Traders are the heartbeat of the 7 Days to Die economy. They provide essential gear, quests, and rare items you can't find anywhere else. This guide covers all trader NPCs, their inventories, quest systems, and how to unlock the valuable Secret Stash.
In 1.0, there are five traders, each with a unique personality and inventory focus. While they can spawn in any biome, their typical locations and specialties are:
| Trader | Typical Biome | Specialty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trader Joel | Forest | General goods, armor | Early game essentials |
| Trader Rekt | Burnt Forest | Food, seeds, farming | Food security, farming supplies |
| Trader Bob | Desert | Vehicles, tools, mechanical | Vehicle parts, workbench items |
| Trader Jen | Snow | Medical, chemicals | First aid, chemistry supplies |
| Trader Hugh | Wasteland | Weapons, ammunition | Guns, ammo, military gear |
In emergencies, you can arrive before 22:00 and stay inside during horde night. The gate locks but zombies can't enter. However, this is considered "cheesing" by some players.
| Tab | Contents | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trade | Trader's current stock | Restocks every 3 days |
| Buy | Items trader will purchase | Sell your loot here |
| Secret Stash | Rare high-tier items | Requires Better Barter perk |
The Secret Stash is a hidden inventory tab containing the game's most valuable items. Unlocking it requires investment in the Better Barter perk.
| Level | Requirement | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Intellect 1 | 10% better buy prices |
| 2 | Intellect 3 | 20% better prices, basic Secret Stash |
| 3 | Intellect 5 | 30% better prices, improved Secret Stash |
| 4 | Intellect 7 | 40% better prices, advanced Secret Stash |
| 5 | Intellect 10 | 50% better prices, full Secret Stash access |
At max Better Barter, the Secret Stash can contain:
Traders offer quests that reward XP, Dukes, and items. Completing quests is the fastest way to progress.
| Tier | Difficulty | POI Type | Base Reward |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Easy | Small houses, stores | ~500 Dukes |
| Tier 2 | Medium | Larger buildings | ~1,000 Dukes |
| Tier 3 | Hard | Factories, hospitals | ~2,000 Dukes |
| Tier 4 | Very Hard | Skyscrapers, military | ~4,000 Dukes |
| Tier 5 | Extreme | Shotgun Messiah, Dishong | ~8,000 Dukes |
This perk improves quest rewards and is essential for quest-focused playstyles.
| Level | Bonus |
|---|---|
| 1 | 10% better quest rewards |
| 2 | 20% better rewards, unlock Tier 2 quests faster |
| 3 | 30% better rewards, unlock Tier 3 quests faster |
| 4 | 40% better rewards, unlock Tier 4 quests faster |
| 5 | 50% better rewards, unlock all quest tiers |
Dukes Casino Tokens are the game's currency. Here's how to earn them:
| Item | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Quality 5-6 Weapons | 500-2,000 Dukes |
| First Aid Kits | 100-200 Dukes |
| Antibiotics | 150-250 Dukes |
| Armor pieces | 200-800 Dukes |
| Vehicle parts | 300-1,000 Dukes |
The game's tutorial quest chain leads you to your first trader. Follow the compass marker after Day 1.