In Pacific Drive, your car isn’t just a vehicle; it’s your lifeline in the Olympic Exclusion Zone. With harsh weather, dangerous terrain, and limited resources, keeping your vehicle in top condition is essential for making it through each run. Out of 143 possible upgrades, some stand out as absolute necessities to boost your car’s durability, efficiency, and performance. To help you survive longer and explore further, we’ve compiled the 10 best car upgrades in Pacific Drive that every driver should prioritize. Let’s get started!
10. Armored Car Body
The Armored Car Body is a crucial upgrade for increasing your vehicle's durability and protection in Pacific Drive. This upgrade strengthens your car’s outer shell, making it far more resistant to damage from impacts, hazardous environments, and debris. It’s an essential investment for players looking to extend their runs and keep their vehicles battle-ready.
9. Puncture-Proof Tires
Navigating the hazardous terrain of the Exclusion Zone puts a lot of pressure on your tires. Flat tires are not only frustrating to deal with but can leave you vulnerable to attacks or environmental dangers. Therefore, puncture-proof tires eliminate this problem. They ensure players will never have to stop mid-run to replace a tire.
These tires are especially useful in zones with high concentrations of sharp debris or when traversing rocky paths. While they lack the superior grip of Offroad Tires, their reliability makes them an indispensable upgrade.
8. Augmented Trunk Storage
Resource management is a critical part of many survival games, and Pacific Drive is no exception. Running out of space for loot can turn a productive scavenging run into a frustrating one. Augmented Trunk Storage addresses this issue by increasing your vehicle’s trunk capacity. Consequently, players can carry more crafting materials, tools, and spare parts.
This upgrade is beneficial when exploring deeper into the Zone, where rare materials are more plentiful. Notably, reducing the need for external storage racks frees up room for other crucial upgrades like extra batteries or fuel tanks. With fewer trips back to the Auto Shop, players can focus on what matters most: exploring and surviving.
7. Expanded Battery Pack
As you begin to unlock advanced car upgrades, your vehicle’s power demand will steadily increase. The Expanded Battery Pack is an essential upgrade that boosts your car’s electrical capacity. It allows you to run multiple high-energy systems simultaneously. Players can pair this upgrade with energy-efficient systems, such as the Turbolight Engine, to further optimize their power usage.
6. Offroad Suspension
The Olympic Exclusion Zone is full of tough terrain, muddy fields, steep hills, and rocky paths. Offroad Suspension is a must-have upgrade that makes your car handle better and take less damage when driving through these rough areas. Essentially, it smooths out the ride and gives you better control over uneven surfaces. To make it better, combine it with Offroad Tires, and you’ve got a winning setup to easily tackle the harshest environments in this survival game.
5. Turbocharged Engine
Sometimes, speed is your only way out of danger. The Turbocharged Engine upgrade significantly boosts your vehicle’s acceleration and top speed. It allows you to outrun radiation storms or hostile creatures in Pacific Drive. While it consumes more fuel than other engines, its raw power can be a lifesaver when time is of the essence.
This is one of the car upgrades in Pacific Drive, which is handy for players tackling timed events or high-stakes missions where every second counts. Though less fuel-efficient than the Turbolight Engine, the Turbocharged Engine offers unparalleled performance in high-pressure situations.
4. Roof Storage Racks
Storage is always a big deal in Pacific Drive, and Roof Storage Racks provide a practical solution to carry extra loot or spare parts. While not as efficient as Augmented Trunk Storage, roof racks are easier to craft early in the game and can make a big difference during scavenging-heavy runs. They come in handy for players who want to carry specialized items like extra fuel tanks, repair tools, or rare crafting components without sacrificing trunk space. However, keep in mind that overloading your roof can slightly affect vehicle handling, so use these racks strategically.
3. Junction Bypass System
The Junction Bypass System is a high-value upgrade that enables you to avoid unstable junctions on the map. These dangerous routes are often filled with high radiation or volatile weather conditions. These conditions can wreak havoc on your car and resources. With this system in place, you can automatically skip these hazardous areas, saving time and preserving your vehicle. As a necessary part of the car upgrades in Pacific Drive, the Junction Bypass System is a lifesaver for players aiming to explore the Pacific Drive world. It reduces travel times, conserves fuel, and minimizes unnecessary risks.
2. Matter Regenerator
The Matter Regenerator is a game-changing upgrade that lets you repair damaged car parts on the go. Just place broken components inside, and it slowly restores their durability while you’re out in the Zone. it keeps the vehicle running even on long trips. Furthermore, upgrading to the Expanded Matter Regenerator lets you fix multiple parts at once, making it even more efficient. Notably, this upgrade is a must-have for players who want to avoid constant trips back to the Auto Shop. Paired with a stocked crafting kit, the Matter Regenerator ensures you’re always ready for whatever the Zone throws at you in this survival game.
1. Lazarus Device
At the top of the list is the Lazarus Device, an incredible upgrade that provides a safety net during high-stakes runs. When your vehicle is on the verge of destruction, the Lazarus Device activates. Now, this device grants players a temporary invincibility and allows them to finish their current run without dying. This life-saving feature is a must-have for late-game players venturing into the deep zones, where the stakes are highest.
Now, here is the best part of this equipment as of the car upgrades in Pacific Drive. The Lazarus Device requires no additional power and works automatically, even if damaged. However, while it protects you, it doesn’t safeguard your vehicle from catastrophic damage. Therefore, losing critical components like the engine can still result in a tedious recovery process. Therefore, players must use this upgrade wisely in this survival adventure game.