Observing and scanning planets in Starfield allows players to study and obtain resources that they can use for a variety of purposes. Whether it’s engaging in some farming activities or fully scanning a system for data, planetary resources play a vital role in the Settled Systems and for the Spacefarer. Many of these resources can be harvested with a Cutter, though problems arise when it comes to gathering data from gases in Starfield.
Usually emitting from toxic vents, gaseous resources are found throughout the game by visiting planets and moons with one or more assets to study. These are dangerous to approach, however, despite the Spacefarer being equipped with proper space gear for protection. While they can freely scan planets for resources, they won’t be able to do so with the gaseous assets that may reside on a planet. Not even a Cutter is cut out for the task of extracting gases, so how can the player collect them? The process is simple, but it may all come at a cost for those who looking to scan gaseous resources in Starfield.
How to Get Gaseous Resources
Starfield players can collect gases from planets by walking up to the gaseous resource and interacting with it. Much like the same process when it comes to looting, the player will collect the gas, which is then automatically added to their inventory. The Cutter won’t extract any gases from the vents, nor will it obtain any resources from non-cancerous resources that aren’t affected by the Cutter’s firepower. You will need to walk up to them if you wish to scan and harvest them.
As this might seem significantly easy to do, the toxic vents are capable of hurting the player with environmental damage. The onset of the environmental damage is quite quick, with only a couple of seconds for damage to take effect. And the oncoming damage isn’t just a pinch or a warning, as coming into contact with gaseous vents can warrant immediate damage. Medical items, proper rest, and/or a doctor’s visit are required remedies to cure oneself of intense environmental impairment.
How to Scan for Gases
While it’s clear that running up and grabbing the resources in question is the way to approach the situation, players are at a high risk of contracting something deadly for themselves. Even if they’re swift, the planetary vents possess enough force to make their mark. Of course, players can always use health items to cure their afflictions, though this puts them in jeopardy of catching an addiction.
There’s a fix to all of this, however. The Geology Skill gives players the option to scan inorganic resources from a distance. Across its four ranks, Geology allows the players to continuously harvest inorganic resources from surface objects, avoiding the need to manually interact with toxic vents to acquire gases. It’s a Novice skill under the Science tree, which makes it easily accessible for any player to acquire.
Geology Skill Ranks
The following list provides the ranks and necessary challenges that players need to complete to fully attain the Geology Skill:
- Rank 1 – Harvest inorganic resources from 20 sources. Perks: Get more common and uncommon inorganic resources from surface objects.
- Rank 2 – Harvest inorganic resources from 50 sources. Perks: Get more rare inorganic resources from surface objects.
- Rank 3 – Harvest inorganic resources from 100 sources. Perks: Get more exotic inorganic resources from surface objects.
- Rank 4 – Challenge Complete. Perks: Occasionally harvest additional rarer resources from surface objects.
In addition to the Geology Skill, acquiring Surveying from the same Science skill tree is an added bonus for the player’s scanner. To aid in their explorative efforts, the Surveying Skill offers optional levels of zoom for the scanner if they continuously study fauna, flora, and resources. It’s also a Novice skill, so consider attaining this one if you’re planning on committing to the duties of the League of Independent Settlers (LIST).
Expert Tip
As an added bonus, the Environmental Conditioning Skill under the Physical tree can help the player by increasing resistance to harsh environmental conditions whenever they visit a dangerous planet. This includes resistance to Airborne, Corrosive, Radiation, and Thermal environmental damage. The Settled Systems is home to a wide variety of perilous worlds where players must tread carefully, so consider looking into this particular skill if you’re planning on collecting gases.
With your newly acquired inorganic resources, head over to your crafting stations to see what you can assemble. Establishing an Outpost can help with resource extraction if you have the right materials for the task. Alternatively, you can always sell gases if you’re looking to make a few extra Credits in Starfield.
