7 Days to Die: How to Increase Inventory With Bigger Backpacks

Understand the V3.3.0 starting inventory

The Bigger Backpack system in 7 Days to Die V3.3.0 changes the default inventory grid to eight columns and six rows. That is 48 slots: four rows are free to use and two are encumbered. The starting grid therefore has three more slots than the older nine-by-five layout, but the extra grid size should not be confused with removing every carrying penalty. [1]

Obtain a backpack rather than only a pocket mod

Backpacks are available through crafting, looting or buying. The publisher describes Small, Medium and Large sizes, each with six quality levels. Those choices form the new inventory-expansion equipment system. The announcement does not provide a complete size-and-quality capacity table, so a particular item should not be promised a fixed slot bonus from its name alone. [1]

When comparing the available equipment, remember that both size and quality exist in the system. The patch notes identify the three size categories and six levels, but do not list a universal best early-game purchase or a guaranteed location for finding one. [1]

Steps

1. Craft, loot or buy a backpack, then choose the item you want to equip from the available size and quality options. [1]

Equip it in the new Backpack equipment slot

Place the backpack in the new Backpack slot. Equipping it grants additional encumbered slots, with the system reaching a maximum of 96 slots in an eight-by-twelve grid. Merely owning a backpack is not the published equip step, and the maximum is not a promise that every Small, low-quality backpack supplies 96 slots. [1]

Steps

1. Equip the backpack in the Backpack slot to gain its additional inventory space. [1]

Use Pack Mule and Armor Pocket Mods for the carrying penalty

The additional backpack space is described as encumbered space. The publisher identifies the Pack Mule perk and Armor Pocket Mods as the ways to remove that encumbrance. Treat capacity and unencumbered capacity as separate questions: the backpack expands the grid, while the perk and pocket mods address the penalty on the extra slots. [1]

Steps

1. After expanding the grid, use Pack Mule and Armor Pocket Mods to reduce the encumbrance associated with the added slots. [1]