Apocalypse Market - Frequently Asked Questions
Market Access
Onion URL: http://apocam5miqqb7xtstfoft6hvoowhomxacaczoqsvexiku3dun26bakid.onion
Clearnet: https://apocalypse.markets
General Questions
What is Apocalypse Market?
Apocalypse Market is a secure, multivendor darknet marketplace launched in September 2022. It provides a trusted platform for buyers and vendors to conduct transactions using cryptocurrency, with a strong emphasis on security, privacy, and user protection.
Is Apocalypse Market safe to use?
Apocalypse Market implements multiple security features including mandatory PGP encryption, 2FA authentication, escrow system, and zero JavaScript policy to minimize vulnerabilities. However, users must also follow proper OpSec practices to ensure their safety.
How do I access the market?
Access requires Tor Browser. Navigate to the official onion URL: http://apocam5miqqb7xtstfoft6hvoowhomxacaczoqsvexiku3dun26bakid.onion. Always verify the URL through trusted sources to avoid phishing sites.
Do I need to register to browse?
Yes, registration is required to access market listings and vendor profiles. Registration is free for buyers and requires a username, password, and PGP public key.
Payment & Cryptocurrency
What payment methods are accepted?
| Cryptocurrency | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin (BTC) | ✓ Accepted | Widely supported |
| Monero (XMR) | ✓ Accepted | Recommended for privacy |
How do I fund my wallet?
After registration, navigate to the wallet generation page within your account. Generate a new wallet address, then send BTC or XMR to that address. Funds typically appear after network confirmations (1-6 confirmations depending on cryptocurrency).
Is there a minimum deposit?
There is no official minimum deposit, but consider network transaction fees when depositing small amounts. Recommended minimum is equivalent to $20 to ensure economical transactions.
How does escrow work?
When you place an order, funds are held in escrow until you confirm receipt of goods. This protects both buyers and vendors. Only release funds after verifying the product meets your expectations. The market holds funds securely during this period.
What if I need to dispute an order?
If issues arise, you can open a dispute before finalizing the order. Market moderators will review evidence from both parties and make a fair decision. Provide detailed information and communications to support your case.
Security & Privacy
Why is PGP encryption mandatory?
PGP encryption ensures that sensitive information (shipping addresses, communications) cannot be intercepted or read by unauthorized parties, including potential hackers or law enforcement. It's your primary defense for privacy.
How do I set up PGP?
Use GPG (GNU Privacy Guard) or similar software to generate a key pair. Upload your public key to your Apocalypse Market profile. Keep your private key secure and never share it. See our PGP guide for detailed instructions.
What is 2FA and should I enable it?
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds an extra security layer by requiring a time-based code from an authenticator app in addition to your password. It's highly recommended for all users to prevent unauthorized account access.
Should I use a VPN with Tor?
This is debated. VPN can hide Tor usage from your ISP, but may reduce anonymity if the VPN logs activity. If using a VPN, choose a no-log provider and connect to VPN before launching Tor. Never use VPN through Tor (Tor → VPN).
Vendor Questions
How do I become a vendor?
To become a vendor:
- Create a buyer account
- Set up PGP and 2FA
- Generate and fund your wallet
- Pay the $300 vendor bond
- Complete vendor application
- Start creating listings
What is the vendor fee?
Apocalypse Market charges a 2% commission on completed sales, one of the lowest rates among major darknet markets. This fee is automatically deducted from finalized transactions.
Can the vendor bond be refunded?
The vendor bond may be refundable upon voluntary account closure, subject to market policies and provided there are no outstanding disputes or violations. Check with market support for current policy.
How many vendors are active?
As of our last update, Apocalypse Market has over 110 active vendors across various categories. The marketplace welcomes established vendor refugees from other platforms.
Market Rules
What is prohibited on the market?
Strictly prohibited items and activities:
- Child pornography (immediate permanent ban)
- Western Union, MoneyGram, PayPal, bank transfers
- DDoS attacks (permanent ban)
- Sharing contact details on profiles or messages
- Outside deals (direct ban)
- Vendor impersonation
- Scamming or fraudulent activity
Can vendors require FE (Finalize Early)?
No, FE is not permitted unless explicit permission is granted later by market administration. This protects buyers from scams. Always use escrow for transactions.
What happens if I'm rude to staff?
Being rude or disrespectful to Apocalypse admins may result in a 1-month suspension or ban. Maintain professional and respectful communication at all times.
Technical Support
The market won't load - what should I do?
Try these troubleshooting steps:
- Refresh Tor circuit (New Tor Circuit for this Site)
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Restart Tor Browser
- Check if the market is experiencing downtime on Dread forum
- Verify you're using the correct onion URL
I lost my 2FA device - can I recover my account?
If you saved backup codes during 2FA setup, use those to regain access. Otherwise, contact market support with your username and PGP signature to verify identity. Recovery may take time.
Can I use mobile devices?
While technically possible using Tor-enabled mobile browsers, it's not recommended for security reasons. Desktop with Tails OS or Whonix is the safest approach for accessing darknet markets.