Understanding the No Man’s Sky planetary chart is crucial for any explorer venturing into the vast, procedurally generated universe. These charts, often traded for at a Cartographer’s Guild space station, provide vital locations for finding ancient ruins and crash sites containing precious resources. The analysis visor tool is essential for efficiently interpreting the data represented within these charts, enabling players to pinpoint the coordinates of hidden secrets. Effectively utilizing these charts ultimately hinges on understanding the navigational systems offered by the Starship Navigation Computer, allowing players to travel across galaxies and benefit from the treasures on offer from the No Man’s Sky planetary chart.
Image taken from the YouTube channel GenX Gamer , from the video titled No Mans Sky Using Planetary Charts .
Decoding the No Man’s Sky Planetary Chart: Your Guide to Hidden Riches
This guide will walk you through understanding and effectively using the Planetary Chart in No Man’s Sky. We’ll explain what they are, how to find them, and most importantly, how to use them to uncover valuable locations and secrets across the vast universe. Let’s delve into the world of no man’s sky planetary chart mastery.
What are No Man’s Sky Planetary Charts?
Planetary Charts are items you can use to pinpoint specific types of locations on the current planet you are on. Think of them as specialized maps, each programmed to find a certain category of point of interest. Unlike simply flying around and hoping to stumble upon something interesting, Planetary Charts offer a targeted approach to exploration, saving you time and fuel.
Types of Planetary Charts
There are four primary types of Planetary Charts, each geared toward a different category of location:
- Commercial Cartographic Data: Locates trade outposts, minor settlements, and other places where you can buy, sell, and trade goods.
- Distress Signal Cartographic Data: Directs you to crashed freighters, abandoned buildings, and sometimes even crashed starships. Beware; these locations often have dangers lurking.
- Secure Site Cartographic Data: Points to secure locations such as depots, manufacturing facilities, and supply caches. These sites often contain valuable resources and blueprints, but may be guarded.
- Inhabited Outpost Cartographic Data: Reveals the location of inhabited buildings, outposts, and shelters, potentially offering interactions with NPCs, new missions, or access to save points.
How to Obtain Planetary Charts
Getting your hands on these valuable tools is a straightforward process.
- Locate a Cartographer: Head to the Space Station in any star system. Look for the Cartographer NPC, usually located near the teleporter and other vendor booths.
- Purchase Charts: Interact with the Cartographer. They will offer the four types of Planetary Charts listed above. You can purchase them using Nanites. The cost is typically a few dozen Nanites per chart.
- Stacking Charts (Optional): You can buy multiple charts of the same type and stack them in your inventory to use them consecutively. This allows for efficient scanning if you are targeting many locations of a particular type.
Alternative Methods for Obtaining Charts
While purchasing from the Cartographer is the most reliable method, other methods exist:
- Mission Rewards: Completing certain missions for NPCs, especially those found at Space Stations or in settlements, can sometimes reward you with Planetary Charts.
- Salvaged Data Caches: Opening these caches (often found using the Analysis Visor) can occasionally yield Planetary Charts.
- Exotic Planets: Some Exotic planets may contain objects that give you charts upon interaction, though this is a much rarer occurence.
Using Planetary Charts Effectively
Now that you have your no man’s sky planetary chart, let’s put them to use.
- Select the Chart: Open your inventory and select the Planetary Chart you wish to use.
- Activate the Chart: Select the "Use" option. This will consume the chart.
- Follow the Signal: The chart will reveal a marker on your planetary map, indicating the location of the targeted type of site.
- Travel to the Marker: Fly or drive your vehicle towards the marker. Be prepared for any potential hazards at the location.
- Repeat: Purchase and use more charts to continue exploring the planet and discovering new locations.
Tips for Optimizing Your Chart Usage
- Target Specific Needs: Think about what you need. Low on resources? Focus on Secure Site Charts. Looking for crashed freighters? Distress Signal Charts are your go-to.
- Save Fuel: Using a chart provides direction, saving you aimless flight. Ensure your starship or exocraft are adequately fueled before embarking on your charted journey.
- Be Prepared for Danger: Distress Signals, in particular, often lead to locations with hostile creatures or hazardous conditions. Pack your weapons and protective gear.
- Check Signal Interference: If a chart doesn’t immediately reveal a marker, try moving a short distance and activating it again. Signal interference from terrain or other structures can sometimes occur.
- Sell what you find: Remember to take advantage of any trading terminals that you discover using the Commercial Charts to efficiently sell any items you may not have use for.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here’s how to tackle common problems related to no man’s sky planetary chart usage:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| No marker appears after using the chart | Move a short distance and try again. Signal interference may be the cause. If still no marker, it’s possible there are no suitable locations within the planet’s procedural generation. |
| Marker leads to an empty/already looted site | This can happen, especially with frequently used charts. Looted sites respawn eventually, so you can revisit them later. |
| Too many similar locations close together | After visiting a location, use your scanner (Analysis Visor) to identify and avoid previously visited spots in the immediate area. |
FAQs: No Man’s Sky Planetary Charts and Hidden Secrets
Planetary charts in No Man’s Sky can seem a little mysterious. Here are some common questions to help you understand how to best utilize them for uncovering those hidden planetary secrets.
What are No Man’s Sky planetary charts used for?
Planetary charts in No Man’s Sky are tools to locate specific points of interest on a planet’s surface. Each chart type directs you to a particular kind of location, such as ancient ruins, abandoned buildings, or distress signals.
How do I obtain planetary charts?
You can buy planetary charts from the Cartographer at any space station. They cost Navigation Data, which you can find at planetary structures and minor settlements. You can also sometimes obtain them as mission rewards.
What are the different types of planetary charts?
There are several types of planetary charts, each leading to a distinct type of location. For example, "Distress Signal" charts lead to crashed starships or settlements in need of assistance, while "Ancient Site" charts point to ruins and knowledge stones. Knowing what you’re looking for is key to utilizing the no man’s sky planetary chart effectively.
Can I reuse a planetary chart?
Each planetary chart can only be used once to reveal a single location. After use, the chart disappears from your inventory. You will need to purchase or find more to continue searching with the no man’s sky planetary chart system.
Alright, travelers, you’re now armed with the knowledge to conquer those No Man’s Sky planetary charts. Go out there, explore, and find some amazing loot! Happy charting!