Save & Chart: Unlocking Navigation Data and More in No Man’s Sky

In the vast, procedurally generated universe of No Man’s Sky, exploration is paramount. One of the key mechanics tied to this exploration is the “Save & Chart” function, often encountered at planetary structures. But what exactly does it do? In short, the “Save & Chart” interaction generates a Navigation Data item when you interact with it at specific locations, exactly one time per site. This seemingly small action is a critical aspect of gameplay, as Navigation Data is a valuable resource that ties into various gameplay loops. This single action is a checkpoint, and not tied to the main save of the game.

Beyond simply generating an item, “Save & Chart” essentially marks the location as discovered, ensuring you can’t repeatedly harvest Navigation Data from the same spot, emphasizing the need to explore new locations. It acts as a minor checkpoint, and is not associated with the primary save function of the game. Understanding this function is crucial for efficiently gathering resources and progressing through the game.

How to Find “Save & Chart” Locations

These interactions are typically found at various planetary structures and buildings, such as:

• Outposts: Small structures that are often the first places you find on a planet’s surface.
• Abandoned Buildings: Derelict structures often found with a spooky atmosphere.
• Minor Settlements: More substantial complexes scattered around the planets.

These structures often have a small pedestal or interaction point where the “Save & Chart” prompt appears. Simply approach this point and interact, usually by pressing ‘E’ on PC, ‘X’ on PlayStation, or ‘A’ on Xbox, will both save the data and create the data.

The Importance of Navigation Data

The reason “Save & Chart” is important is because of the utility of Navigation Data. It’s not just a sellable item. While you can sell it for 1000 Units each, the primary purpose of Navigation Data is to exchange it with a Cartographer on a Space Station in exchange for settlement locations and star charts. These charts can lead to other points of interest, making navigation data a key for exploration.

Specifically:

• Star Charts: These provide paths to trading outposts, abandoned buildings, monoliths, or distress signals.
• Settlement Maps: These reveal locations of settlements for your management.

Essentially, “Save & Chart” locations act as reliable and repeatable points of collection of this resource.

FAQs: Mastering “Save & Chart” and Navigation Data

Here are 15 frequently asked questions, to help you further understand the save & chart and navigation data in No Man’s Sky.

1. Can I repeatedly “Save & Chart” at the same location?

No, the “Save & Chart” interaction at a specific location will only yield Navigation Data once. After you collect the Navigation Data, you cannot do it again at that particular site. This emphasizes the need to explore and find new locations.

2. How do I find more “Save & Chart” locations?

“Save & Chart” locations are tied to planet structures, such as outposts, minor settlements, and abandoned buildings. Exploring the surfaces of different planets is the best way to find new spots. You can also use your ship’s scanner to detect points of interest, which often lead to these locations.

3. Is Navigation Data valuable for trading?

While you can sell Navigation Data for 1000 Units, it’s generally not the most efficient way to make money. Its true value lies in the ability to use it to purchase star charts and settlement maps from a Cartographer at the space station, which leads to much greater rewards.

4. Where can I find a Cartographer?

Cartographers are found on space stations. Look for the NPC on the right side when you enter a station. They are usually located near the teleporter.

5. What are Star Charts used for?

Star Charts pinpoint specific types of locations in the game: trading outposts, abandoned buildings, monoliths, and distress signals. These locations lead to various activities, resources, and narrative elements in the game.

6. What are Settlement Maps used for?

Settlement Maps reveal the location of planets that can be settled.

7. Does “Save & Chart” do anything besides give Navigation Data?

The primary purpose of “Save & Chart” is to generate Navigation Data and mark the location as discovered. It does not act as a primary save point.

8. How does “Save & Chart” interact with the main save?

The “Save & Chart” interaction is a completely separate checkpoint and is not associated with the main game save. Your game save is updated when you leave your ship.

9. How many Navigation Data items can I stack?

The stacking limit for Navigation Data is 9,999 in a single inventory slot.

10. Can I use Navigation Data for anything else?

Yes. You can also use Navigation Data on a Signal Booster to locate points of interest, such as ancient plaques.

11. Are there any alternatives to Navigation Data?

There are a few alternative methods for finding locations, such as using the economy scanner on your ship or the analysis visor to locate structures.

12. How do I use a Signal Booster?

The Signal Booster is a deployable technology that you can build from your base-building menu. Interacting with it after deploying, provides various options for seeking different types of structures and it can use navigation data to assist you.

13. Is it worth using “Save & Chart” early in the game?

Yes, absolutely. Gathering Navigation Data early on is essential for finding star charts that unlock various exploration options and is one of the main methods to locate settlements for claiming in the game.

14. What should I do if I run out of Navigation Data?

Explore new locations or make the most use of the signal booster. There are more sources of navigation data and those sources tend to be abundant in the game.

15. Are “Save & Chart” locations the same in multiplayer?

Yes. “Save & Chart” locations and the mechanics of collecting Navigation Data are identical in single-player and multiplayer. If another player has saved at a location, the interaction point will not have the save and chart prompt.

Conclusion

The “Save & Chart” function in No Man’s Sky may seem minor at first glance, but it is a cornerstone of exploration. By understanding how to use this system to gather Navigation Data, players unlock crucial options for seeking planets, settlement options and locating other points of interest. Remember, the universe is vast, and every interaction like “Save & Chart” brings you closer to uncovering its secrets. So, get out there, explore, chart your course, and enjoy the limitless adventure that No Man’s Sky has to offer.