Surveying planets in Starfield is not just about wandering aimlessly on a foreign land. It’s a structured activity that requires a keen eye and a strategic approach. When you pull up your scanner in the game, you’ll notice a list of survey targets on the left side of the screen. This list is your roadmap. It tells you about the different species you need to scan and the unique resources you need to discover. While species might require multiple scans to gather complete data, resources are a one-time scan affair.
Tips To Get 100% Survey Data For Terrestrial Planets
Beyond species and resources, there’s another layer to the surveying puzzle: Planet Features. These are represented by grayed-out circles with central question marks. Think of them as the hidden gems of a planet. They could be anything from a unique point of interest to an intriguing geological feature. To uncover these mysteries, you need to be on the lookout for “point of interest” and “seismic activity” markers. Sometimes, one scan isn’t enough. You might need to revisit these features to gather all the data.
At times, certain plants like fauna and flora and animals are not easy to find. To solve this, ensure you’ve received a “Biome Finished” alert in your Survey Details. If this appears, you’ll likely need to board your spacecraft and explore a different biome!
Surveying Biomes
Starfield’s planets are diverse, and so are their biomes. If your scanner displays a “Biome Complete” notification, it’s a sign that you need to move on and explore a new biome. But how do you ensure you’re not missing out on any species? A pro tip is to use elevated locations, like hills or tall structures. Surveying from a height gives you a bird’s eye view, making it easier to spot elusive species. Remember, some species are exclusive to certain “sub-biomes”, so keep an eye out for those.
Why You Should Keep Your Scanner Active?
Your scanner is your best friend in this endeavor. Always have it up and running. It color-codes subjects for you:
- Blue Outline: Yet to be scanned.
- Blue Color: Scanned but not fully surveyed.
- Green: Completely surveyed.
And here’s a golden piece of advice: Don’t ignore caves and water bodies. Some species are exclusive to these environments, and you might spend hours searching for them on land when they’re hiding below the surface.
Reaping the Rewards of Your Hard Work
Once you’ve meticulously surveyed a planet, a banner on your scanner will proudly declare your achievement of 100% completion. But the universe of Starfield has more to offer. Gas giants, which don’t have a terrestrial surface, can still be scanned from orbit, adding to your data collection.
And now, the most exciting part: Cashing in on your efforts. Your survey data holds immense value. You can find it neatly cataloged in the “NOTES” section of your inventory. And if you’re wondering where to sell this data, head straight to The Eye in orbit around Jemison. Here, in the settlement of New Atlantis, you’ll meet Vladimir. He’s your go-to person for selling survey data. But a word of caution: Ensure Vladimir has enough credits before selling. If he’s running low, wait for about 48 in-game hours for him to restock.