Here are a handful of tips to help with your repairs in Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop.
Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop: Beginner Tips
Controllers work… Ish
Controller support is functional in this game and works quite well overall. However, when it comes to interacting with objects—particularly during module repairs—using a mouse feels much more efficient.
In situations like Frantic Fixing Mode, being able to quickly move between objects across the screen without awkward hand movements is a significant advantage. On the other hand, Focused Fixing Mode is naturally less stressful, but ultimately, the choice boils down to personal preference.
Frantic vs. Focused Modes
As the game explains, the choice between Frantic and Focused is determined at the start of a new run. To switch modes, you’ll need to begin a fresh run. But is one mode better than the other?
The answer depends on your playstyle:
- If you prefer working against the clock, managing several ships in a single day, and earning higher pay for faster performance, Frantic Fixing Mode is your best bet.
- If you value precision, prefer a relaxed pace, and don’t mind a fixed number of ships to handle, then Focused Fixing Mode is the way to go.
Personal Tip: I find Frantic mode more rewarding. You can earn more money if you’re quick and avoid mistakes.
If at first you don’t succeed…
This game is, at its core, a roguelike. While no two runs are identical, they can sometimes feel similar. However, as you unlock upgrades, completing a run becomes significantly easier—provided you manage your finances carefully.
Spending your hard-earned cash on upgrades is tempting, but keep an eye on your R.E.N.T. If you can’t pay it, Uncle Chop won’t be too pleased.
Omens: your best friend
The game’s currency, Omens, is crucial for upgrades to both your character and your workshop. The best part? These upgrades are permanent and carry over between runs.
While Omens can be slow to accumulate, random events sometimes provide a large stash. Make the most of these opportunities!
Hoarders beware (for now)
In the early game, hoarding items offers no real benefits. However, upgrades purchased with Omens can allow you to retain stored items between runs (provided you don’t abandon the run).
Additionally, there’s another upgrade that automatically repairs any broken items left in storage. Unfortunately, these upgrades each cost 145 Omens, making them a long-term investment rather than an early priority. Until then, resist the urge to be a pack rat!
Oh yeah, this game has bosses…
Boss fights in this game are no joke, especially in Frantic Mode. A single mistake can end your run—quite literally.
Bosses seem to appear every 5–6 in-game days, though the timing isn’t entirely clear. One thing’s for sure: they’re designed to be challenging. If you take too long to repair a ship, the game may penalize you by adding more modules to fix.
Tips on the VR Finding Box
Hive: VR module works like this: After aligning the focal points for both the left and right eyes and flipping the four switches, you’ll enter the VR world, where you’ll face a puzzle.
Some puzzles are simple, like guiding a lightbulb to a lighthouse and turning it on. Others are more complex, requiring you to adjust movement controls inside the module to manipulate the VR world.
Ultimately, it’s designed to challenge you, and trust me, I’ve had my fair share of frustration with this module. God knows how many headaches it’s caused me!
Note: The section in the book about VR gives you a full map of where the boxes are. You can either memorize the box locations, or pop in, see which box is needed, pop out to check the map, and go from there.
Credit: Reapdog.