How to Obtain Structural Materials in Starfield: A Comprehensive Guide

Structural materials are essential in Starfield for crafting and base building. You primarily acquire them by harvesting flora (plants) and fauna (animals) found on the various planets. Scan the planet’s inhabitants to determine which ones yield Structural Materials as a lootable resource, and then harvest the appropriate organisms to collect them.

Finding Structural Materials in Starfield

Scanning and Identifying Resource-Rich Organisms

The first step in acquiring Structural Materials is to thoroughly scan planets you visit. Use your scanner to analyze the flora and fauna. Once you’ve fully cataloged a plant or animal, its potential loot, including Structural Materials, will be revealed.

Harvesting Flora

If a plant yields Structural Materials, simply approach and interact with it to harvest the resource. This is a safe and easy way to gather a steady supply.

Hunting Fauna

Animals require a more aggressive approach. You’ll need to kill the creature and then harvest its corpse. Look for drops like bones or other hard parts, as these often contain Structural Materials. Keep in mind that some creatures may be dangerous, so be prepared for combat.

Best Planets for Farming Structural Materials

While many planets contain organisms that yield Structural Materials, some locations are particularly fruitful. One popular location is Piazzi 4-C in the Piazzi system. Look for trees with a ball-shaped structure on top, as these are a great source of Structural Materials.

Utilizing Outposts for Resource Gathering

Establishing outposts on resource-rich planets is an excellent way to automate the collection of Structural Materials. Choose a planet where you’ve identified abundant sources, set up an outpost, and assign crew members to manage resource extraction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Structural Materials in Starfield

1. What are Structural Materials used for in Starfield?

Structural Materials are a crucial resource used in various crafting recipes throughout Starfield. They’re essential for building and upgrading outposts, crafting equipment, and modifying weapons. Because of this, you should always have a good amount of Structural Materials available in your ship’s cargo hold.

2. Are Structural Materials considered organic resources?

Yes, Structural Materials are classified as organic resources in Starfield. This categorization may be relevant for certain crafting recipes or research projects.

3. Can I buy Structural Materials from vendors?

While you can occasionally find Structural Materials for sale at vendors, it’s generally more efficient to gather them yourself. Vendors often have limited stock, and purchasing resources can be expensive.

4. Is there a way to increase the amount of Structural Materials I get from harvesting?

Certain skills and perks can increase the amount of resources you gather from plants and animals. Invest in skills related to botany, zoology, or resource extraction to maximize your harvesting efficiency.

5. Does the type of weapon I use affect the loot I get from animals?

No, the type of weapon you use to kill an animal does not affect the loot it drops. However, using a weapon with a higher damage output can make hunting more efficient.

6. Can I build settlements in Starfield?

Yes, Starfield features a robust outpost building system that allows you to create and customize your own settlements on various planets. These outposts can be used for resource gathering, crafting, research, and as a base of operations.

7. Is there a limit to the number of outposts I can build?

There is a limit to the number of outposts you can build, but it can be increased by investing in the appropriate skills. This encourages players to strategically choose locations that are most beneficial for resource extraction and base development.

8. How do I transport Structural Materials between outposts?

You can transport Structural Materials between outposts using cargo links. These links allow you to automatically transfer resources from one outpost to another, streamlining your resource management.

9. What is the best early-game planet to find Structural Materials?

Kreet, in the Narion System, is a solid early-game planet to gather Structural Materials! Be sure to scan your surroundings thoroughly so you can discern the best spots to set up a base for your outpost.

10. Is there unlimited storage for Structural Materials in Starfield?

Yes, in the basement of the Lodge, you’ll find a storage crate and a storage box near a bunch of crafting stations. Both of these chests have unlimited storage.

11. How does Earth factor into Structural Material acquisition?

Earth in Starfield is not a very resource-rich planet. However, there are still a few remnants of the old world to be explored. For farming Structural Materials, it’s best to look at other planets and solar systems.

12. Can I automate Structural Material acquisition?

Yes, by building outposts with resource extractors, you can automate the acquisition of Structural Materials. Be sure to provide the extractors with sufficient power and storage capacity.

13. Are there any unique plants or animals that provide a particularly large amount of Structural Materials?

While specific amounts can vary, keep an eye out for larger or more complex organisms. These often yield greater quantities of Structural Materials. Also, always be on the lookout for rare or mutated flora and fauna, as they can sometimes drop unique resources.

14. Does the time of day affect the availability of Structural Materials?

The time of day in Starfield does not directly affect the availability of Structural Materials. Resources are typically available regardless of the in-game time.

15. What are some advanced strategies for farming Structural Materials?

Advanced strategies include using the scanner to identify clusters of resource-rich organisms, optimizing outpost placement for maximum resource extraction, and utilizing cargo links to efficiently transport materials between outposts. Also, engaging with the community and sharing knowledge with other players can reveal new and efficient farming locations and techniques. In addition, learning how to quickly survey a new planet can make it easier to identify a Structural Materials farm quickly.

By following these tips and strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to gather the Structural Materials you need to thrive in the vast and exciting universe of Starfield. Remember to explore, experiment, and adapt your approach to discover the most effective methods for resource acquisition.

To learn more about the intersection of gaming and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.