In the vast universe of Starfield, resource acquisition is a fundamental aspect of gameplay, regardless of your chosen build or playstyle. These resources serve various purposes, such as constructing Outposts, modifying weapons and armor, crafting consumables, and facilitating research for new crafting recipes. Fortunately, Starfield simplifies resource gathering by allowing automated mining through Resource Extractors, sparing you from endlessly scouring planets for crafting components.
However, not all resources are created equal. Some are readily available throughout the game, making them unsuitable for extractor setup, while others are rare or challenging to obtain without a Resource Extractor. When determining which resources to prioritize for extraction, consider three crucial factors: weight, demand, and supply.
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Weight: Heavier resources, like Iron, are prime candidates for extraction, as they prevent the need for manual harvesting, saving time, inventory space, and carrying capacity.
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Demand: Resources in high demand for crafting, such as Aluminum, are excellent choices for extraction to avoid the guilt of bypassing valuable nodes.
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Supply: Resources that are rare or primarily found in liquid or gas form, like Chlorine, are worth extracting to meet specific crafting needs.
Essential Resources to Extract
To simplify your resource prioritization, here's a list of valuable resources you should consider extracting regardless of your chosen playstyle:
1. Iron (Fe): Iron serves as the primary resource for constructing buildings and crafting items in Starfield. It's an indispensable resource needed for various purposes throughout the game.
- Best Iron-mining Locations:
- Zamka (moon of Olivas): Alpha Centauri System (New Atlantis)
- Codos (moon of Akila): Cheyenne System (Akila City)
2. Aluminum (Al): Aluminum shares the spotlight with Iron as one of the most crucial resources for mining in Starfield. It is lightweight, in high demand for crafting, and essential for constructing Outposts and weapon mods.
- Best Aluminum-mining Locations:
- Codos (moon of Akila): Cheyenne System (Akila City)
- Andraphon (moon of Sumati): Narion System (Freestar Collective)
3. Tungsten (W): Tungsten is vital for several Outpost-building upgrades, including the Resource Extractor itself. Acquiring Tungsten early in the game is essential for efficient resource extraction.
- Best Tungsten-mining Location:
- Voss (moon of Olivas): Alpha Centauri System (New Atlantis)
Additional Resources to Consider
Once you've secured the essential resources mentioned above, expand your resource extraction efforts to include the following:
- Nickel (Ni): Used in various weapon mods.
- Lead (Pb): Required for weapon and spacesuit mods.
- Titanium (Ti): Essential for Outpost construction.
- Copper (Cu): Utilized in industrial crafting and power source crafting.
Remember that there is a maximum limit on the number of Outposts you can establish. After reaching seven Outposts, you'll need to invest in the Planetary Habitation skill to continue building more. Therefore, choosing Outpost locations wisely is crucial, as it significantly impacts the productivity of your Outposts.
Resource Extraction Process:
Setting up a Resource Extractor may seem daunting, but it's straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide to streamline the process:
- Ensure you're on a habitable planet or moon with the desired resources.
- Display resources by pressing LB (Xbox) or R (PC) while in orbit.
- Land your ship in an area marked with the relevant color indicating the desired resource.
- Construct an Outpost.
- Build a Resource Extractor.
- Establish a Power Source.
By following these steps, you'll efficiently gather resources to fuel your journey through the vastness of Starfield.
Check out some of our other Starfield guides below:
Vasco Location In Starfield - How To Get Your First Spaceship In Starfield - Starfield: 5 Skills Every New Player Should Get - How To Bind Your Weapons In Starfield - Starfield Lockpicking Guide - How Many Main Quest Missions Are There?
