How to Find Monolith Portals in No Man’s Sky: A Comprehensive Guide
Finding a portal in No Man’s Sky can unlock a whole new level of exploration and adventure, allowing you to travel to distant locations using portal coordinates. These mystical gateways, however, aren’t just lying out in the open. They are typically linked to monoliths, ancient structures scattered across planetary surfaces. This article will detail exactly how you can locate these monoliths, and in turn, find the portals they guard.
Locating Monoliths: Your First Step
Using Cartographer Charts
One of the most reliable methods to find a monolith is by utilizing Cartographer charts. These can be purchased at any space station from the Cartographer. There are several types of charts available, and for the purpose of finding monoliths, you will want to acquire Alien Cartographic Data. These charts cost either Navigation Data or 15 nanites each. Once you activate the chart on a planet, it will reveal the location of an alien structure. This could be a ruin, a monolith, or other similar points of interest. Continue using the charts until you locate your target.
The Signal Scanner Method
Another efficient way to find monoliths is using your Signal Scanner. Once activated, this tool lets you search for various types of buildings and structures, including Monoliths and Ruins. Keep in mind that monoliths and ruins only appear on planetary surfaces, so focusing your search on planets is key. This method is very handy for quickly scanning your surroundings.
Interacting with Alien NPCs
Don’t underestimate the value of conversations! Talking to alien NPCs in space stations or on trading posts can sometimes lead to hints about the locations of nearby monoliths. While this method is less direct than charts or the scanner, it’s a valuable secondary option, especially when you’re already interacting with NPCs for other purposes.
Using Your Analysis Visor
While exploring, keep an eye on your surroundings with the Analysis Visor. This tool can reveal nearby points of interest, including monoliths, if they are within range. This is more of a passive method, useful while exploring planets on foot. If a monolith is close, the visor will highlight it, so always be vigilant.
Activating the Monolith: The Key to Portals
Once you’ve found a monolith, you’ll need to interact with it. Upon activation, the monolith will present you with a short puzzle or a lore sequence. Choose your responses carefully, as they can have different outcomes. After successfully navigating the interaction, the monolith will offer you the option to “Locate a Portal”. Selecting this option will use one of a specific set of items from your inventory:
- Gek Relic (if in a Gek-dominant system)
- Korvax Casing (if in a Korvax-dominant system)
- Vy’keen Dagger (if in a Vy’keen-dominant system)
These items are relatively common and can be acquired by trading, exploring, or defeating pirates, among other methods. Once you’ve given the relic to the monolith, it will mark the location of a portal on your map.
Reaching the Portal and Beyond
Once the portal’s location is marked, it’s time to fly or drive to it. These portals are generally located a fair distance from the monolith, so prepare for a journey. Upon reaching the portal, interact with it and you’ll see the interface for inputting portal coordinates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are there Portals on every planet in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, there is one portal on every planet and moon in No Man’s Sky. This consistency allows players to explore a wide range of locations by traveling through portals.
2. How do I obtain portal glyphs?
To use portals you will need to collect glyphs. These are obtained by visiting Traveller’s Graves. The graves are revealed when you encounter a “traveller” at a space station or outpost, and ask about “where they come from.” Interacting with the grave will give you a random glyph. Repeat this process 16 times to collect all the glyphs.
3. What are red, blue and green star systems?
These systems vary in the type of planets they contain. Red star systems have the highest chance for exotic planets, blue stars have an intermediate chance, and green stars have the lowest chance for such planets.
4. Can I build bases next to portals?
Yes! Building a base near a portal is a great idea, as it can act as a central hub for traveling to various other portal locations. This is a recommended practice for avid portal users.
5. How many planets are there in No Man’s Sky?
No Man’s Sky features a procedurally generated universe with over 18 quintillion planets. This vast number ensures a continuous stream of new and unique environments for players to discover.
6. How many portal combinations are possible?
There are 16 glyphs, which combine in sets of 12 to form portal addresses, leading to approximately 1,820 possible combinations.
7. How many starships can I own?
A player can own up to twelve starships. However, only six will be located in the freighter hangar at any time, with the others stored and accessible via the quick menu.
8. How can I find “weird” planets?
For better chances of finding exotic planets, explore red star systems. Some “Dead” biomes were converted and now exist in a wider range of systems, so they’re also good places to search.
9. What are planetary settlements and how can I find them?
Planetary Settlements are small towns with alien NPC villagers that you can manage as Overseer. They can be found using Settlement Charts from the space station cartographer.
10. How do I find abandoned buildings?
Abandoned Buildings can be located on planetary surfaces with the help of a Beacon. They can also be found by talking to aliens in space stations or by using your Analysis Visor nearby.
11. How much of No Man’s Sky has been discovered?
Despite the enormous size of the game, it’s estimated that less than 1/1,000,000,000 of 1% has been discovered. The scale of the universe is genuinely vast and mostly unexplored.
12. What happens if I interact with Apollo?
Locating and interacting with Apollo is a step within the main game storyline. Use your ship’s scanner to find a Holo-Terminus to connect with him. He will then provide you with quests that involve the portal system.
13. What is the Ancient Portal?
The Ancient Portal is a special object found in the Magic Area and can be unlocked by achieving a specific level with the Plant and Trash Can already unlocked.
14. Does No Man’s Sky have an endless map?
No, the map is not truly infinite, but it is extremely large, with over 18 quintillion planets available to explore.
15. How long would it take to see every planet in No Man’s Sky?
At the rate of one visit per second, it would take approximately 584 million years to explore all the planets in No Man’s Sky.
Conclusion
Finding and using monolith portals is a core component of No Man’s Sky, opening up vast possibilities for exploration and discovery. By following the methods and information detailed in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the universe and unlock its many secrets. Whether you prefer to use cartographer charts, your signal scanner, or tips from alien NPCs, the portals await your journey through the cosmos. Happy exploring!