You're wandering through the guts of the GATE facility, dodging those terrifyingly fast Grays and trying not to starve, when you see it. Or rather, you don't see it. You're looking for that specific Abiotic Factor gate security crate to stash your hard-earned scrap, but the inventory management in this game is a beast of its own. It’s frustrating. Honestly, if you've spent more than an hour in Deep Field's survival opus, you know that storage isn't just a convenience—it's survival.
Most players get hung up on finding a specific "pre-fab" security crate because they see them scattered around the security booths near the entrance of the Manufacturing West sector. They look sturdy. They look like they should be grabbable. But here is the cold, hard truth: you can't just pick up every cool-looking box you see in the office.
The Storage Reality Check
In Abiotic Factor, there’s a massive distinction between "world deco" and "player-built storage." The gate security crate you see in the high-security zones often acts as a static prop. You’ll find them tucked under desks or stacked in the corners of the security checkpoints where you first encounter the turret defense tutorials.
If you're trying to lug one back to your base, you’ve probably realized by now that the "package" mechanic doesn't always trigger for these. It’s kinda annoying. You see a perfect metal box, and the game just tells you it’s part of the scenery. However, the game does let you craft equivalents that serve the exact same purpose, and understanding the progression of these containers is how you actually clear up your inventory nightmare.
Why Everyone Wants the Security Aesthetics
Let’s be real. The wooden crates you start with are ugly. They look like something you’d find in a dumpster behind a space-cafeteria. The Abiotic Factor gate security crate aesthetic—that sleek, industrial, GATE-branded look—is what makes a base feel like an official command center rather than a hobo camp in a ventilation shaft.
Players crave these because of the "Security" tag. In many survival games, specialized crates imply better protection or more slots. In the current build of Abiotic Factor, slots are king. A standard small crate gives you a 4x4 grid. That fills up in about five minutes of looting the cafeteria. When you move up to the metal variants, you're looking at significant upgrades.
Crafting Your Way to Better Storage
If you can't steal the ones at the front desk, you have to make them. This is where the Science part of "Science Team" kicks in. You aren't just a scavenger; you're a PhD holder who can turn a handful of screws and some scrap metal into a high-tech locker.
To get anything resembling a high-tier security crate, you need to progress into the Manufacturing sector. You’re going to need:
- Metal Scraps (The literal bread and butter of the game)
- Case Bolts (Stop throwing these away!)
- A Screwdriver (Keep it on your hotbar, seriously)
Once you unlock the "Medium Crate" or the "Metal Locker," you're essentially getting the functionality of that elusive security crate. The lockers are particularly great because they utilize vertical space. If you’re building in a tight spot like the maintenance closets, verticality is your best friend.
Finding the "Real" Lootable Containers
Now, if you are dead set on finding "official" GATE crates that you can actually use, you need to look for the ones that are highlighted when you have your vacuum or your packaging tape out. There are specific rooms in the Office Sector, usually behind the Level 2 security doors, that contain "Deployment Crates." These are the closest things to the gate security crate that the game allows you to reposition.
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You have to package them.
Don't just stand there clicking. You need to craft Packaging Tape. Once you've taped up a crate, it turns into a heavy item you carry in your hands. You’re vulnerable. You’re slow. It’s a nerve-wracking walk back to the elevator, especially if the Leyak is stalking you. But once you get it home and "unpack" it, you have a permanent, high-capacity GATE security container.
The Misconception About Security Tags
I’ve seen people on Discord claiming that the Abiotic Factor gate security crate keeps your items "safer" from the nightly raids or the AI soldiers. Honestly? It doesn't.
Right now, the AI doesn't specifically target your storage contents; they target you and your power sources. If a soldier throws a grenade near your crates, the crate might break, spilling items everywhere. It doesn't matter if it's a wooden box or a reinforced security locker. The "Security" part of the name is purely thematic.
What actually matters is the Security Level of the room you place them in. If you've set up base in a room with a reinforced door that requires a keycard, your crates are safe. If you're out in the open hallway, well, you're asking for trouble.
Organizing Like a GATE Scientist
Since you're looking into high-end storage, you're probably at the stage where your base is a mess. Stop it.
You need to categorize. Use the labeling feature. You can actually interact with these crates to change their display name. It sounds trivial, but when you're bleeding out and need a bandage, you don't want to be rummaging through a box labeled "Random Junk."
Label your crates:
- BIOMATERIALS: For all those weird alien organs and petals.
- ELECTRONICS: Tech scrap, circuit boards, and those pesky CPU fans.
- CONSUMABLES: Food, water, and meds.
- RESOURCES: Wood, metal, and glass.
The Hidden Value of the Small Security Cases
There is a smaller version of the security crate—the briefcase style. These are often overlooked because they only have a few slots. But they fit on shelves! If you find the small grey security cases in the lobby area, grab them. You can line them up on a desk to hold very specific, high-value items like your extra Keycards or hacking tools. It keeps the big crates clear for the bulk materials.
Advanced Strategy: The "Mule" Method
Since the Abiotic Factor gate security crate (or its craftable cousins) can be packaged, some high-level players use them as mobile "mules."
Basically, you carry a roll of tape with you. You go on a massive loot run until your pockets are bulging. You find a crate in the environment, fill it up with all your heavy stuff, tape it shut, and lug the whole crate back. It’s way more efficient than making ten trips for individual pieces of scrap. Just make sure the path back is clear of snipers.
What the Devs Might Change
Abiotic Factor is still evolving. The community has been vocal about wanting more "found" furniture to be portable. There’s a good chance that in future patches, those specific decorative security crates at the gate will become interactable. Until then, sticking to the craftable Metal Crates is your best bet for a consistent base aesthetic.
Actionable Steps for Your Storage Overhaul
If you’re currently drowning in loose items, follow this exact workflow to get your base under control:
- Scout the Offices: Head to the second floor of the Office Sector. Look for the rooms with the "Security" plaques. There are at least three move-able GATE crates there if you have the tape.
- Farm Metal Scraps: Hit the vending machines with a pipe or a hammer. They are the best source of early-game metal.
- Tech Up: Prioritize your Research Bench to unlock the "Medium Crate" as soon as you hit the Manufacturing sector.
- Vertical Storage: Build shelves first. You can stack two or three small security cases on a single shelf, saving you massive amounts of floor space.
- Package Everything: Never leave a good crate behind. If you see a metal container that isn't bolted down, tape it up and bring it home.
Don't get too hung up on finding one specific box. The GATE facility is huge, and while that one Abiotic Factor gate security crate might look perfect, the one you build yourself with your own scientific ingenuity is always going to be more reliable. Focus on the Manufacturing sector progress; that’s where the real "end-game" storage solutions are hiding.