Enter the Gungeon is a video game that features a complex system of shops and vendors where players can obtain items, guns, and other resources. While the game does not offer free samples in the traditional consumer sense, it provides several mechanics through which players can acquire items without spending currency, or by utilising specific game features. Understanding how these mechanics work is essential for players looking to maximise their resources during a run.
Main Shop Mechanics and Free Offerings
The primary shop in Enter the Gungeon is run by the character Bello. This shop appears on every floor except the Forge, the Resourceful Rat's Lair, the R&G Dept., and Bullet Hell. Bello's shop typically offers 3 random pickups for sale, alongside several items and guns. The shop inventory includes a table that may sell Blanks, Glass Guon Stones, or a Map. The probability of these specific items appearing is detailed in the source data:
- Blank: 40.82%
- Glass Guon Stone: 8.16%
- Map: 2.04%
- Nothing: 48.98%
While these items generally require payment, there are specific conditions under which free resources can be obtained. The shop will always sell at least one Key per floor, which is a vital resource for unlocking chests. Additionally, if the Prime Primer has not yet been delivered to the Blacksmith in the Forge, the shop in the Gungeon Proper will always feature a separate display case selling the Prime Primer for 110 casings. If the player has consumed Spice, additional Spice may spawn in the shop in its own display case.
It is important to note the consequences of hostile actions within the shop. If a player repeatedly fires a weapon inside the shop, Bello will issue a warning, then double prices, and eventually become enraged, firing at the player. If the player is killed by Bello, the death screen indicates the player was "killed by justice." Once Bello is enraged, all subsequent shops will have nothing for sale.
Alternative Vendors and Free Items
Beyond the main shop, Enter the Gungeon features several other vendors that may offer specific items or unique acquisition methods.
The Resourceful Rat
The Resourceful Rat offers a distinct method for acquiring free guns. If a player utilises a shortcut to reach the second chamber or onwards, the Resourceful Rat will appear in the elevator room. He offers the player up to three free guns. However, the number of guns that can be taken varies by location: * Black Powder Mine: One gun can be taken. * Hollow: Two guns can be taken. * Forge: All three guns can be taken.
Trorc
Trorc is a merchant who sells a variety of military-themed items with a 20% discount. While his goods require payment, spending enough money with Trorc causes him to move to The Breach, where he allows players to unlock new weapons. He continues to appear in the Gungeon below. Trorc is also associated with the mechanic of stealing from shops, which can result in acquiring items without payment, though this increases the player's curse.
Other Vendors
Other vendors that appear after being saved from a cell in the Gungeon Proper include: * Old Red: Sells blanks and blank-related items. * Cursula: Sells magic items, charming guns, and heart containers. However, all items purchased from Cursula increase the player's curse. * Professor Goopton: Sells goop or fluid-related items, such as potions. Spending enough money with this merchant moves them to The Breach to unlock new weapons. * Flynt: A merchant who primarily sells chest-related items but takes Keys instead of money.
The Sell Creep and Item Exchange
A unique mechanic for obtaining value from unwanted items is the Sell Creep. This NPC has a chance to appear in any normal shop. Players can drop items or guns onto the grate, and the Sell Creep will take them in exchange for a currency reward. The amount given is approximately 45% of the base cost of the item. This allows players to convert unwanted inventory into funds that can be used to purchase desirable items from the shop.
- Active Items: Dropped by holding G or up on the D-pad.
- Guns: Dropped by holding F or down on the D-pad.
- Passive Items: Dropped using the map interface.
Stealing Mechanics
Several items and guns in Enter the Gungeon can be used to steal items from shops. This is a high-risk method of acquiring items for free, as it increases the player's curse by 1 per item stolen. The items capable of stealing include: * Aged Bell * Box * Chaff Grenade * Charm Horn * Decoy * Directional Pad (grappling hook) * Explosive Decoy * Grappling Hook * Grey Mauser * Smoke Bomb * Ring of Ethereal Form * The Predator
Stealing from any NPC other than the main shopkeeper will always work the first time, with the exception of the grappling hook, which has a chance to be caught. For the main shopkeeper, the second theft has a 50% chance to succeed, and any further thefts have a 10% chance to succeed.
Shop Prices and Modifiers
While not free, understanding the pricing structure helps players manage their currency effectively. Shop prices depend on the quality of the item: * D-Rank: 35 casings * C-Rank: 45 casings * B-Rank: 65 casings * A-Rank: 90 casings * S-Rank: 120 casings * Ammo and Heart: 30 casings * Armor and Key: 25 casings * Blank and Half Heart: 20 casings * Table Tech Money: 50 casings (exception)
Prices also increase as the player progresses further into the Gungeon, with a price multiplier applied to each floor: * Keep of the Lead Lord: x1 * Gungeon Proper and Oubliette: x1.2 * Black Powder Mine and Abbey of the True Gun: x1.4 * Hollow: x1.5 * Forge: x1.6 * Bullet Hell: x2
Conclusion
Enter the Gungeon provides several avenues for players to acquire items without direct purchase. The main shop offers specific items like Blanks and Maps with variable probability, while the Resourceful Rat provides free guns when shortcuts are taken. The Sell Creep allows for the exchange of unwanted items for currency, and specific items enable stealing, albeit with a curse penalty. Understanding these mechanics allows players to better navigate the economy of the Gungeon.