In No Man's Sky, there is an abundance of things to explore. Whether it is gigantic planets of varying biomes, or the expanse of different interstellar systems, you'll need vehicles to help expand your exploration. Your first starship is given to you at the beginning of the game, and it is serviceable for your first two dozen hours of the game. However, as time goes on, you will eventually want new and improved ships to add to your fleet.
While many players will go for ships that can help them navigate the galaxy, other travellers might want something to help them out while traversing the land or sea on a planet. If you fall into the latter crowd, then you might be interested in getting your hands on a land vehicle - or an Exocraft - to roam around planets in.
In this guide, we will explain how to get an Exocraft vehicle in No Man's Sky.
Getting an Exocraft in No Man's Sky
An Exocraft is a vehicle that can only travel on land and is not meant for space travel. With an Exocraft, players can mine resources, locate points of interest, and engage in combat with certain fauna, flora, and any lingering Sentinels. However, the main purpose of an Exocraft is for players to travel a vast amount of space on a planet's surface without needing their starship.
There are currently a couple of ways to obtain an Exocraft in No Man's Sky. We will list both of the methods below with their own explanations so players can decide for themselves how to go about acquiring one.
Construction Research Station
Exocraft construction is unlocked as a part of the main quest line of No Man's Sky, which will come to players around a few hours into the game. As a part of the quest line, called Awakenings, you'll be instructed to build a Construction Research Station as a part of building your first base.
After completing this particular quest, you'll then be able to use the Construction Research Station to navigate to the Transport Modules section. Using this, and an abundance of Salvaged Data, you'll be able to craft Exocraft vehicles. We've got a handy guide to help you with the grind for Salvaged Data here.
You will also eventually be able to construct an Exocraft Terminal that allows you to craft three different Exocrafts, the Roamer, Nomad, and Colossus with the help of a hired Vy'keen technician. That is an entirely other mission in No Man's Sky, though, and comes after your initial construction of the first Exocraft.
Space Anomaly
Another way of acquiring an Exocraft in No Man's Sky is by using the Space Anomaly. Around 5-10 hours into the main quest line, you will encounter and unlock the Space Anomaly naturally. This area is a multiplayer hub for taking on missions, but also hosts a range of merchants too. You can summon the Space Anomaly to wherever you are in space.
At the Construction Research Station inside the Space Anomaly, navigate to the Transport Modules section. Using Salvaged Data, you can unlock the blueprints for Exocrafts and upgrade their technology. You will then be able to summon your Exocrafts to the Geobay at your bases. Alternatively, you can also build a Summoning Station at your base to summon any of your owned vehicles.
That's all there is to know about getting an Exocraft of your own in No Man's Sky. In the meantime, as you search for Salvaged Data, check out how to find settlements across space. Alternatively, get yourself a pet companion to keep you company as you roam new planets.
Now you have your Exocraft, why not learn how to get a free S-Class Sentinel ship?