Engineering Box

The Engineering Loot Box (also called the Mechanic’s Box in early books) is a specialized loot category focused on crafting, repair, and mechanical enhancements. It is commonly awarded for constructing objects, utilizing workbenches, or completing engineering-based tasks.

Engineering Box Mechanics & Trends

  1. Boxes scale with crafting achievements
    • Early rewards = Basic tools (Goo-Inator 3000, Gorgon Marital Aid).
    • Mid-game = Workbenches & crafting stations (Engineering Table, Sapper’s Table).
    • Late-game = Advanced robotics & weapon crafting (Automaton Table, Fabricator).
  2. Proximity to Explosive Skills
    • Sapper’s Table is frequently awarded alongside Engineering Boxes.
    • Traps, proximity triggers, and explosives are common loot items.
  3. Tied to Carl’s Strength Progression
    • As Carl’s Strength stat increases, he can use heavier and more powerful equipment from Engineering Boxes.

Book 1 - Dungeon Crawler Carl

  • Sapper’s Table
    • Description: A workstation dedicated to building explosives and traps.
    • Effect: Prevents premature detonation or stability loss in bombs and mechanical traps.

Book 3 - The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook

SPOILERS FOR BOOK 3
  • Engineering Table[2]
    • Description: A general-use crafting table for mechanical modifications.
    • Effect: Allows shaping and customizing armor/weapons.
  • Armorer’s Table[2]
    • Description: A workbench upgrade that allows armor modifications.
    • Effect: Items crafted at an Engineering Table must be transferred here to be recognized as equippable gear.
  • Scrap Metal Crafting[2]
    • Description: Carl begins using the Engineering Table to reshape salvaged armor.
    • Effect: Allows custom-fitted gear and enhancements for NPC allies.

Book 4 - The Gate of the Feral Gods

SPOILERS FOR BOOK 4
  • Sapper’s Table Upgrade[3]
    • Description: Carl upgrades the Sapper’s Table to Level 3.
    • Effect: Improves trap efficiency, allows bigger explosions.
  • Engineering Table Use on Bombs
    • Description: Carl crafts custom bombs using stabilization techniques.
    • Effect: Increases bomb reliability, preventing early detonation.

Book 7 - This Inevitable Ruin

SPOILERS FOR BOOK 7
  • Automaton Table (Engineering Box Reward)[4]
    • Description: A high-tier crafting station for building and modifying robotic constructs.
    • Effect: Essential for advanced automation and mechanical weaponry.
  • XL Engineering Box (Fabricator Parts)[4]
    • Description: A high-value loot box containing parts for a Fabricator.
    • Effect: Allows advanced mechanical item production.

Final Thoughts

The Engineering Loot Box is one of the most valuable non-combat loot categories, enabling crafting, modifications, and automated defenses. Carl’s use of these tools evolves throughout the books, eventually allowing full-scale mechanical engineering.

  1. ↑ Dinniman, Matt. Dungeon Crawler Carl (Citation Needed)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Dinniman, Matt. The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook (Citation Needed)
  3. ↑ Dinniman, Matt. The Gate of the Feral Gods (Citation Needed)
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Dinniman, Matt. This Inevitable Ruin (Citation Needed)