Unearthing Galactic Riches: What’s the Best Thing to Mine in Starfield?

The vast expanse of Starfield’s galaxy offers an almost overwhelming array of resources to exploit. While the allure of rare minerals and precious metals is strong, the single best resource to mine across your Starfield adventure is undoubtedly Aluminum (Al). It’s not about the highest selling price, but its ubiquitous use in crafting and base building which is the most profitable aspect. In fact, you will want to setup a mining outpost for aluminum above anything else!

Why Aluminum Reigns Supreme

Aluminum isn’t the rarest or most expensive resource in Starfield, but its sheer utility makes it invaluable. Here’s why it tops the list:

• Crafting Cornerstone: Aluminum is a critical component in countless crafting recipes, from weapon modifications and armor upgrades to essential components for outpost construction. You’ll find yourself constantly needing it, regardless of your playstyle.
• Outpost Foundation: Building a thriving outpost network is essential for resource generation, research, and crafting. Aluminum is a primary material used in habitat construction, power generation, and resource extractors.
• Lightweight Advantage: As noted in the provided document, Aluminum is lightweight. In a game where inventory management is critical, the fact that Aluminum is lightweight is a huge advantage.
• Ubiquitous Availability: While some resources are locked behind specific biomes or planets, Aluminum can be found on hundreds of planets and moons. This makes it easily accessible early in the game and throughout your travels.
• Avoid Overspending on Common Resources: You will have to purchase resources throughout the game. Because Aluminum can be found on so many planets, it is best to save your credits and farm this resource as opposed to buying it from vendors.

Beyond Aluminum: Essential Resources to Prioritize

While Aluminum is king, a savvy Starfield player understands the importance of a well-rounded resource gathering strategy. Here are other key resources to keep an eye on:

• Iron (Fe): Another common resource, Iron is almost as crucial as Aluminum, especially for early-game crafting and outpost construction. It’s readily available and indispensable.
• Tungsten (W): As the provided information suggests, Tungsten is also essential. More rare than Aluminum and Iron, Tungsten is vital for higher-tier weapon and armor upgrades, as well as advanced outpost structures.
• Titanium (Ti): Important for crafting and higher tier outpost upgrades.
• Copper (Cu): Essential for electrical components and various crafting recipes, Copper is easily found and used throughout the game.

Mining Strategies for Maximum Efficiency

Mastering Starfield’s mining mechanics is crucial for maximizing resource acquisition. Here are a few tips:

• The Cutter is Your Friend: Invest in a good cutter. The Heller’s Cutter, with its bonus against robots, can be a powerful tool, especially early on. Remember to hold both left and right mouse buttons to increase power.
• Scanning is Key: Before landing on a planet, scan it from orbit to identify resource deposits. Look for planets with multiple resource types to maximize your mining efficiency.
• Outpost Automation: Once you’ve established a presence on a resource-rich planet, build automated extractors to passively generate resources. Storage containers and cargo links can further streamline your supply chain.
• Skill Investment: Invest in skills like Geology and Surveying to improve your ability to identify rare resources and locate optimal mining sites. The Commerce skill helps you buy and sell at better rates.
• Know Your Planets: Different planets are abundant in different resources. Procyon III is mentioned as a top spot for Copper, while Kreet offers Iron, Silver, and Lead. The Cheyenne, Porrima, and Charybdis Systems are great to find Gold. Explore and map out resource-rich locations!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mining in Starfield

Here are some common questions about mining in Starfield:

1. What is the most valuable resource to sell in Starfield? While prices fluctuate, rare and exotic resources like Europium and certain gases generally fetch the highest prices at vendors.

2. How do I find rare resources in Starfield? Upgrade your scanning skills, explore planets with extreme biomes (like frozen or volcanic worlds), and look for planets with multiple resource indicators during planetary scans.

3. Is it better to buy or mine resources in Starfield? Mining is generally more cost-effective, especially for common resources like Aluminum and Iron. Purchasing is useful for acquiring small quantities of rare materials when needed.

4. How do I improve my mining speed in Starfield? Using the cutter, hold down left click and right click to get a stronger beam. You can also improve you Mining Speed through character skills.

5. What are the best skills for mining in Starfield? Geology, Surveying, and skills that improve your carrying capacity are invaluable for efficient mining.

6. How do I automate resource gathering in Starfield? Build resource extractors at your outposts and link them to storage containers. Use cargo links to transport resources between outposts.

7. What is the best planet to build an outpost for mining? Look for planets with multiple resources, a stable environment, and access to water.

8. Can I mine asteroids in Starfield? No, the player cannot mine asteroids in Starfield.

9. How do I get rid of excess resources in Starfield? Sell them to vendors at spaceports or trade authority kiosks. Use the Commerce skill to improve your selling prices.

10. What should I do with Alkanes? According to the provided text, Alkanes are useful in the early game stages.

11. Where do I find a good cutter early in the game? The Heller’s Cutter is mentioned in the provided document. It is 20% more powerful against robots.

12. What is the best way to make money in Starfield besides mining? The article mentions looting everything, doing quick planetary scans and selling them, completing bounty missions, and selling stolen ships.

13. Is Gold a good resource to farm in Starfield? Yes, it is vital to collect Gold, as it will be used in crafting.

14. Is Europium worth mining in Starfield? Yes. It is a Tier 3 Exotic Resource that is used to upgrade weapons.

15. Can you go to Earth in Starfield? Yes, you can go to earth. Open the starmap, zoom out to the star system, select Sol, find Earth, and jump to the planet.

Conclusion: The Galactic Prospector’s Advantage

Mastering the art of resource gathering is essential for thriving in Starfield’s vast galaxy. While the allure of rare materials is strong, focusing on readily available and versatile resources like Aluminum is the key to sustained growth and crafting prowess. By combining efficient mining techniques with a strategic outpost network, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer the cosmos and build your own destiny among the stars. You will likely find that you have far more credits in the long run if you focus on crafting your weapons/mods and outpost construction and only selling when necessary. Remember, you can learn more about the intersection of gaming and learning at sites like GamesLearningSociety.org.