To gather rare resources in Starfield at the start, focus on scanning planets with the ‘Exotic’ resource trait and use your Cutter to mine them directly from surface deposits.
So, you’ve just started your adventure in the vast expanse of space, and you’re wondering about Starfield how to gather rare resources start? It’s not as daunting as it might seem! Getting your hands on those precious, hard-to-find materials is achievable early on, with some smart exploration.
Don’t get caught up just collecting the basic stuff. Instead, scan each planet carefully. Look for ones with that crucial ‘Exotic’ resource tag. Then, use your Cutter on the visible surface deposits for the rare materials you need!
Starfield How to Gather Rare Resources Start
So, you’re ready to explore the vast universe of Starfield and become a top-notch resource gatherer? Fantastic! Getting your hands on those rare resources early can make a huge difference in crafting powerful gear and building amazing outposts. Let’s dive into how you can start gathering those precious materials from the very beginning.
Understanding Resource Types in Starfield
Before we go chasing space rocks, let’s get a handle on what we’re looking for. Starfield has a wide range of resources, from common elements like Iron and Aluminum to rare goodies like Vanadium and Tasine. Resources are generally classified into a few categories:
- Common Resources: These are abundant and easy to find. You’ll use them a lot for basic crafting and building. Examples include Iron, Aluminum, Copper, Nickel, and Lead.
- Uncommon Resources: These are a step up from common resources, still relatively easy to find but often found on specific planets or areas. You might find these in caves, or specific biomes. Think of resources like Cobalt, Silver, Tungsten and Fluorine.
- Rare Resources: Now we’re talking! These are more challenging to find, often requiring exploring deeper into planet systems or engaging in more challenging gameplay. Some rare resources include Vanadium, Tasine, Iridium and Platinum
- Exotic Resources: These are the crème de la crème, extremely rare and hard to obtain. You’ll need specific skills or knowledge of the universe to consistently find these. Resources like Isotopic Coolant and Zero Wire fall into this category.
The resource rarity is important. Rare resources are not something you stumble upon randomly. They require a more focused approach. Knowing these categories helps you strategize and plan your resource runs effectively.
Your Starting Tools for Resource Gathering
At the very start of Starfield, you’ll have access to basic tools that are adequate for gathering common and a few uncommon resources. Here’s what you need to know about them:
The Hand Scanner
Your trusty hand scanner is your best friend when starting. This device not only scans planets for life and minerals, but also highlights resource deposits that you can interact with. Here’s how to use it effectively:
- Scan Planets from Orbit: Before landing on a planet, scan it. The scanner will show you the resources available on its surface. Planets with resources you’re looking for will become clear this way.
- Resource Deposit Icons: Once on the planet, use the scanner to find resource deposits. These deposits are marked by a unique icon which looks like a rocky formation. The color coding of the icon can vary according to the type of resource.
- Range Matters: The scanner has a limited range, so you’ll need to move around to locate all deposits.
- Learn the Resource Type: Hover your cursor on the resource deposit icon, it will tell the name and type of the resource.
The Cutter Tool
The cutter is your main tool for extracting resources from deposits. It’s a laser-like tool that breaks down resource formations into smaller, collectable bits. Here’s the breakdown:
- Aiming is Key: Point the cutter at a deposit and hold the fire button. You’ll see a small progress bar and the deposit will start to break down.
- Be Patient: The cutter takes time to extract a deposit, so don’t try to be hasty.
- Manage Heat: The cutter can overheat if used constantly. Let it cool down from time to time to avoid any interruptions.
- Carry Capacity: You can only carry limited amounts of resources, so regularly unload them into your ship or storage containers.
Your Spaceship Storage
Your spaceship is not only for traveling; it is your portable storage hub. It’s crucial to use your ship’s storage efficiently. Always bring a good amount of materials you may need, even if it is the basic ones.
- Regularly unload your storage: Transfer your resources from your inventory to your ship’s cargo hold after each resource gathering trip.
- Ship Upgrades: Early on, focus on upgrading your ship’s cargo hold to carry more resources.
Early Strategies for Rare Resource Hunting
While you may not be stumbling upon Exotic resources right away, there are strategies you can use to start gathering rare resources relatively early in Starfield:
Focus on the Right Planets
Not all planets are created equal when it comes to resources. Some planets have a higher concentration of rare resources than others. Here’s how to identify promising planets:
- Check Planet Descriptions: When scanning planets from orbit, pay attention to the description. Some will indicate the presence of specific resources which are not common.
- Look for Extreme Environments: Planets with extreme temperatures, high radiation, or other harsh conditions can often host rare resources.
- Follow the Main Quests: Sometimes, main quests will guide you to planets with rarer resources, this is a great way to gather both information and resources.
Skill Progression
Your skills play a crucial role in your resource-gathering journey. Certain skills can make finding and extracting resources a lot easier.
- Geology: Leveling up the Geology skill enhances your ability to find rare resources through more accurate planet scans.
- Surveying: This allows for a more in-depth planet scan revealing hidden resource deposits.
- Scanning: Upgrading the Scanning skill also improves the range and effectiveness of your hand scanner.
- Weight Lifting: If you’re carrying more materials, you’ll be able to do more resource gathering without multiple trips.
Outpost Building (Later On)
Outposts become very important when you begin to acquire rarer resources. While outposts aren’t an immediate option, you should think about these later on.
- Resource Extractors: Once you’ve got a hang of outposts you can place resource extractors to continually gather resources from deposits without any personal involvement.
- Automated Mining: Resource extractors are a great way of having an automated way to gather resources, and your only need is to collect the generated resources.
- Storage: Remember to set up ample storage near your mining outposts to hold a large amount of resources.
Be careful though, if the outpost isn’t maintained well, the power supply for the resources extractor may fail, which means they will stop gathering resources. So keep a check on your outposts regularly.
Specific Early-Game Rare Resources and Where to Find Them
Let’s dig a little deeper and look at some specific rare resources that you might be able to find early, and where to start your search:
Vanadium
Vanadium is a great resource for crafting stronger weapons and modifying gear. Look for planets with descriptions mentioning volcanic activity or high temperatures. In the early game, planets like:
- Tau Ceti II: In the Tau Ceti System. It is a relatively close system, so you can travel to this system early and search for Vanadium.
- Groombridge V: Another relatively nearby planet, which can be accessible in early game.
Scan these planets thoroughly. Look for deposit icons that match Vanadium.
Tasine
Tasine is another important rare resource, which can be used for armor enhancements and more advanced tech. Scan for desert planets or those with unique mineral deposits. Look for:
- Arcturus II: Part of the Arcturus system. Make sure to scan before you land.
- Cheyenne IV: Planets in the Cheyenne system sometimes have this resource, so make a visit and do some scans.
Tasine is a bit harder to find early on, so be prepared to explore multiple planets and always scan them thoroughly.
Iridium
Iridium is crucial for energy weapons and high-tech crafting. Check planets with descriptions hinting at high-altitude areas or unusual geology. Try looking at:
- Kryx III: A planet in the Kryx system. Look for volcanic or extreme weather areas.
- Narion 2-A: Part of the Narion System, it can have traces of this resource, but it can be rare.
Remember to use your scanner on every planet you land on, not just the first spot you see.
Platinum
Platinum is another valuable resource, frequently used in advanced ship components and higher-tier equipment. Check for:
- Olympus: Planets in this system can have deposits of this resource.
- Zeno: This system is further out but can have a more abundant quantity of platinum, keep an eye on your travels.
While not as common as some other rare resources, if you’re thorough in your search, you will get your hands on some of this resource.
Tips for Efficient Resource Gathering
To make your resource-gathering trips more productive, here are some extra tips:
- Plan Your Trips: Before heading out, have a plan of which resource you need, and the planet that contains this resource. This way, you won’t go blindly searching for materials.
- Prioritize Rare Resources: Whenever possible, focus on rare resources. They are harder to find, so you should take any chance you get to grab them.
- Fast Travel: Use fast travel strategically to save time between resource locations.
- Upgrade Your Gear: As you find more resources, improve your gear, especially your cutter and scanning tools.
- Check Your Inventory: Always keep an eye on your inventory capacity to avoid being overburdened.
Navigating the Starfield Universe
Starfield’s universe is vast, and it can feel a little overwhelming at the beginning. Here’s a guide to help you navigate and find those rare resource locations:
- The Star Map: Your star map is your primary tool for traveling between star systems. Learn how to use it properly, to find your destination quickly and efficiently.
- System Scans: Before landing on any planet, always scan the system first. This will show you every planet and what resources they have.
- Random Encounters: You may sometimes encounter random events in space, or on planets. Sometimes they can lead to locations that contain new resources.
- NPCs: Chat with NPCs, sometimes they will tell you of planets that contain rare resource locations.
The key to finding the best and rare resources in Starfield, especially in the beginning, is patience, a lot of scanning, and a bit of exploration. Don’t be afraid to try different locations, and most importantly, have fun while you’re doing it!
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Final Thoughts
Start by exploring planets with unique biomes, paying close attention to resource scans. Early game, focus on surveying and understanding different materials before aiming for specific rare finds. This allows you to learn patterns and plan your later expeditions.
‘Starfield how to gather rare resources start’ involves a bit of early patience and exploration. Prioritize mining and surveying to locate the materials that you need, understanding what specific biomes to look for. This will greatly benefit your resource collection long term.



