Starfield Guide: Master Outpost Resource Extraction for Ultimate Self-Sufficiency

Introduction: Forge Your Resource Empire in Starfield

In the vast expanse of Starfield, resources are the cornerstone of your journey. They fuel crafting, ship upgrades, research, and the construction of your own settlements. While vendors offer materials, true independence and power come from establishing your own network of resource outposts. This guide will teach you how to efficiently extract, store, and transport materials, transforming you from a scavenger into a resource baron.

Step 1: Prospecting - Surveying and Selecting Prime Outpost Locations

Intelligent outpost placement begins long before you land. Scan planets from orbit (using your ship's scanner) to reveal their primary resources. Look for celestial bodies boasting multiple valuable materials – Iron (Fe), Aluminum (Al), Copper (Cu), Helium-3 (He-3), Tungsten (W), and rarer elements are key targets. Ideal locations have overlapping resource veins, minimizing the number of outposts needed for complex crafting recipes.

Once you've identified a promising planet, land near potential resource deposits. Activate your Hand Scanner (default 'F' key on PC, 'LB' on Controller) and look for coloured patches on the ground indicating resource concentrations. Walk around the area. When placing your Outpost Beacon, a highlighted circle will show the buildable area; ensure the desired resource veins are fully within this circle for optimal extractor placement.

Step 2: Construction - Building Your Extraction Engine

With your Outpost Beacon deployed, access the build menu. Start with essentials: appropriate Resource Extractors (e.g., 'Extractor - Iron') placed directly onto the corresponding resource vein. You'll also need a Power Source (Solar Arrays are great in sunlight, Wind Turbines work in atmospheres, Fueled Generators consume Helium-3 but work anywhere) and Storage Containers (Solid, Liquid, Gas types depending on the resource).

Connect components using Output Links. Link an extractor's output to a storage container's input. Multiple containers can be chained together (output of one to input of the next) to dramatically increase capacity. Monitor your outpost's power generation versus consumption in the build menu – insufficient power halts all operations.

Step 3: Automation - Creating Your Interstellar Supply Chain

Isolated outposts are useful, but a network is powerful. Use Cargo Links to move resources automatically. There are two types:

• **Cargo Link (Standard):** Transfers resources between two outposts within the *same* star system. Requires no fuel.
• **Cargo Link - Inter-System:** Transfers resources between outposts in *different* star systems. Crucially, the *sending* outpost's Inter-System Cargo Link platform *requires Helium-3* as fuel. Ensure a steady He-3 supply to your exporting outposts.

Build the appropriate Cargo Link platform at both the sending and receiving outposts. Interact with the console on each platform to link them and designate the specific resource(s) to transfer. Example: Outpost Alpha on Jemison mines Iron and Aluminum, sending both via Inter-System link to Outpost Beta on Akila, which mines Tungsten and uses the imported Fe and Al to craft components.

Step 4: Optimization - Skills, Research, and Crew

Maximize your outpost efficiency by investing in relevant skills and research:

1. **Science Skills:** 'Geology' (get more resources per extraction cycle), 'Scanning' (detect rarer resources from orbit/scanner), 'Outpost Engineering' (unlock better modules, increases construction limits), 'Planetary Habitation' (build on planets with harsher environments).
2. **Social Skills:** 'Outpost Management' (allows more cargo links, more crew assignments).
3. **Research:** Use the Research Laboratory (built at your outpost) to unlock advanced extractor models, power sources, storage, Habs, and defensive turrets.

Assigning Crew members (or robots) with relevant skills (like Outpost Engineering) to an outpost via the Crew Roster menu can provide passive bonuses to production or reduce operational requirements.

Advanced Outpost Strategies & Tips

• **Storage Buffering:** Link multiple extractors of the *same type* to a single large storage container first, then link that container to your Cargo Link or main storage chain. This helps smooth out supply.
• **Dedicated Hubs:** Designate a central outpost (ideally with good build limits and power options) as your manufacturing or storage hub. Feed resources from multiple extraction sites into this central location.
• **Helium-3 Outposts:** Set up dedicated outposts solely for extracting Helium-3 to fuel your Inter-System Cargo Link network.
• **Verticality:** Build upwards! Stack Habs and storage containers vertically to save horizontal space within the build radius.
• **Clear Naming Convention:** Name your outposts logically (e.g., "Jemison - Fe/Al", "Akila - He3 Farm") for easy management in menus.

Troubleshooting Common Outpost Issues

Running into problems? Check these common fixes:

• **Extractor Not Working:** Verify it's placed correctly *on* the resource vein (visible with scanner), has sufficient power, and its output link isn't blocked or leading to a full container.
• **Cargo Link Inactive:** Ensure *both* ends are powered, linked correctly via their consoles, and the resource assignment is correct. For Inter-System links, double-check the *sending* outpost has Helium-3 available and assigned to the link platform.
• **Insufficient Power:** Build more generators/solar/wind turbines. Remember power needs fluctuate (e.g., nighttime for solar).
• **Outpost Under Attack:** Build defensive turrets (found under the 'Defenses' build tab). Ensure they have power. Higher threat levels require more/better turrets.
• **Build Limit Reached:** Rank up 'Outpost Engineering' or potentially remove unnecessary structures. Some large structures count heavily against the limit.
• **Can't Place Module:** Check for uneven terrain or obstructions. Sometimes rotating the module or slightly shifting position helps.