Locate every lost Nomai Shuttle in Outer Wilds. Find these unique vessels scattered throughout the solar system to piece together the Nomai's journey.
The Nomai, a highly advanced and inquisitive species, journeyed across the cosmos in their distinctive shuttles. While many of their vessels remain tethered to their original launch pads or integrated into larger structures, several were launched and subsequently lost or abandoned across the solar system. Discovering these lost shuttles is not just a completionist's endeavor; each one offers invaluable insights into Nomai culture, daily life, scientific pursuits, and the tragic events that befell them. Fully documenting these findings in your Ship Log paints a richer, more complete picture of their history and the mysteries of the Outer Wilds.
Identifying a Nomai Shuttle
Before you can find them, you need to know what you're looking for. Nomai Shuttles have a very distinct design:
- Shape: They are typically sleek, elongated, and somewhat teardrop-shaped, often with a prominent, rounded cockpit section.
- Color: Their primary color is usually a pale, off-white or light grey, often with subtle blue or green accents.
- Material: They appear to be constructed from a smooth, metallic-like material, distinct from the rougher, natural rock formations or the more angular, industrial designs of Hearthian technology.
- Nomai Writing: The most definitive identifier is the presence of Nomai text. Even damaged shuttles will often have intact sections of their characteristic spiral-script writing, usually found on internal consoles or external panels.
- Absence of Hearthian Tech: They will never have any Hearthian markings, tools, or repairs. If you see wood, fabric, or modern electronics, it's not Nomai.
Unlike larger Nomai structures, these shuttles are often found in isolation or as part of debris fields, making them blend in with the environment. Keep a keen eye out for their unique silhouette and the tell-tale glow of Nomai text.
General Search Strategy
Nomai Shuttles are often found in orbits, debris fields, or partially buried on planetary surfaces. Here's a general approach to maximize your chances:
- Utilize the Signalscope: While not all shuttles emit a distinct signal, some may be near other Nomai signals (like Warp Cores or specific Nomai structures). Always scan your surroundings.
- Ship Log Clues: Pay close attention to your Ship Log. Entries about Nomai expeditions or lost vessels often hint at their last known locations or areas of interest.
- Visual Scan: When approaching a planet or moon, perform a slow, methodical visual scan from orbit. Look for anomalies in the terrain or unusual objects in space.
- Probe Launcher: For dense debris fields or areas with low visibility, launch a scout probe. Its light and camera can help illuminate and identify objects from a distance.
- Jetpack Exploration: Once you've landed or are in a debris field, use your jetpack to thoroughly explore the area. Many shuttles are partially obscured.
Known Nomai Shuttle Locations
Here are the specific locations where you can find lost Nomai Shuttles and the valuable information they contain:
1. Brittle Hollow Shuttle
- Location: This shuttle is perhaps the easiest to miss due to Brittle Hollow's destructive nature. It's located in the Hollow's Lantern volcanic debris field, orbiting Brittle Hollow.
- How to Find It:
- Launch from Timber Hearth and head towards Brittle Hollow.
- Instead of landing on Brittle Hollow itself, navigate your ship into the dense field of volcanic debris surrounding it, specifically closer to the side facing Hollow's Lantern.
- The shuttle is often tumbling among the larger volcanic rocks. It can be hard to spot against the dark background. Use your ship's headlights and the scout probe.
- Once you locate it, carefully approach and land on a stable piece of debris nearby, or use your jetpack to reach it.
- Contents: The Nomai writings inside this shuttle detail their observations of the volcanic activity of Hollow's Lantern and their attempts to understand its cycles. It provides insight into their scientific methodology and their initial fascination with the system's unique phenomena.
- Common Pitfall: The debris field is dangerous. Avoid colliding with fast-moving rocks. The shuttle itself might be rotating, making entry tricky.
2. Giant's Deep Shuttle
- Location: This shuttle is submerged deep within the currents of Giant's Deep, specifically within the "Statue Island" vortex.
- How to Find It:
- Fly to Giant's Deep.
- Locate the large, swirling vortex that leads down to the core, often found near the "Statue Island" (the island with the Nomai Statue workshop).
- You will need to use your ship to carefully navigate into this vortex. Be prepared for strong currents.
- As you descend, keep an eye out for debris. The shuttle is usually found resting on a ledge or caught in the currents deeper down, before reaching the very core. It's often partially obscured by algae or debris.
- Once found, exit your ship and use your jetpack to maneuver inside. The currents can be strong, so be patient.
- Contents: The writings here often discuss the Nomai's studies of Giant's Deep's unique ocean currents, the jellyfish, and their early attempts to understand the planet's unusual properties. It provides context for their later experiments with the Ash Twin Project.
- Common Pitfall: The strong currents of Giant's Deep can easily push your ship or character off course. Be mindful of your oxygen supply when exploring underwater.
3. Ember Twin Shuttle
- Location: This shuttle is somewhat hidden on the surface of Ember Twin, often partially buried by sand.
- How to Find It:
- Land your ship on Ember Twin.
- Head towards the High Energy Lab entrance.
- From the High Energy Lab entrance, look for a large, relatively flat sandy area. The shuttle is usually found in this general vicinity, often near a rock formation or a small dune. It's not far from the entrance to the lab.
- You may need to walk around the area, looking for its distinctive shape peeking out from the sand. The sand level changes throughout the loop, sometimes revealing it more clearly.
- Contents: The Nomai text in this shuttle often relates to their initial explorations of Ember Twin, their observations of the sand flow, and their early theories about the planet's unique geological processes. It can also contain personal logs from the Nomai who piloted it.
- Common Pitfall: The rising sand can quickly cover the shuttle, making it hard to find if you arrive too late in the loop. It's best to search early in the cycle.
4. Dark Bramble Shuttle (Optional/Advanced)
While not a "lost" shuttle in the same sense as the others, there is a Nomai shuttle tethered within Dark Bramble that offers unique insights. This one is less about finding a lost piece of debris and more about navigating a dangerous environment to reach a known Nomai location.
- Location: Inside Dark Bramble, specifically within the "Feldspar's Camp" node.
- How to Find It:
- Enter Dark Bramble.
- Navigate towards the signal of Feldspar's harmonica. This will lead you to a specific seed.
- Once inside Feldspar's node, you'll find his camp and, nearby, a Nomai shuttle tethered to the icy interior.
- Contents: This shuttle contains Nomai writings discussing their exploration of Dark Bramble, their encounters with its unique flora and fauna, and their attempts to map its impossible geometry. It's crucial for understanding the Nomai's perspective on this dangerous planet.
- Common Pitfall: Dark Bramble is extremely hazardous. Anglerfish are a constant threat. Navigate slowly and silently. Refer to our Dark Bramble Survival Guide for detailed navigation tips.
Why Find Them All?
Each Nomai Shuttle you discover contributes significantly to your Ship Log. The writings within them are not just flavor text; they often contain crucial clues, contextualize major Nomai projects (like the Ash Twin Project or the Orbital Probe Cannon), and reveal the personalities and struggles of the Nomai. Completing this collection provides a deeper appreciation for the narrative of Outer Wilds and the incredible civilization that came before you.
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