Your adventure begins with a crash landing on Aether. After the opening cinematic, you'll find yourself in the Landing Site. Proceed forward, scanning the wreckage and the surrounding environment. You'll quickly encounter the first hostile creatures, the Splinter. Use your Power Beam to dispatch them. Follow the linear path, scanning any new enemies or objects you encounter. You'll soon reach the Temple Grounds, the central hub of Aether.
Your initial objective is to locate the missing Galactic Federation Marines. Navigate through the GFMC Compound, battling more Splinters and War Wasps. You'll find the first dead marine and a data log, introducing you to the Ing. Continue through the Main Energy Transfer and Temple Access areas. You'll eventually reach the Temple Assembly Site, where you'll encounter the first major obstacle: a locked door requiring a specific energy signature. This will lead you to your first major upgrade.