Should You Sell Relics in No Man’s Sky? A Comprehensive Guide
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The question of whether to sell relics in No Man’s Sky is a common one, especially for newer players navigating the vastness of the galaxy. The short, direct answer is: it depends. Relics, also known as Artifacts, are procedurally generated items found throughout the game, and while their primary purpose seems to be selling, there are nuanced reasons to consider other options. Let’s dive deep into the topic to help you make informed decisions about your precious finds.
Understanding Relics in No Man’s Sky
What are Relics?
Relics, or Artifacts, are unique, procedurally generated items you’ll come across in your travels across the No Man’s Sky universe. They are obtained through a variety of activities such as exploring abandoned buildings, completing missions, or sometimes simply by chance. These items are often described with intriguing lore snippets and appear in various forms, from strange, crystalline structures to ancient technological components.
The Immediate Draw: Selling
The most obvious use for relics is selling them. You can do this at Galactic Trade Terminals found at space stations or planetary trading posts, or to NPCs you encounter along your journey. The prices vary depending on the rarity of the relic and the current market conditions. Selling is a quick way to gain Units, the primary currency in the game, which can then be used to buy new ships, multi-tools, upgrades, and other essential items.
Beyond Selling: Alternative Uses
While selling might be the most straightforward option, it’s not always the most beneficial. Depending on the system you’re in, and especially if it’s a Gek-controlled system, you might want to hold on to those relics.
Increasing Faction Standing
Giving relics to NPCs of a specific race is a great way to boost your standing with that race. This is particularly useful for increasing your standing with the Gek. With higher status, you gain access to better upgrades at merchants, including potentially more powerful multi-tool upgrades or advanced ship technologies. When exploring a Gek system, these interactions can dramatically improve your experience and progression in the game.
Monolith Interactions
In Gek systems, some relics can be used when interacting with a monolith. Successfully using a relic at a monolith can reveal the location of a portal on that planet, which can be crucial for fast travel and exploration. This strategic use of relics is far more valuable than their monetary worth for many players.
The Verdict: When to Sell and When to Hold
When to Sell
- You need Units immediately: If you’re short on cash and need to purchase a specific item or ship upgrade, selling relics is a quick way to get the necessary funds.
- The relics are low value: If the relics you have found are common and don’t offer substantial monetary or other value, selling them can be a good way to clear inventory space.
- You’re not in a Gek System: If you aren’t in a Gek controlled system, there is no major need to keep the relics.
When to Hold
- You are in a Gek System: If you’re currently in a Gek system, it’s advantageous to hold onto relics for interactions with NPCs and monoliths. The potential benefits of increased standing and access to portals are often greater than the money you’d get from selling.
- You need better upgrades: When you need to increase your standing with the Gek, holding onto relics is a better strategy than selling them. Higher status unlocks access to better upgrades at merchants.
- You need a portal: If you need to find the portal on a planet within a Gek system, then holding onto the relics is key.
Other Important Considerations
What Not to Sell
While considering whether to sell relics, it’s also vital to know what not to sell in No Man’s Sky. Essential resources like Carbon, Condensed Carbon, Oxygen, Sodium, Sodium Nitrate, Copper, Salvaged Data, Navigation Data, and Salvaged Frigate Modules are best kept for crafting, base building, and ship maintenance. These materials are fundamental to your survival and progress.
Farming for Profit
If you’re looking for ways to make serious amounts of money in No Man’s Sky, creating your own farm is the most profitable way to do so. Growing valuable trade commodities such as Living Glass or Circuit Boards can net you considerable profits, much higher than selling relics.
The Truth about Geodes
While Geodes might seem like a good find, you should primarily focus on selling them, rather than opening them. Even though there is a chance of finding a Glowing Mineral, it is ultimately worth less than just selling the Geode itself.
Valuable Items
Finally, always keep in mind the most valuable items in No Man’s Sky. Currently, Somnal Dust is the most expensive resource you can obtain and is used to make items such as the Whalesong Flute.
Conclusion
In conclusion, deciding whether to sell relics in No Man’s Sky isn’t always straightforward. While selling provides quick Units, holding on to them in Gek systems can lead to long-term benefits like higher faction standing, access to better upgrades, and the discovery of planet portals. Evaluate your immediate needs, the system you’re in, and your long-term goals to make the best decision for your gameplay. Happy exploring, Traveler!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the primary uses of Relics in No Man’s Sky?
Relics, or Artifacts, can be sold at Galactic Trade Terminals or to NPCs for Units. They can also be used to increase standing with a faction or to interact with monoliths in Gek systems.
2. Should I always sell Relics for cash?
No. While selling is a quick way to get Units, using relics for faction standing or monolith interactions can be more beneficial.
3. How do I increase standing with factions using Relics?
Give relics to NPCs of the specific race you want to improve your standing with. Doing this in a Gek system is particularly helpful for gaining valuable upgrades.
4. What are the benefits of higher standing with the Gek?
Increased standing with the Gek grants you access to better upgrades at merchants, and even opens up the chance to meet with and receive gifts from the Overseer.
5. How can Relics be used at Monoliths in Gek systems?
Interacting with a monolith in a Gek system while holding a relic can reveal the location of a portal on the planet.
6. What items should I never sell in No Man’s Sky?
Avoid selling Carbon, Condensed Carbon, Oxygen, Sodium, Sodium Nitrate, Copper, Salvaged Data, Navigation Data, and Salvaged Frigate Modules. These are critical for crafting and upgrading.
7. What is the best way to make money in No Man’s Sky?
The best way to make money is by setting up a farm to produce valuable commodities like Living Glass or Circuit Boards.
8. Should I open Geodes, or just sell them?
It’s generally better to just sell Geodes rather than open them. Even though you can get a Glowing Mineral, its value is usually less than the Geode itself.
9. What is the most valuable item to sell in No Man’s Sky?
Currently, Somnal Dust is the most valuable item to sell in No Man’s Sky.
10. Where can I find relics?
Relics can be found in various places, such as abandoned buildings, through completing missions, and sometimes randomly while exploring.
11. Does the value of relics change?
Yes, the value of relics can change based on market conditions at different trading posts and space stations.
12. What is the point of Expeditions in No Man’s Sky?
Expeditions are limited-time game modes that offer new challenges, rewards, and opportunities to explore.
13. What happens after finishing the main storyline in No Man’s Sky?
Finishing the main storyline takes you to a new galaxy. You don’t lose your items or milestones.
14. What is the point of Remembrance in No Man’s Sky?
Remembrance is an exosuit technology that gives a player one more unit of core health and allows them to operate Remembrance Terminals.
15. Is it better to play No Man’s Sky alone or with others?
While No Man’s Sky can be enjoyed alone, playing with others often enhances the experience and makes it more fulfilling.