Resources and materials are the lifeblood of crafting, research, and outpost construction in Starfield. From common elements like Iron and Aluminum to rarer compounds such as Titanium and Uranium, these materials are essential for upgrading your gear, building advanced structures, and developing new technologies. Efficient resource management is key to thriving in the Settled Systems.
Gathering Resources in Starfield
Resources can be obtained through several methods:
- Mining: Using your Cutter tool on mineral deposits found on planets and moons is the primary way to gather raw materials. Different planets are rich in different resources.
- Harvesting: Flora and fauna on various planets can be harvested for organic resources.
- Salvaging: Looting defeated enemies, containers, and derelict structures often yields useful materials.
- Trading: Merchants in cities and space stations sell a wide variety of resources.
- Outposts: Constructing extractors on planets with valuable resource deposits allows for automated resource generation.
Key Resources and Their Uses
Resources are categorized by their elemental properties and are used in various crafting and research projects:
| Resource Name | Primary Element | Common Uses | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | Fe | Weapon mods, armor mods, outpost structures | Common on many planets |
| Aluminum | Al | Ship components, outpost structures, weapon mods | Common on many planets |
| Titanium | Ti | Advanced weapon mods, high-tier armor, ship parts | Found on rocky or volcanic planets |
| Uranium | U | Advanced weapon mods, high-tier armor, power generation | Found on rocky or volcanic planets |
| Helium-3 | He-3 | Ship fuel (jump drive) | Found on gas giants and some rocky planets |
| Carbon | C | Organic compounds, basic crafting, outpost structures | Common on planets with vegetation |
| Water | H2O | Organic compounds, hydration, outpost structures | Common on planets with ice or vegetation |
| Sealant | N/A (Compound) | Structural components, outpost construction | Found on various planets, often from flora |
| Antimony | Sb | Advanced weapon mods, high-tier armor | Found on specific rocky planets |
| Lead | Pb | Shielding, advanced components | Found on rocky planets |
Research and Crafting
Many advanced weapon mods, armor upgrades, and outpost modules require specific resources. The Research Projects system allows you to unlock new crafting recipes by spending resources and completing associated challenges. Prioritizing research projects that utilize the resources you commonly find will streamline your progression.
To efficiently gather resources, consider establishing outposts on planets rich in the materials you need most. Upgrade your extractors and storage capacity to maximize your yield. Always keep an eye on your inventory and prioritize gathering essential components for your current crafting and research goals.