Satisfactory is a game where players can build their very own factory on an alien planet. Allowing players to research technologies and engage with the local wildlife, exploration can become a significant portion of the Satisfactory experience.
The planet the engineer works on hosts several biomes. This includes the lush grasslands, rocky deserts, red bamboo fields, canyons, etc. But it also hosts a variety of fauna like fluffy-tailed hogs, flying crab hatchers, lizard doggos, stingers, and much more. So to say that there is a lot to explore and experience is an understatement.
Build Pathways in Satisfactory
One of the biggest obstacles during exploration is simply getting to wherever the player wants to go. Cliffs, ravines, giant holes, steep inclines—all are examples of terrain obstacles that the player can encounter. Surpassing some of them can be as simple as finding a new way around, but some of these obstacles can be vast. The rock formation can be too tall, the divide too vast, etc.
The only way to reach the desired location in these instances is to build a new way across. Using concrete to create foundations is the most basic way to build a new path since even beginner players can have access to surplus amounts of limestone. But players who have earned enough coupons for the AWESOME Shop can buy the recipes for walkways, which use metal plates and rods to construct pathways.
So players should always consider bringing along a stack or two of concrete when planning a massive expedition. Especially when they explore different regions of the map.
Use Beacons and Object Scanners in Satisfactory
Assuming the player isn’t going out looking for resource nodes using the resource scanner, then odds are the player needs a bit of assistance in finding items and materials. Unlock field research at the HUB terminal and construct an object scanner at an equipment workshop. This object scanner is capable of scanning up to 250 meters away from the player and can be used to track a variety of resources. This includes power slugs, crash sites, hostile organisms, beryl nuts, pale berries, etc.
However, what the object scanner can detect is in part dependent on how much research the player has completed with the MAM. So be sure to invest in research trees like power slugs, nutrients, and alien organisms before going out to other biomes which may have dangerous organisms.
The beacons, on the other hand, are a simple exploration tool with no need for additional research. They are used to mark locations, allowing the player to forever see the location emblazoned on their compass. It is most useful when locating the entrances of caves or marking the location of other player made factories. It is a simple tool. But useful.
Overcome Road Blocks in Satisfactory
When exploring, players may notice that their path is blocked by a pair of cracked rocks or a dense flora. While some of these obstacles can be built around, some of them are used to block important things. Things like cave entrances, a resource node, or are even used to keep power slugs and alien artifacts away from the player.
While the player may not have access to these tools initially, the game does provide a way to get rid of these obstacles. For shrubs, giant mushrooms or other forms of plant life players can use the chainsaw to cut it down. Not only will this clear the area of flora, but this flora will then be converted into organic material like leaves or mycelia. This organic material can then be converted into biomass which can be used as a fuel source at the player’s factory. The chainsaw is available very early in the game too, so most players should be able to get their hands on one.
The giant boulders, however, will require the player to discover explosives. Needing the player to discover sulfur technologies through the MAM, the player needs to obtain nobelisks and the nobelisk detonator. These basically function as TNT and a TNT trigger respectively and will clear the detonated area of boulders, vegetation, and other vulnerable targets. Just be sure to be outside the blast radius when the nobelisk explodes. And yes: these bombs can also be used on enemies.
Obtain Blade Runners and a Xeno-Basher in Satisfactory
While exploring the planet, players will inevitably be drawn into combat as they encounter hostile creatures. So it is highly recommended that players upgrade their offensive capabilities as quickly as possible. Especially when they plan on going into areas populated with alpha hogs, alpha spitters and elite stingers.
While late-game players can gain access to rifles and explosives through the sulfur research tree, early-game players are still able to get gear upgrades of their own. But it will require players to find caterium ore and to complete phase 1 of the space elevator.
When phase one of the space elevator is complete, tier 4 milestones will become available. One of the milestones, Improved Melee Combat, will allow players to craft a weapon called the xeno-basher. For all intents and purposes, this xeno-basher is basically an upgraded xeno-zapper. Capable of dealing out more damage and having a farther reach, this melee weapon is a must-have for any player.
Another invaluable player upgrades are the blade runners. Allowing players to run faster and jump higher, this piece of equipment is beyond useful for traversing the planet. It becomes available after players advance the caterium research tree on the MAM. It will need the player to donate 100 quickwire and 10 modular frames to unlock it, but it is worth it. With these blade runners equipped, players will be capable of moving at incredible speeds. It will also reduce fall damage.
Be Wary of Edges in Satisfactory
Speaking of fall damage, players need to be especially cautious when they find themselves near a ledge or deep hole. Falling off any of these to their death—especially with a full inventory—is a pain. While this inventory can usually be retrieved if players can find where they died, this is not applicable if the player falls into the endless abyss that lies outside of the map. Falling into the abyss is like falling into lava in Minecraft: everything is lost.
But players missing a jump or walking blindly isn’t usually the issue. The issue is when hostile creatures, usually hogs, push the player off the edge. So players should take a moment to survey the area before they approach an edge. Deal with any spotted enemies or just avoid them. But even if enemies are not seen, players should still be wary if they are close to any resource nodes, alien artifacts, or crash sites around. Hostile creatures usually patrol near these areas, so even if the player doesn’t see them, it is usually good practice to assume that some can come their way.
Satisfactory is available on PCs through Steam or the Epic Game Store. It is in early access.