Hey there, fellow Megabonk enthusiast! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent countless hours grinding through runs, wondering how some players seem to have these insane builds with multiple copies of the best items. Well, let me tell you – the secret weapon you’re missing is the Microwave, and I’m about to share everything I’ve learned about finding and using this game-changing tool.
When I first started playing Megabonk, I completely ignored microwaves. I’d see them occasionally, think “oh cool,” and then keep moving. Big mistake! After watching some top players and experimenting myself, I’ve discovered that mastering the microwave mechanic can literally transform your runs from struggling to survive to becoming an unstoppable force. Let me walk you through everything you need to know.
What Exactly is the Microwave in Megabonk?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let me explain what the microwave actually does. Think of it as your personal item duplication station. When you find one, you can use it to create a copy of any item in your inventory – but there’s a catch. It’ll consume one of your other items in the process, and it costs gold to operate. Plus, each microwave only has three uses before it explodes and disappears forever.
I remember the first time I used a microwave effectively. I was on a terrible run, barely surviving each wave, when I stumbled upon a purple microwave. I had a decent Wrench item and enough gold, so I took the chance. Next thing I knew, I had two Wrenches, and my build suddenly clicked. I ended up clearing that run with ease, and I’ve been a microwave believer ever since.
Where to Find Microwaves Location Guide?
One of the biggest frustrations I’ve had with microwaves is finding them consistently. They’re not guaranteed to spawn in every run, which makes them even more valuable when you do find them. Here’s what I’ve learned about microwave locations:
Common Spawn Points
From my experience playing hundreds of runs, microwaves tend to appear in one of three general areas:
- Near your spawn point – I’d say about 30% of the time, you’ll find a microwave relatively close to where you start the level. It’s usually not right on top of you, but within the first few rooms or areas you explore.
- By the boss portal – Another 30% chance puts the microwave near the exit or boss portal. This can be tricky because you might not find it until you’re ready to leave the level.
- Random locations – The remaining 40% of the time, microwaves spawn completely randomly anywhere on the map. I’ve found them in hidden corners, behind breakable walls, and even in secret rooms.
How to Spot Them?
Here’s a pro tip I wish I’d known earlier: microwaves are marked with green diamond icons on your minimap, just like shrines and challenge areas. When I’m actively hunting for a microwave, I keep my eyes glued to the minimap for those green icons. It’s saved me so much time compared to blindly exploring every corner.
The microwave itself appears as a microwave sitting on a gray table, and it glows in different colors depending on its rarity. I’ll get into the rarity system in a bit, but for now, just know that if you see a glowing microwave on a table, you’ve struck gold!
My Search Strategy
When I’m determined to find a microwave, here’s my systematic approach:
- Check the minimap first – I scan for green icons immediately upon entering a new level
- Explore spawn area thoroughly – I clear the area around my starting position before moving too far
- Work toward the boss portal – I make my way toward the exit while keeping an eye out for microwaves
- Investigate suspicious areas – If I see an area that looks like it might have secrets, I check it out
This method has helped me find microwaves in about 70% of my runs where they actually spawn. Remember, not every run will have a microwave, so don’t drive yourself crazy looking for one if the minimap shows no green icons at all.
Understanding Microwave Rarities
Okay, this is where things get really interesting. Microwaves come in different rarities, and each color determines what items you can duplicate. I’ve learned this the hard way by trying to duplicate legendary items with a common microwave (spoiler: it doesn’t work).
Here’s the complete rarity breakdown I’ve discovered:
White (Common) Microwaves
These are the most basic microwaves you’ll find. They can only duplicate common-tier items, which honestly limits their usefulness in my opinion. I usually skip using white microwaves unless I have a really good common item that I want to duplicate early in a run.
Cost: 50-100 gold per use Best for: Early game duplication of decent common items My strategy: I often save my gold and skip white microwaves unless I have nothing better to spend gold on
Blue (Uncommon) Microwaves
Blue microwaves are where things start getting useful. They can duplicate uncommon items, which opens up a lot more possibilities for your builds. I get excited when I find these because they often have items worth duplicating.
Cost: 150-300 gold per use Best for: Mid-game build enhancement My strategy: I’ll use these if I have an uncommon item that’s core to my build
Purple (Rare) Microwaves
Now we’re talking! Purple microwaves can duplicate rare items, and this is where the real game-changing potential begins. I’ve had some of my best runs thanks to purple microwaves duplicating key rare items.
Cost: 400-600 gold per use Best for: Late-game power spikes My strategy: I always try to save enough gold for these, as duplicating a rare item can completely change your run
Yellow/Gold (Legendary) Microwaves
The holy grail of microwaves! These bad boys can duplicate legendary items, and let me tell you, finding one of these feels like hitting the jackpot. I’ve only found a handful in my time playing, but each one led to an absolutely broken build.
Cost: 800-1200 gold per use Best for: Creating god-tier builds My strategy: If I find one of these, I’ll scrimp and save every single gold coin to make sure I can use it effectively
How to Actually Use the Microwave?
Alright, so you’ve found a microwave – now what? I remember my first time finding one and having no clue how to actually use it. Let me walk you through the process step by step.
The Interaction Process
- Approach the microwave – Get close enough to see the interaction prompt
- Press E – This will open up the microwave interface
- Select your item – You’ll see a list of items you can duplicate based on the microwave’s rarity
- Confirm the cost – Make sure you have enough gold for the duplication
- Wait for it – There’s a short animation (about 3-5 seconds) while the microwave works its magic
- Enjoy your duplicate – The item appears in your inventory, and one random item is consumed
Important Mechanics to Understand
I’ve learned some crucial details about how microwaves work that aren’t immediately obvious:
- Three uses maximum – Every microwave, regardless of rarity, can only be used three times before it explodes. I’ve seen so many players waste uses on weak items early, only to regret it later.
- Random item consumption – When you duplicate an item, the microwave consumes a random item from your inventory. This is why I’m always very careful about what I duplicate and when.
- Gold cost scaling – The cost increases with each use of the same microwave. The first use might be 100 gold, the second 200, and the third 300. Plan accordingly!
- No take-backs – Once you confirm the duplication, there’s no going back. Make sure you’re absolutely certain before you commit.
Best Items to Duplicate: My Tier List
After experimenting with countless items and builds, I’ve developed a pretty good sense of which items are worth duplicating and which are better left alone. Here’s my personal tier list for microwave duplication:
S-Tier: Absolutely Duplicate These
These items are so good that I’ll duplicate them every single time I have the chance:
- Wrench – I can’t stress this enough. Multiple Wrenches stack multiplicatively with shrine bonuses. I had a run with 15 Wrenches once, and the stat bonuses were absolutely insane.
- Moldy Cheese – Perfect for boss fights. I always try to have at least 3-4 of these when facing tough bosses. The damage boost is just too good to pass up.
- Echo Shard – XP bonuses stack incredibly well. I’ve had runs where I was leveling up every few seconds thanks to multiple Echo Shards.
- Anvil – Weapon upgrades become ridiculous with multiple Anvils. My friend once had a double Anvil run and got 4 upgrades on every weapon level up. It was completely broken.
A-Tier: Great Value
These items are definitely worth duplicating if you have the opportunity:
- Golden Glove – More gold means more microwave uses and shop purchases. I always appreciate having extra gold generation.
- Time Bracelet – Slow effects stack nicely, making it easier to manage crowds of enemies.
- Soul Harvester – More souls mean more upgrades and power. I’ve found that having 2-3 of these can snowball really quickly.
- Bloodmark – The stacking damage over time effect becomes deadly with multiple copies. Great for tougher enemies and bosses.
B-Tier: Situationally Good
These items can be worth duplicating in specific builds or situations:
- Golden Shield – Extra defense is nice, but I usually prioritize offensive items first.
- Za Warudo – Time stop effects are cool, but they don’t always stack as effectively as other items.
- Boss Buster – Obviously great for boss fights, but less useful during regular gameplay.
C-Tier: Usually Not Worth It
I generally avoid duplicating these items unless I have a very specific build in mind:
- Basic stat boost items – Things like +5% damage or +10% health. They’re okay, but there are usually better options.
- Single-use items – Items that have limited uses or cooldowns typically don’t benefit much from duplication.
Advanced Microwave Strategies
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let me share some of the more advanced strategies I’ve developed for using microwaves effectively.
Early Game vs. Late Game Usage
I’ve found that my approach to microwaves changes dramatically depending on when in the run I find them:
Early Game Strategy:
- I’m much more conservative with microwave uses early on
- I’ll often skip using a microwave entirely if it’s white rarity
- I save my gold for potential better microwaves later
- I only duplicate items that I know will carry me through the entire run
Late Game Strategy:
- I’m much more aggressive with microwave usage when I have a solid build
- I’ll spend gold more freely if I have a key item I want to duplicate
- I prioritize duplicating items that will help with the final boss or challenges
- I’m more willing to risk losing a good item to duplicate an amazing one
Gold Management
Gold management is crucial when using microwaves effectively. Here’s my approach:
- Always keep a reserve – I try to keep at least 500 gold saved in case I find a good microwave
- Prioritize microwave uses over shop purchases – Often, duplicating a key item is better than buying a new one
- Consider the cost scaling – Remember that each use of the same microwave costs more
- Don’t go broke – I never spend all my gold on a microwave unless I’m absolutely sure it will win me the run
Risk vs. Reward Assessment
Every time I use a microwave, I’m making a risk vs. reward calculation. Here’s what I consider:
Risk Factors:
- Losing a key item from my build
- Not having enough gold for future purchases
- Wasting a microwave use on a suboptimal item
Reward Factors:
- Gaining a duplicate of a crucial item
- Potentially breaking the game with stacked effects
- Making the rest of the run much easier
I ask myself: “Is the item I’m duplicating so important that it’s worth potentially losing something else?” If the answer is yes, I go for it. If not, I wait for a better opportunity.
Common Mistakes I’ve Made (And You Should Avoid)
Let me save you some pain by sharing the biggest mistakes I’ve made with microwaves:
1. Using White Microwaves Too Early
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve used a white microwave early in a run to duplicate a mediocre common item, only to find a purple microwave later with no gold left to use it. Now I almost always skip white microwaves unless I have absolutely nothing better to do with my gold.
2. Duplicating the Wrong Items
Early on, I’d duplicate whatever item seemed good at the moment, without thinking about my overall build. I once duplicated three +5% damage items instead of saving for a Moldy Cheese duplication before a boss fight. Guess who struggled with that boss? This guy.
3. Not Planning for the Random Item Loss
The microwave consumes a random item when you use it, and I’ve been burned by this so many times. I’ve lost key items from my build because I didn’t consider what might get taken. Now I always think: “If I lost any single item in my inventory right now, would my build still work?” If the answer is no, I probably shouldn’t use the microwave.
4. Wasting All Three Uses Immediately
Every microwave has three uses, and I used to burn through them all as soon as I found one. Big mistake! Sometimes the first item you duplicate isn’t as good as something you find later in the run. Now I try to save at least one use for when I have my build more established.
Community Insights and Debates
I’ve spent a lot of time reading what other players think about microwaves, and there are some interesting debates in the community. Let me share some of the different perspectives I’ve encountered.
The “Microwaves Are Overrated” Camp
Some players, like the original poster in that Reddit thread I read, argue that microwaves aren’t worth the risk. Their main points are:
- The random item loss is too punishing
- Gold is better spent elsewhere
- It’s too RNG-dependent
- You can have successful runs without ever using microwaves
I understand where they’re coming from, but I respectfully disagree. While microwaves do have risks, I’ve found that the potential rewards far outweigh them when used correctly.
The “Microwaves Are Broken” Camp
On the other side, you have players who think microwaves are too powerful. They argue that:
- Certain item combinations become game-breaking when duplicated
- It removes some of the challenge from the game
- Top players rely too heavily on microwave RNG
- The game would be more balanced without them
There’s some truth to this – I’ve definitely had runs where duplicated items made me feel overpowered. But honestly, that’s part of what makes Megabonk fun for me. Those moments when your build clicks and you become unstoppable are incredibly satisfying.
My Balanced Perspective
After considering both sides, I’ve landed somewhere in the middle. I believe microwaves are:
- Powerful but not essential – You can win without them, but they make things much easier
- High-risk, high-reward – The potential for game-changing builds is real, but so is the risk of losing key items
- Skill-dependent – Knowing when and what to duplicate separates good players from great ones
- Part of the game’s identity – They add an extra layer of strategy that makes Megabonk unique
FAQ: Your Microwave Questions Answered
I’ve compiled the most common questions I see about microwaves in Megabonk, along with my answers based on personal experience.
Q: Can I find more than one microwave in a single run?
Unfortunately, no. Each run only has one microwave maximum, and many runs have none at all. This is why I get so excited when I actually find one!
Q: What happens if I try to duplicate an item that’s too high tier for the microwave?
The game won’t let you. The microwave interface only shows you items you can actually duplicate based on its rarity. I’ve tried to duplicate legendary items with common microwaves before, and they simply don’t appear in the options.
Q: Is there a way to control which item gets consumed when I use the microwave?
Nope, it’s completely random. This is why I’m always very careful about using microwaves when I have a lot of important items in my inventory. The random consumption is definitely the most frustrating part of the microwave mechanic.
Q: Do microwave effects stack if I duplicate the same item multiple times?
Yes, and this is where things get really powerful! Most item effects stack additively or multiplicatively. I’ve had runs with multiple Wrenches or Moldy Cheeses, and the combined effects are absolutely insane.
Q: Should I always use all three charges of a microwave?
Not necessarily. I often save one or two charges for later in the run when I have better items or when I’m facing a tough boss. It’s better to save a charge than to waste it on a mediocre item early on.
Q: What’s the best way to ensure I have enough gold for microwave uses?
I prioritize gold-generating items and abilities early in my runs. Items like Golden Glove are great for this. I also try to avoid unnecessary gold expenditures if I’m hoping to find a microwave.
Q: Are there any characters or builds that work particularly well with microwaves?
In my experience, builds that focus on stacking specific effects tend to benefit most from microwaves. Characters that can already generate a lot of gold or have good item synergy can really take advantage of the duplication mechanic.
Final Thoughts and Tips
After all this time playing with and studying microwaves in Megabonk, I’ve come to appreciate them as one of the most interesting mechanics in the game. They add a layer of strategy and risk management that keeps the game fresh and exciting.
Here are my final tips for microwave mastery:
- Patience is key – Don’t rush to use the first microwave you find. Wait for the right opportunity.
- Know your priorities – Understand which items are most important for your build and focus on duplicating those.
- Manage your gold – Always keep some gold in reserve for potential microwave uses.
- Learn from mistakes – Every time a microwave use goes wrong, think about what you could have done differently.
- Experiment – Try different items and see what works best for your playstyle.
Remember, mastering microwaves takes time and practice. I didn’t become a microwave expert overnight – it took hundreds of runs and plenty of trial and error. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll be amazed at how much it can improve your Megabonk experience.
If you’re interested in other games with interesting mechanics, you might want to check out our guide to the best tech and robot anime, which features some fascinating fictional technology (including a certain famous microwave that’s central to the plot of Steins;Gate).
Now get out there and start duplicating those items! Happy bonking, and may your microwave finds be plentiful and your duplicates be powerful!
Want more Megabonk tips and tricks? Bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates. I’m always discovering new strategies and will keep this guide fresh with the latest meta information!