Returning to the Drop Pod

Deep Rock Galactic: Returning to the Drop Pod guide. Learn to navigate, defend, and extract safely after completing your first mission.

Your first mission in Deep Rock Galactic is a Mining Expedition. The final, crucial step is returning to the drop pod. Learn how to navigate back through the treacherous caves, defend your team against swarming aliens, and ensure all dwarves and objectives are safely inside before extraction.

Your First Mission: Mining Expedition - Returning to the Drop Pod

Congratulations, Miner! You've successfully completed the primary objective of your first Mining Expedition: gathering precious minerals. However, the mission isn't over yet. The most critical phase is now upon you: safely returning to the drop pod for extraction. This often involves navigating back through the caves you've already explored, which can be just as dangerous as the initial mining.

The Journey Back

Once the primary objective is complete, Mission Control will announce that it's time to head back to the drop pod. Your Terrain Scanner will now display the location of the drop pod with a distinct icon. The path back might not always be straightforward. Caves can shift, new tunnels might open up, and enemies will likely be alerted to your presence and intent to leave.

Navigating the Caves

Use your Terrain Scanner frequently to plot the most efficient route. If you've left a trail of flares, they can be invaluable for retracing your steps. If you've drilled new paths, these can also serve as shortcuts. Be mindful of any hazards you encountered on the way in – unstable ground, deep pits, or pockets of hazardous gas might still be present.

Enemy Encounters on the Return

As you make your way back, expect increased enemy activity. The aliens on Hoxxes IV are territorial and will often converge on your position, especially if you've been noisy or left a significant trail. Prepare for ambushes, particularly in narrow passages or open caverns. The Scout's Flare Gun is essential for illuminating the path ahead and spotting incoming threats. The Engineer's turrets can provide covering fire, and the Gunner's shield can offer temporary safety for revives.

The M.U.L.E. and Your Haul

If you've been mining minerals, the M.U.L.E. will be carrying your haul. You'll need to escort the M.U.L.E. back to the drop pod. This means you might need to defend it while it moves, or call it to your position if it gets stuck. The M.U.L.E. can be directed to follow you or move to a specific location using its beacon. Ensure all collected minerals are deposited into the M.U.L.E. before you reach the drop pod.

Reaching the Drop Pod

Upon arrival at the drop pod, you'll notice a beacon indicating the landing zone. The drop pod door will be closed. To open it, you'll need to interact with the console inside. This initiates the extraction sequence, which takes a short but tense amount of time. During this period, you and your team must defend the drop pod from waves of attacking aliens.

Holding Out for Extraction

The defense of the drop pod is often the most challenging part of the mission. Aliens will swarm from all directions, attempting to breach the pod's defenses. Utilize the terrain around the drop pod for cover. The Engineer's turrets can be placed to cover multiple entry points. The Gunner's shield is invaluable for protecting teammates during revives or when reloading. The Driller can create defensive barriers or block off enemy paths. The Scout should focus on spotting and calling out enemy positions.

Final Checks and Extraction

Before the drop pod fully deploys, ensure all teammates are inside. If any secondary objectives were completed, their rewards will be tallied. Once the timer runs out and the drop pod lifts off, your mission is complete! You'll be transported back to the Space Rig to tally your earnings and prepare for your next adventure.

Tips for a Smooth Return

• Keep your Terrain Scanner handy.
• Conserve ammunition for the final defense.
• Communicate enemy positions and needs for resupplies.
• Prioritize reviving downed teammates.
• Stay together as a unit.

Successfully returning to the drop pod is a fundamental skill for any dwarf. Master this phase, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a seasoned veteran of Deep Rock Galactic.