
When you first arrive at the Shelter with Diana in Pragmata, the base feels half-built. Locked terminals sit everywhere, your weapons barely scratch enemies, and half the upgrade stations refuse to function. That is because nearly everything worth using in this game is gated behind Shelter License Keys. This guide covers all shelter upgrades and license keys in Pragmata so you know exactly what each level unlocks, which bosses drop each key, and where to focus your efforts first.
Pragmata is a story-driven science-fiction action-adventure game developed by Capcom. You play as Hugh, a spacesuit-clad investigator exploring a dystopian lunar research facility alongside Diana, a young girl with mysterious technological abilities. The Shelter serves as your hub between missions, and upgrading it is the primary progression system that unlocks new weapons, abilities, and facility features.
The upgrade loop is straightforward: complete a sector, defeat the boss at the end, claim the Shelter License Key, and watch your base expand with new tools. There are five levels in total, with the final one unlocking after post-game content. Here is how the whole system works.
Shelter License Keys are earned almost exclusively by defeating the major boss at the end of each sector. You cannot buy them, find them in hidden chests, or earn them through side activities. Each sector has one primary boss encounter, and once you defeat it, the corresponding License Key is added to your inventory automatically. You then return to the Shelter, and the upgrade is applied.
Here are all five bosses that drop Shelter License Keys and where to find them:
Once you defeat a boss, return to the Shelter. The License Key is used automatically, and you will see new terminals light up and previously locked doors open. There is no manual activation step.
Each Shelter level unlocks a set of weapons, abilities, facility upgrades, and quality-of-life improvements. The upgrades are permanent and stack across levels, meaning Level 3 builds on what Level 1 and Level 2 already gave you. Below is a breakdown of every level and what it unlocks.
Level 1 is your starting point after defeating the SectorGuard boss in the Solar Power Plant Sector. This is the most basic upgrade tier, but it sets up systems you will rely on for the entire game.
Here is what Level 1 unlocks:
This level is automatic and you cannot skip it. The Riot Blaster alone makes combat feel dramatically different from the opening sections. I recommend spending time with the Stamp Board right away since some early rewards include extra Lunafilament, which you will need for later upgrades.
Level 2 is the upgrade most players and community members agree is the biggest game-changer. It comes from defeating the Gigantic Bot in the Mass Production Array Sector, and the rewards are worth every bit of effort it takes to beat that fight.
Here is what Level 2 unlocks:
If you are wondering which level to rush, the answer is almost always Level 2. Object Scan changes how you explore every sector, Auto-Hacking removes a persistent frustration, and Training Simulations give you a sustainable path to earn resources without relying solely on exploration. The Charge Piercer is also a top-tier weapon that handles most mid-game threats.
Level 3 comes from the Large Bot boss fight at the end of the Terra Dome Sector. This is where your loadout starts to feel genuinely versatile, with options for different combat situations.
Here is what Level 3 unlocks:
The Bot Scan is particularly useful if you have been struggling with boss attack patterns. Activating it before a fight lets you study the boss without taking damage, and you can plan your approach accordingly. Pair the Decoy Generator with the Charge Piercer for a reliable mid-game strategy against shielded enemies.
Level 4 drops from the LunaDigger boss in the Lunum Mines Sector. This level shifts focus toward heavier ordnance and more advanced crafting options.
Here is what Level 4 unlocks:
The Homing Missiles are a standout here. If you have been having trouble with enemies that dodge your projectiles, this weapon solves that problem entirely. The REM Replicator Gamma is also important because it opens up crafting recipes for materials you will need for Level 5 upgrades. I recommend farming Lunafilament through Training Simulations before pushing into the post-game, since Level 5 costs ramp up significantly.
Level 5 is the final Shelter upgrade, unlocked by completing the Hidden Chamber Mission in the post-game. This is endgame content, and the boss fight is the hardest encounter in Pragmata.
Here is what Level 5 unlocks:
The Firmware Updater is the most significant long-term unlock at this level. It gives you a reason to keep engaging with the game after the credits roll, since you can now push your favorite weapons and abilities well beyond their initial power levels. The Overdrive ability is also a massive power spike that makes replaying sectors and tackling New Game Plus content much more manageable.
Regarding New Game Plus: all Shelter upgrades carry over into NG+. However, the Firmware Updater upgrades do not stack on top of NG+ weapon variants, so plan your Lunafilament spending accordingly. Focus on maxing out your most-used weapons before starting a new cycle.
After playing through all five Shelter levels, the consensus from both competitive guides and the player community is clear: prioritize Level 2 above everything else. Here is my recommended upgrade order and the reasoning behind it.
Priority 1: Level 2 – Object Scan, Auto-Hacking, and Training Simulations fundamentally change how you interact with the game. Object Scan reveals hidden materials and secrets you would otherwise walk past. Auto-Hacking removes a persistent source of frustration during combat. Training Simulations give you a repeatable way to earn Cabin Coins and Lunafilament. This level provides more value than any other single upgrade.
Priority 2: Level 1 – This is automatic since it comes from the first sector boss. But even if it were optional, the Riot Blaster and Stamp Board access are both essential.
Priority 3: Level 3 – Bot Scan and the Decoy Generator add tactical options that make the mid-game sectors more manageable. The Pulse Carbine is solid for crowd control.
Priority 4: Level 4 – Homing Missiles are powerful, but by this point you likely have strong weapons already. The REM Replicator Gamma is the real reason to push for this level since it feeds into Level 5 crafting.
Priority 5: Level 5 – Everything here is excellent, but it requires completing the post-game. Think of it as a reward for finishing the main story rather than something to rush toward.
One important tip: save your Lunafilament for major milestones. Do not spend it on minor upgrades early in the game. Players on forums report running short on Lunafilament in the late game because they spent it on early Stamp Board rewards or low-tier weapon mods. The Training Simulations from Level 2 are your best source of consistent Lunafilament income, which is another reason to prioritize that level.
You upgrade the Shelter by defeating the major boss at the end of each sector. Each boss drops a Shelter License Key that automatically upgrades your Shelter when you return to base. There are five levels total, corresponding to five bosses across the main story and post-game content.
Shelter License Keys are dropped by five bosses: SectorGuard in the Solar Power Plant Sector, Gigantic Bot in the Mass Production Array Sector, Large Bot in the Terra Dome Sector, LunaDigger in the Lunum Mines Sector, and the Hidden Chamber Boss in the post-game Hidden Chamber Mission. You cannot find keys in chests or buy them from vendors.
Shelter Level 2 unlocks Object Scan, Charge Piercer, Auto-Hacking, Training Simulations, and an additional Mod Slot. Most players and guides consider this the most important Shelter upgrade because Object Scan reveals hidden items and Training Simulations provide a repeatable source of resources.
Level 2 is widely considered the most important Shelter upgrade. Prioritize defeating the Gigantic Bot in the Mass Production Array Sector to unlock Object Scan, Auto-Hacking, and Training Simulations. These three features make exploration easier, reduce combat frustration, and give you a reliable way to farm resources.
Yes, all Shelter upgrades carry over into New Game Plus. However, Firmware Updater upgrades from Level 5 do not stack with NG+ weapon variants, so it is best to max out your preferred weapons before starting a new cycle. Save your Lunafilament accordingly.
Understanding all shelter upgrades and license keys in Pragmata comes down to a simple loop: clear a sector, beat the boss, and return to a better-equipped Shelter. Level 1 gives you the basics, Level 2 is the turning point with Object Scan and Training Simulations, Levels 3 and 4 expand your tactical options, and Level 5 rewards post-game dedication with the Firmware Updater and Overdrive. Focus on Level 2 as early as possible, save your Lunafilament for major purchases, and use Training Simulations to farm resources between boss encounters. With this progression path, you will have a fully upgraded Shelter and a loadout that can handle anything Pragmata throws at you.