The best way to explore planets in Starfield is to use your ship’s scanner and prioritize landing in varied biome regions, then follow the natural topography and points of interest.
Landing on a new planet in Starfield is always an exciting prospect, but where should you begin your journey? Figuring out the best way to explore planets in Starfield requires a little strategy. Don’t just land anywhere. Instead, use the ship scanner to identify areas with multiple biomes. This will maximize your chances of finding diverse resources and locations.
Pay attention to the planet’s topography when you land. Following mountain ranges or rivers often leads to interesting places. By doing this, you are also more likely to find valuable natural resources. Then, follow your intuition and investigate the points of interest that appear on your scanner while doing this.
Starfield: The Best Way to Explore Planets
So, you’ve jumped into the vast universe of Starfield and you’re itching to see what’s out there. You’re not alone! With over 1,000 planets to explore, it can feel a little overwhelming. But don’t worry, this guide will help you become a true planet-hopping expert. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right gear to finding the coolest resources and even making sure you don’t get lost in the cosmic wilderness. Let’s get started on your journey to become a Starfield exploration master!
Preparing for Your Planetary Adventure
Before you go bounding onto any old planet, a little prep work can make a huge difference. Think of it like packing for a camping trip. You wouldn’t go without your tent and sleeping bag, would you? The same idea applies here.
Essential Gear
Here’s a rundown of the stuff you absolutely need:
- A Good Spacesuit: This isn’t just for looks; it protects you from radiation, extreme temperatures, and other nasty stuff planets might throw at you. Look for suits with good resistances and maybe some extra carry weight, it helps to carry more resources.
- A Reliable Weapon: You’re not always going to find friendly aliens or just plants. Sometimes, you’ll have to deal with creatures or pirates, and a weapon you like will make a world of difference.
- Plenty of Ammo: Running out of bullets mid-fight is never fun. Always pack more than you think you need.
- Med Packs: You will get hurt, sometimes a lot. Med packs are your best friend when you’re in a pinch and need to patch up some space boo-boos.
- Digipicks: These are needed to open locked doors, containers and other things on planets. They’re like skeleton keys for the future.
- Boost Pack: This is your best friend for traversing difficult terrain quickly, and will allow you to explore places you otherwise wouldn’t be able to reach.
Ship Modifications
Your ship isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s your mobile base. Consider these upgrades:
- Better Grav Drive: This allows you to travel faster between systems, minimizing travel time.
- Increased Cargo Space: You’re going to be finding lots of valuable things, make sure you have a place to put them all.
- Improved Shields and Weapons: You don’t want to get caught in a space battle with a weak ship. Upgrades in shields and weapons make travel much safer.
- A decent scanner: A good scanner helps you find resources quicker, making it easier to find and collect the rare things on planet surfaces.
Skills to Invest In
As you level up, certain skills can improve your exploration:
- Surveying: This allows you to identify resources and complete scans faster and make exploration more profitable.
- Geology: Helps you to identify where resources can be found and collect more of them, improving your gathering efficiency.
- Astrodynamics: This makes it easier to travel to far-away places, expanding your exploration range.
- Weightlifting: Carry more stuff. Simple, but essential.
Choosing Your Target Planet
Not all planets are created equal. Some are teeming with resources, while others are cold, barren wastelands. How do you decide where to go?
Reading the Star Map
The star map is your guide to the galaxy. Check out the information for each planet before you set course. Look at:
- Planet Resources: Does it have the resources you need? Planets show what minerals and other resources they have.
- Temperature and Atmosphere: Is it a frozen ice ball or a scorching desert? Make sure your suit can handle it.
- Gravity: Low gravity makes you jump higher, which can be fun, but also make it harder to maneuver.
- Fauna and Flora: Are there alien creatures roaming around? And if so, are they friendly or dangerous?
Starting Simple
When you’re starting out, pick planets that are closer to civilization. These usually have easier terrain and fewer dangers. Don’t jump straight to the “Extreme” hazard planets. Start with “safe” or “moderate” hazard level planets for the early game.
Following Missions
Missions can take you to all sorts of places you might never think to go on your own. Following the main storyline and side quests are a good way to discover new planets. Plus, you usually get cool rewards.
Exploring the Planet Surface
Okay, you’ve chosen your planet, landed your ship, and now you’re staring out at a whole new world. What do you do next?
Scanning is Your Best Friend
Before taking a single step, use your scanner to check your surroundings. This will show you:
- Resources: Little icons will appear on your scanner showing different resources nearby.
- Points of Interest: Things like abandoned buildings, caves, or other cool locations will show on your scanner.
- Flora and Fauna: Identify the lifeforms around you and see if they’re dangerous or just cute space critters.
Understanding Resource Gathering
Collecting resources is key in Starfield. To do it:
- Mine Resources: Use your cutter to extract minerals from the environment.
- Harvest Plants and Organisms: Some resources can be collected by hand or with your cutter.
- Look Inside Containers: Abandoned locations are often filled with containers holding valuable resources.
Dealing with Hostile Encounters
Not everything you meet on a planet is going to be friendly:
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to sounds and watch for movement. Some enemies are hard to spot until it’s too late.
- Use Cover: Take advantage of terrain to avoid getting hit. Rocks, buildings, even big plants can help you.
- Don’t Hesitate to Run: If you’re outmatched, retreat and regroup. Survival is more important than getting that last loot crate.
Navigation Tips
It’s very easy to get lost on a vast planet. Here are some ways to stay on track:
- Use the Compass: Your compass at the top of the screen shows you the direction of your ship and other markers.
- Set Waypoints: If you want to explore an area away from the ship, set a waypoint for the return journey.
- Use Your Scanner: Use the scanner to see the ship location marker.
Advanced Exploration Techniques
Once you’ve got the basics down, you can start exploring like a pro.
Landing Site Variety
Don’t always land in the same spot. Change your landing spot on a planet for a new experience and to discover new locations. Each landing area can offer a different set of challenges and resources.
Scanning for Anomalies
Sometimes your scanner will pick up something special called an anomaly. These can lead to unique locations and events.
Building Outposts
If you find a planet you love, you can build an outpost. This is like a mini-base where you can store resources, craft, and even hire workers.
Utilizing the Local Flora & Fauna
Some plants or creatures can be more than just resources. They can provide temporary buffs or debuffs so try to find them and figure out what they do.
Understanding Planet Biomes
Planets in Starfield aren’t just one big blob of stuff. They have different biomes like deserts, forests, and icy regions. Each biome has different resources, creatures, and environments. Adjust your strategies to each biome to explore as effectively as possible.
Making the Most of Your Finds
What do you do with all the stuff you find? It’s time to learn about trading and crafting.
Trading Resources
Most settlements have vendors where you can sell your loot. Make sure to browse their goods, too. You may find something you need.
Crafting and Modding
The resources you find can also be used to make new weapons, suits, and other items. Find a workbench, and start building!
Researching at Workbenches
The resources you find can help you research new technology, making new items available to you. Investing in the research and engineering skills is worth the investment.
Staying Safe on Your Explorations
Planets in Starfield are not always safe. It’s important to remember these tips to stay alive.
Watch Your Oxygen
Always keep an eye on your oxygen levels. Running out in the middle of a sand storm isn’t great. If you run out you will take damage.
Radiation Awareness
Radiation will hurt you! Find a suit with some radiation resistance. Look for the radiation warnings on the planet data.
Temperature Control
Extreme cold and heat can cause serious damage. Find a suit that can handle it or stay close to the ship.
Keeping a Clear Mind
Space can get to your head. Make sure to check back in with settlements to sell your loot and check your inventory. You don’t want to run out of the essentials.
Exploring planets in Starfield is about more than just landing and walking around. It’s about being prepared, making smart decisions, and taking in everything that the universe has to offer. By using the advice given here, you’ll be on your way to becoming a seasoned explorer.
Starfield – Everything you NEED to Know Before Exploring Planets!
Final Thoughts
Starfield provides a unique method for planetary exploration. The game allows direct landing and surveying, letting players freely move across diverse landscapes. This makes experiencing each planet’s environment truly immersive.
The freedom to chart your own path and investigate points of interest makes Starfield the best way to explore planets. Players gain a genuine sense of discovery. You can delve deep into these worlds.
