How to Get Exocraft Upgrades in No Man’s Sky: A Comprehensive Guide

The vast universe of No Man’s Sky (NMS) is best explored on the ground with the help of powerful Exocrafts. These vehicles, ranging from speedy rovers to hulking mechs, allow players to traverse diverse landscapes with ease. Enhancing your Exocraft with upgrades is crucial for navigating challenging terrains and engaging in combat more effectively. But how exactly do you obtain these upgrades? This guide will delve deep into the process, providing a comprehensive understanding of how to enhance your Exocraft fleet in No Man’s Sky.

Securing Exocraft Blueprints and Upgrades

The primary ways to acquire Exocraft upgrades are:

1. Iteration: Perses on the Space Anomaly: Iteration Perses, located on the Space Anomaly, is a key source for Exocraft blueprints. This includes blueprints for the various Exocraft themselves (Roamer, Colossus, Nomad, Pilgrim, Minotaur, and Nautilon) and many of their associated technologies and upgrades.
2. Exocraft Technician: Once you have established a base and recruited the necessary specialists, hiring an Exocraft Technician allows you to gain access to further upgrades. You’ll need to build an Exocraft Terminal in your base or freighter and complete missions for this NPC to unlock blueprints.
3. Space Station Exocraft Technology Merchant: Each space station has a Exocraft Technology Merchant, which offers a range of pre-built upgrade modules. These modules can be installed directly into your Exocraft, improving various aspects such as speed, handling, or combat capabilities.

Detailed Steps to Acquire Exocraft Upgrades

• Accessing the Space Anomaly: The Space Anomaly is a large, central hub accessible via a pulse drive and located in each solar system. Here, you can interact with other players, and most importantly, meet Iteration: Perses who sells crucial Exocraft blueprints.
• Hiring an Exocraft Technician: Before being able to hire the Technician, you will need to have built a Habitable Base, and have already hired an Overseer, Scientist, Armourer, and Farmer as part of the base building progression. Only then will you be able to progress through the steps required to unlock the Exocraft Terminal blueprint. You can hire an Exocraft Technician at your base after building an Exocraft Terminal. Completing their missions will unlock useful blueprints.
• Space Station Purchases: Visit the Exocraft Technology Merchant on any space station to purchase upgrade modules with Nanites. These modules, ranging in quality (C, B, A, S-class), will significantly improve your Exocraft’s performance.

Understanding Upgrade Types

Exocraft upgrades can be broadly categorized into a few types:

• Performance Upgrades: These focus on improving speed, handling, and boost capabilities.
• Defense Upgrades: Enhance durability, shielding, and resistance to environmental hazards.
• Utility Upgrades: These upgrades focus on improving features, such as terrain manipulation, scanning ranges, and radar capabilities.
• Combat Upgrades: Augment offensive capabilities, such as weapon damage and firing rates.

Key Exocraft Upgrade Considerations

While hunting for upgrades, keep these points in mind:

• Blueprints vs. Modules: Blueprints need to be crafted using resources, while modules can be directly installed for immediate improvements.
• Upgrade Classes: The class of an upgrade (C, B, A, S) determines its effectiveness, with S-class providing the most significant boosts.
• Synergistic Effects: Some upgrades work better together; experiment to find the most efficient configurations.
• Exocraft-Specific Upgrades: Each Exocraft type has unique upgrades, tailored to its strengths and purpose. For example, the Minotaur upgrades are specifically designed for combat and exploration in its mech-like form.
• Technology Slot Limitations: Be mindful that Exocraft upgrades must be placed in the available technology slots in your exocraft. There is a finite amount of inventory space for your exocraft which is not upgradable, so choose your technologies wisely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding Exocraft upgrades, which further solidify your understanding and address common player queries.

1. Can you upgrade Exocraft slots?

No, Exocrafts have a set amount of inventory space. You cannot upgrade the number of slots available. The only way to gain access to more slots is by acquiring a new or different Exocraft.

2. Where can I find the Exocraft Technician?

The Exocraft Technician can be hired at your base after you have built an Exocraft Terminal. The terminal will only become available once you have hired an Overseer, Scientist, Armourer, and Farmer and have progressed their quest lines.

3. What is the best Exocraft for combat?

The Minotaur is generally considered the best Exocraft for combat, thanks to its powerful weaponry and durable chassis, and the ability to equip a variety of specific combat-based upgrades.

4. How do I get the Minotaur upgrades?

Minotaur upgrades can be obtained from Iteration: Perses on the Space Anomaly (blueprints) and from Exocraft Technology Merchants at space stations (upgrade modules).

5. Can the Minotaur go underwater?

Yes, the Minotaur is amphibious and can navigate underwater, combat enemies, and even mine resources on the ocean floor.

6. What is the fastest Exocraft in No Man’s Sky?

The Pilgrim is the fastest Exocraft on land, particularly when fully upgraded, making it ideal for quick traversal of large distances.

7. Where can I purchase Exocraft Geobays?

Geobay blueprints for the Nomad, Roamer, Colossus, and Pilgrim can be purchased from the Construction Research Terminal on the Space Anomaly. The Minotaur and Nautilon do not have Geobays.

8. Can you summon your Exocraft on your Freighter?

Yes, construction allows you to summon any owned Exocraft while in the same system as your freighter.

9. How do I get the Nomad Exocraft?

You can purchase the Nomad Geobay Blueprint from the Construction Research Terminal on the Space Anomaly using Salvaged Data. Alternatively, you can unlock the blueprint by completing missions for your Exocraft Technician.

10. Is there an Exocraft that can go underwater?

Yes, the Nautilon is a submersible Exocraft designed for underwater exploration, combat, and mining. The Minotaur is also amphibious.

11. Can I use Exocraft for mining?

Yes, all Exocraft can be used for mining resources. Some, like the Colossus, are particularly suited for resource gathering due to their inventory capacity. The Minotaur has specialized mining upgrades.

12. What are some of the best Exocraft upgrades?

Some of the best upgrades include boost modules for speed, shield modules for defense, and specialized weapon upgrades for combat. Each Exocraft will have slightly different upgrades available.

13. How do I find S-class Exocraft upgrades?

S-class upgrades are typically found at the Exocraft Technology Merchants in Space Stations, or from exploring derelict freighters. They can be expensive, and may take a few different iterations to get the module you’re looking for.

14. Are there any special upgrades for the Minotaur AI?

Yes, the Minotaur AI allows the Exocraft to act autonomously. Upgrades enhance its combat, mining, and traversal capabilities when not directly controlled by the player.

15. What do the various Exocraft upgrades cost?

The cost for blueprints and modules depends on the upgrade’s class and complexity. Blueprints typically require crafting resources, while modules cost Nanites at space station vendors. Space anomaly upgrades cost a range of nanites and salvaged data.

By mastering the art of obtaining and utilizing Exocraft upgrades, you can fully realize the potential of these versatile vehicles, enabling you to explore the universe of No Man’s Sky with unmatched freedom and efficiency. This knowledge equips you to conquer any terrain, engage any enemy, and ultimately, become a true master of planetary exploration.