[Escape from Duckhoff]Complete guide to obtaining J-Lab Entry Certificate Level 1 (Lab Key) | Get it now with thorough explanations of efficient farming methods, quest strategies, and merchant routes!

Escape from Duckhoff (commonly known as Duckhoff) is a harsh escape shooter game created by ducks that has gained explosive popularity mainly on Steam. This game is attractive for its extensive map exploration, realistic gunfights, and advanced crafting system, but what is essential for progressing from the middle of the game onward is the “J-Lab Entry Certification Level 1” (hereinafter referred to as Lab Key Lv1). This item is the key that unlocks the entrance to the game's high-end content, the J-Lab Laboratory, and unless you obtain it, high-reward quests and farming of rare items will be severely restricted.

In this article, we will thoroughly explain the basic information on Lab Key Lv1 and the three main acquisition routes that even beginners can reliably obtain. In addition, we will deliver an extremely detailed guide that covers efficient routes around the farm town, recommended equipment, and how to use the inside of J-Lab. You can get it in as little as 30 minutes, but it could take several hours depending on your luck. Don't rush and proceed carefully.

What is Lab Key Lv1? Basic specifications and importance

Lab Key Lv1 is a consumable item that is described as a “disposable proof of entry carried by J-Lab experiment staff.” The type is classified as “Other” and is mainly used for special doors in the basements of office buildings in farm towns. The golden rule is to secure multiple copies, as they disappear once used.

The greatest value of this key is that it allows access to the J-Lab laboratory. J-Lab is an important map late in the game, packed with the following benefits:

• Big money spot: Skill enhancement materials such as crystal boosters, crystal filters, and accelerators are guaranteed to drop from J-Lab boxes. You can earn tens of thousands of dollars in one raid.
• Beacon release: Activate the beacon on the east side of basement 1F to increase transfer points. However, an additional Lv1 key will be consumed when transferring.
• Quest progress: Multiple quests for Min and Jeff will be unlocked (e.g., punishing, refining, beacon release-4, etc.), and bulletproof clothing Lv5 and space defense helmet will be unlocked as rewards.
• Defeat the boss: Obtain the Lv3 key by defeating the road block and proceed deeper.

If you can't get them, your game progress will stall. It's best to collect 3-5 early and unlock the infinite supply route through quests.

How to get it	Difficulty level	cost	Time required	certainty	Recommended level
Fishing (random drop)	Medium	0D	Variable (1 to several hours)	low	★★☆
mysterious merchant purchase	low	3000D/piece	10 minutes to 1 hour	Medium	★★★
Quest “Duplicate Pass”	Medium	Initial investment around 6000D	1-2 hours	high	★★★★★

Obtaining method 1: Randomly obtained by fishing (low probability, but free)

It is the easiest method, but since the probability is low, please use it as a sub-method. The main spawn locations are around farm towns.

Guaranteed spawn location

1. Hidden Mining Facility: In the cabinet and floor of the facility, southwest of Farm Town, up the rocky slope. There is a facility manager (a strong enemy) so be careful. There are many reports of one card falling every raid.
2. Around the gas station: Outside the gas station on the east side, on the ground and in lockers. There are rumors that the spawn rate will increase at night.
3. Others: Enemy drops (scavenger, raider low probability), cabinets in general. You can expect the discovery rate to improve with fishing skill level 5 or higher.

Lap Tips

• Conduct a short raid in a farm town with light armor (AK-74U + pistol).
• Pet bag essential: Store the key immediately after picking it up, preventing any loss.
• You can complete 5 laps in 5 to 10 minutes per raid. If you're lucky, you can get one in an hour.

Player experience: There are many reports of “falling at mining facilities every time'', but there is a strong luck factor.

How to obtain 2: Purchase from a mysterious merchant in a farm town (high probability, instant cash)

This is the most stable paid route. The price is 3000D, and the stock is random, but the probability is high.

Merchant location and access

• Location: From Farm Town Transfer Bubble-1, cross the bridge on the left and be on top of the hill. This is a hideaway-style hut near the pier.

Directions details:

1. Transfer from base to farm town.
2. Get off Bubble-1 and immediately cross the bridge on the left.
3. Climb the slope at the end of the bridge and find the merchant (within 5 minutes).

Inventory reset

Sleep or wait for 10 hours in the base bed. We recommend checking multiple accounts at the same time. If out of stock, reset and repeat.

preparation

• Money strategy: Earn 3000D x 3 coins by going around Little Duck (recommended in the warehouse area).
• Required time: 10 minutes if you are lucky the first time. You can get 2-3 pieces in an average of 1 hour.

There is a lot of information to help beginners, such as “You can buy it from the merchant on the hill next to Transfer Bubble-1!''

Obtaining method 3: Unlock infinite supply by clearing the quest “Reproduction of Pass” (strongest route)

If you clear this, you can permanently sell it for 2000D from base Min. Collecting 3 pieces at the beginning is a problem, but it is most efficient in the long run.

Quest details

• Client: Min (Technical Center)
• Prerequisite quest: Key to the mysterious door (farm town exploration type, easy)
• Goal: Deliver J-Lab entry certification level 1 x3
• Reward: 3500 experience points, 1000~1500 gold, Min products unlocked (Lv1 key 2000D/piece)
• Summary: “I came up with a way to duplicate J-Lab's Level 1 pass, but I need the original data. Please bring me some.”

Strategy steps

1. Collect 3 pieces using the above 2 routes (recommended: 2 merchant pieces + 1 fisherman piece).
2. Deliver to base Min.
3. The ban will be lifted immediately. After sleeping in bed, reload your inventory and buy infinitely.

Time saving tips

If you haven't cleared the prerequisite quest, you can unlock it immediately by going around the farm town. You can enter J-Lab immediately after delivery.

Efficiency Farm Town Route & Recommended Equipment

Labo Key Agriculture Department Route:

1. Transfer bubble-1 → Merchant check (inventory purchase).
2. Return to the bridge → Search mining facilities (facility manager avoidance route: side infiltration).
3. Gasosta detour fishing → Escape.

Total time: 1 raid 15 minutes, key expected value 1/3.

Recommended equipment (low cost)

slot	item	reason
main	AK-74U	Cheap, high firepower, instant kill of little ducks
sub	PM pistol	backup
armor	Bulletproof vest Lv2	Facility manager tolerance
wear and tear	Hemostatic bandage x5, pet bag	Total loss countermeasures
money plan	None (short raid)

Total cost: within 5000D. Mortality rate is less than 5%.

How to utilize J-Lab after entering: Financial measures & acceleration of progress

I'll rush in as soon as I get the key!

• How to enter: Under the central stairs of the Farm Town Office Building → Use the front door.
• Beacon: This is the room below the east staircase on the 1st basement floor. Be careful of multiple raiders.
• 8 J-Lab boxes: Required for all rounds. Use materials to level up your skills and do quests.
• Hidden room gimmick: Bookshelf push (L-advanced armor-piercing bullet blueprint).
• Boss road block: Basement 2F power supply room (Lv2 key required). Drop: Lv3 key, bulletproof suit Lv4.

J-Lab quest list (partial)

Quest name	client	the goal	reward
to judge	min	raider 4 kills	EXP4500, gold 4000
purification	min	Crystal material delivery	Bulletproof clothing Lv5 unlocked
Beacon release-4	jeff	beacon release	space crystal
model sniper	orange	SV98 head 5 kills	Advanced armor-piercing bullets released

1 raid profit: 50,000 to 100,000 D. Objects (transparent enemies) can be detected by sound, and space defense equipment is required.

Path to Lv2/Lv3 key

• Lv2: High probability of raider drop or ground within J-Lab. The center is the blue room.
• Lv3: Destroy road blocks. Prepare for a series of battles.

Many people complain that “the red key doesn't come out.” Circulation is the key.

Beginner mistakes and advanced tips

NG example

• If you leave the key without picking it up, you will lose everything.
• Merchant gives up without stock → forgets to reset.
• J-Lab enters without preparation → Raider dies instantly.

Pro Tips

• Fishing skill specialization: 2x discovery rate.
• Multiplayer: Check merchants at the same time.
• Combined with money strategy: Bonus for collecting Gasosta USB.
• MOD recommendation: None (the strongest vanilla).

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the drop rate?

A: 1-5% for fishing, around 50% for merchants. It will stabilize after the quest.

Q: Is the key consumption too high?

A: The standard is 5 sheets including the beacon transfer. Prioritize quests.

Q: Is the facility manager too strong?

A: Side flank avoidance. It's a shotgun shot.

Q: What is the impact of the update?

A: There are some spawn tweaks, but the basics remain the same.

Summary: Become a J-Lab Master from today

Labkey Lv1 is a turning point in the middle of Dakkov. Achieve the fastest acquisition with a hybrid of merchant + quest and monopolize the wealth of J-Lab. It is a straight line to the end content Arashi area by improving the efficiency of money management. If you follow this guide, you will definitely accelerate your progress. Enjoy your life!