How to Get the Mineral Extractor in No Man's Sky

In the vast, procedurally generated universe of No Man's Sky, resource gathering is key to survival and progression. One of the most coveted tools for this purpose is the Mineral Extractor. This handy device allows players to automate the extraction of valuable resources from mineral deposits, significantly easing the grind of manual collection. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to acquire and utilize the Mineral Extractor effectively.

1. Understanding the Mineral Extractor

The Mineral Extractor is a highly efficient machine that extracts resources from mineral deposits on planets. Once set up, it can continuously gather materials, allowing you to focus on other tasks. This device is especially useful for gathering resources needed for crafting, base building, or trading.

2. Requirements for Unlocking the Mineral Extractor

Before you can build a Mineral Extractor, you need to meet several prerequisites:

• Base Building Technology: You must have base building technology unlocked. This typically involves advancing through the game's main storyline or specific missions that introduce you to base construction.

• Resource Requirements: To craft the Mineral Extractor, you need the following resources:

  • 50 Metal Plating: Crafted from Ferrite Dust and Sodium.
  • 30 Microprocessors: Acquired from space stations or purchased from traders.
  • 1 Advanced Refinement: Requires additional resources and may involve completing specific quests or trading for advanced technology.

• Blueprint Acquisition: You need to acquire the blueprint for the Mineral Extractor. This is generally obtained through:

  • Space Station Purchases: Visit a space station and check for blueprints available from technology vendors.
  • Mission Rewards: Some missions, especially those related to base building or technological advancement, reward you with blueprints.

3. Building the Mineral Extractor

Once you have the blueprint and necessary resources, follow these steps to build your Mineral Extractor:

• Locate a Mineral Deposit: Find a suitable mineral deposit on your chosen planet. These are typically visible on your HUD and are marked by large, glowing deposits.

• Open the Build Menu: Access your base build menu by interacting with your base computer or building terminal.

• Select the Mineral Extractor Blueprint: Choose the blueprint from your inventory and place it near the mineral deposit.

• Power the Extractor: Ensure that the Mineral Extractor is connected to a power source. This can be achieved through various means such as solar panels, batteries, or generators.

• Activate the Extractor: Once powered, activate the extractor and configure it to start collecting resources. You may need to periodically check and empty the storage if you have a large volume of materials being extracted.

4. Optimizing Resource Extraction

To maximize the efficiency of your Mineral Extractor:

• Upgrade Your Base: Enhance your base's power grid and storage capacity to handle larger volumes of extracted materials.

• Automate Power Management: Use advanced power management systems to ensure a constant energy supply, minimizing downtime.

• Regular Maintenance: Regularly check and maintain your Mineral Extractor to ensure it operates smoothly and continues to collect resources effectively.

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common issues you might encounter with the Mineral Extractor and how to resolve them:

• Insufficient Power: If the extractor isn’t functioning, check your power supply and ensure it’s connected correctly.

• Resource Depletion: Occasionally, mineral deposits may be depleted. Move to a new location or find additional deposits.

• Blueprint Not Available: If you can't find the blueprint, revisit space stations or mission hubs to ensure you haven't missed any opportunities to acquire it.

6. Conclusion

The Mineral Extractor is a powerful tool that can significantly ease the resource gathering process in No Man's Sky. By following these steps, you can unlock and utilize this device to streamline your gameplay, allowing you to focus on exploration and other aspects of the game. Remember to keep your base well-maintained and optimized for the best results.