Leveling up in Funnel Runners isn’t just for bragging rights; it’s your key to survival. Each new level brings you closer to unlocking a suite of powerful tools available for purchase at the vending machine inside your van. These items can be the difference between a successful escape and being swept up by an F5 monster. Forget grinding in the dark—this is the complete list of what you’re working towards and when you’ll get it.
The Complete Unlock List: Every Item by Level
As you successfully complete missions and gain experience, the inventory of the van's vending machine expands. These items aren't free; you'll still need to spend the Apex Coins you scavenge during your runs. But having the option to buy a life-saving defibrillator when you need it most is a game-changer. The unlocks are spread out, rewarding consistent play with increasingly powerful gear.
Here is the full progression of every item that becomes available for purchase as you level up:
- Level 10: Crowbar
- Level 10: Umbrella
- Level 13: Med Kit
- Level 15: Portable Conductor
- Level 30: Defibrillator
- Level 50: Pocket Radar
This progression moves from basic access and environmental protection to advanced healing, hazard mitigation, and finally, top-tier intel. Reaching level 50 makes you a formidable force, able to track down objectives with unmatched efficiency.
Funnel Runners in-game screenshot
What Are These Items and Are They Worth Buying?
Unlocking an item is one thing; knowing when to spend your hard-earned coins on it is another. Not every item is essential for every run, but in the right circumstances, each can be invaluable. Here’s a breakdown of what each tool does and its strategic importance.
Level 10 Unlocks: The Essentials
At level 10, the game opens up significantly by giving you tools to bypass obstacles and negate a common weather threat.
- Crowbar: This is arguably the first essential unlock. Many houses and interior doors are boarded up, hiding critical mission parts, valuable loot, or a safe place to shelter. Without a crowbar, these areas are completely inaccessible. Having the ability to purchase one means you'll never be locked out of a potentially resource-rich building again. It's a must-buy if your team doesn't find one early in the match.
- Umbrella: Acid rain is a deceptively dangerous weather event that constantly chips away at your health while you're outdoors. An umbrella completely negates this damage, allowing you to move freely between buildings without burning through your medical supplies. It’s a situational purchase, but when acid rain starts falling, it’s worth every coin.
Level 13 Unlock: The Healer's Choice
Just a few levels later, your medical options improve dramatically.
- Med Kit: Bandages are common, but they only restore a small amount of health. The Med Kit is a significant upgrade, providing a much larger burst of healing that can bring you back from the brink. In higher difficulties where damage is more frequent and severe, having a Med Kit in your inventory provides a crucial safety net. It’s a smart investment, especially before tackling a distant objective.
Level 15 Unlock: The Weather Warrior
By level 15, you gain access to a tool that counters one of the game's most sudden and lethal threats.
- Portable Conductor: Lightning storms can be terrifying. A direct strike can incapacitate you instantly. The Portable Conductor is your shield. When held, it draws lightning strikes to itself, consuming the device but saving your life. If the forecast shows thunderstorms, having a team member carry a conductor can prevent a run from ending in a flash.
Funnel Runners in-game screenshot
Level 30 Unlock: The Lifesaver
This is a major milestone, unlocking the single most important item for team-based play.
- Defibrillator: In multiplayer, a downed teammate is a liability. They can’t complete objectives, and their gear is stuck with them until they’re revived. The Defibrillator is the only way to bring them back into the fight. Before level 30, you have to hope you find one randomly. Afterward, you can guarantee your team has a second chance. For any group serious about tackling harder difficulties, having a purchased defibrillator is non-negotiable.
Level 50 Unlock: The Ultimate Tracker
Reaching level 50 is a testament to your skill, and your reward is the most powerful intel-gathering tool in the game.
- Pocket Radar: This handheld device is a massive upgrade over wandering aimlessly. When activated, it pings the local area and highlights all interactable items on its screen. More importantly, it color-codes them: standard items and loot appear as green blips, while mission-critical objectives (like coolant, fuel tanks, or tires) are marked in blue. This allows you to cut through the noise and head directly for what you need to escape, saving precious time as the F5 tornado bears down on you.
How to Level Up and Earn Coins Faster
Knowing what's coming is great, but you still need the experience points (XP) and Apex Coins to get there. The key to rapid progression is efficient, smart play.
Funnel Runners in-game screenshot
Focus on Primary Objectives First
Your main goal is always to find the parts needed to get the van running. Prioritize these above all else. A successful escape with only the primary objectives completed is worth far more XP than a failed run where you got greedy hunting for secondary loot. Especially when you're starting out, just focus on surviving.
Weigh the Risk of Secondary Objectives
Secondary objectives—like collecting documents, tapes, or a certain number of Apex Coins—offer substantial XP and cash bonuses. However, they also come with a penalty if you fail to complete them. On Hard difficulty, this penalty can be as much as 400 XP. Sometimes, tornadoes will destroy the very buildings or doors you need to access, making the objective impossible. Always assess the situation. If you have a clear path to finishing a secondary task, go for it. If it requires crossing a dangerous open field with multiple twisters active, it might be better to cut your losses and escape.
Always Be Scavenging
Loot everything that isn't nailed down. Consumables like energy drinks and granola bars should be used immediately to free up inventory space and keep your stamina high. Every Apex Coin you find is another step toward affording that life-saving Med Kit or Defibrillator from the vending machine. Efficient looting is the engine of your long-term success.
The Final Word
Each unlock from the van's vending machine marks a new tier of capability in Funnel Runners. From simply getting through locked doors with the Crowbar to orchestrating a flawless escape with the Pocket Radar, your progression is tangible. Focus on surviving, learn the maps, and invest your Apex Coins wisely. Before you know it, you'll be the one leading your team through the storm, fully equipped for whatever the game throws at you.