Galactic Map Filters & Symbols
The Galactic Map in No Man's Sky is more than just a navigation tool; it's a complex interface filled with symbols and filters that provide crucial information about star systems. Understanding these visual cues allows for more informed decisions about where to explore, trade, or seek out specific resources.
When you open the Galactic Map, you'll see a vast representation of the galaxy. Each star represents a star system, and the icons and colors associated with them convey important details. Learning to interpret these symbols is key to efficient exploration.
Common Star System Symbols and Colors:
- Star Color: Indicates the star's spectral type (Yellow for G-type, Red for M-type, Blue for B-type, etc.). Different star types are often associated with different resource distributions and planet types.
- Planet Icons: Small icons around a star indicate the presence and type of planets within that system (e.g., terrestrial, oceanic, frozen, toxic).
- Economy Icons: Symbols often denote the economic status of a system (e.g., booming, stable, declining). This is crucial for traders looking for profitable markets.
- Conflict Level: Icons can indicate the level of pirate activity or Sentinel presence in a system.
The Galactic Map also features powerful filters that allow you to narrow down your search:
- Star Type Filter: Focus on systems with specific star colors (e.g., only red stars for rare minerals).
- Economy Filter: Search for systems with specific economic conditions (e.g., 'Booming' economies for high selling prices).
- Conflict Filter: Avoid or seek out systems based on their conflict level.
- Discovery Filter: Highlight systems you have previously visited or discovered.
- Mission Filter: Show systems relevant to your active quests or missions.
To access these filters, typically you'll need to press a dedicated button (often 'X' on PC or a specific controller button) while the Galactic Map is open. Navigating through the filter menus allows you to customize the map's display to show only the information you need.
Here's a table of common symbols and their meanings:
| Symbol/Color | Meaning | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Star | G-type star | Common, balanced resources |
| Red Star | M-type star | Often rich in rare minerals |
| Blue Star | B-type star | Wealthy systems, advanced tech |
| Gear Icon | Booming Economy | High selling prices, good trade opportunities |
| Skull Icon | High Conflict Level | Frequent pirate encounters |
By mastering the Galactic Map's filters and symbols, you can navigate the universe with greater precision, efficiently finding the systems that best suit your current objectives.