quests in order - Quest chains must be completed sequentially
  • Do not abandon quests - Abandoning a quest may reset your progress in the chain
  • Track quest progress - Keep notes on which quests you have completed and which remain

For detailed quest walkthroughs, see our Quest NPCs Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many NPCs are in Storage Hunters: Open World? There are approximately 10-12 NPCs across all areas, including quest givers (Billy, Sal, Ted, endgame NPC), auctioneers, shop keepers, the Guide NPC, and the Special Trader.

Do NPCs reset their quests? No, once you complete an NPC's quest chain, the quests are permanently completed. You cannot redo quests for additional rewards.

Can I skip an NPC's quest chain? You can choose not to complete quests, but you will miss out on the cash and accessory rewards. There is no penalty for skipping, but it is not recommended since quest rewards are guaranteed profit.

Do NPCs move between areas? No, each NPC is fixed to their specific area. Billy is always in the Junkyard, Sal is always in the Shipyard, and Ted is always in the Mansion.

Which NPC gives the best rewards? Ted in the Mansion gives the best rewards at 7,100 total cash plus the Monocle accessory. However, his quests are the most challenging and require Mansion area access.

Can I talk to NPCs in areas I have not unlocked yet? No, you cannot access NPCs in locked areas. You must unlock each area by reaching the required net worth before interacting with its NPCs.