ESS Starseeker New Cadet Primer

Greetings, cadet! If you’re reading this, then it means you must be a new recruit of the ESS Starseeker. This vessel is a state-of-the-art space station with advanced space travel capabilities created by EXO Dynamics and entrusted to the heroic Action Science team of the Fronteer Force. 

Your job is to serve as the boots on the ground for the station’s planetary Expeditions, forwarding the goals of the crew's mission, so let’s run you through the basics.

JUMPING RIGHT IN 

All Explorer Class Astroneers must undergo basic training, even if it's just a refresher. A standard athletics course, scanning new discoveries, harvesting resources with your trusty EXO Multi-Tool, you know, the basics. I trust you’ll get through it with no trouble; you’re an Astroneer, after all! 

After basic training, you'll start your new life aboard the ESS Starseeker! Now, the vast size of the station may be overwhelming at first, but you should become acquainted with it in no time. Ensign Muriel will be waiting for you nearby to help bring you up to speed on what you’ve missed.

MISSIONS AND TASKS 

Sure, you just got here, but I know you must be itching to go on an Expedition! However, before you go, you’ll want to make a visit to the various Crew Members to accept new Missions and check the Task Board for new Tasks you can fulfill while you’re planetside. 

Missions are generally assigned by Crew Members and will help you build Reputation with them. Tasks are repeatable jobs you can take that earn you additional Reputation and help fulfill the many needs of the space station. Both will give you helpful rewards upon completion. 

EXPEDITION TIME! 

Once you’re ready to deploy on an Expedition, head toward the giant planetary hologram and use a Launch Terminal to prepare for launch. You can choose to venture out by yourself, but it never hurts to have a Squad of other Astroneers watching your back. 

Exploration 

Whether it’s the wreckage of an old EXO Dynamics crash or a mysterious tunnel filled with subterranean life, there are always new discoveries to be made. 

Gathering Resources 

Planets are teeming with valuable resources and salvage to claim, good for crafting new gear. Use the Scan Pulse and gather what you can with your EXO Multi-Tool. 

Creatures & Hazards 

There’s plenty of flora and fauna to encounter on your Expeditions, both harmless and quite dangerous. Be ready to sedate or neutralize any troublesome creatures. 

Field Ops 

Make sure to also keep an eye out for Field Ops, special objectives that other Astroneers on the planet can help with and work together for tougher-to-get rewards. 

There’s plenty to do on the planet and you only have 30 minutes of oxygen available before you need to return to the station, so don’t be afraid to plan for multiple Expeditions to fulfill your goals. Check your Missions and Tasks on your DAD (Digital Assistant Device) and prioritize resources to gather, discoveries to scan, or creatures to encounter.

ENDING AN EXPEDITION 

There’s something to be said about just jumping in without a plan and seeing what you stumble upon (something especially fun with other Astroneer friends), but you’ll get the most out of an Expedition by completing as many Missions and Tasks as possible. 

Once the display on the back of your backpack is near empty, your oxygen is starting to run out. Open the Planetary View map by hitting Up on your controller’s directional pad or the M key on your keyboard to find the nearest Landing Site and summon your Dropship to return to the Starseeker.

BUILDING REPUTATION 

When you return to the station, you’ll earn Reputation, Credits, and any other rewards based on your completed Tasks and newly earned Stickers. You’ll also see your earned Bytes based on how much you’ve scanned.  

Lost Gear? 

It’s possible some of your gear may be lost upon return, as it might have been a Disposable Nozzle (good for one Expedition), or it got damaged if you were downed.  

Your Stickerbook 

Check your DAD and admire your collection of Stickers; find which ones to aim for next. Each commemorates an accomplishment and has its own rewards.

Your accomplishments will go a long way toward building Reputation with Crew Members, such as Captain Jupiter, Science Officer Jessandra, and JAM-BX. Completing their Missions will earn you more rewards and unlock insights about what’s going on with the ESS Starseeker and the overall mission.

REAPING THE REWARDS

You can earn Bytes, Credits, and gather a good number of Resources on a successful Expedition, all of which you can use to further improve your loadout for your next Expedition or maybe unlock snazzy new cosmetics. All of these currencies and cosmetics are earnable-only; there are no monetary shortcuts.

Speak to the Crew Members

Make sure to turn in your completed Missions and collect your Reputation rewards. You can also sell them items you gathered for Bytes or more resources. 

Check the Printer (Spend your Bytes)

On either side of the Launch Terminals, you’ll find Printers next to Stashes and Refiners. Check the available Blueprints and set your new loadout goals. 

Visit the EXO Outlet (Spend your Credits)

Astroneers love expressing themselves, and no doubt you’re no different! Check the EXO Outlet vending stations and try on a new look in the Customizer. 

Contribute to Community Challenges (when Active)

Keep an eye on active Community Challenges and look for requested items. Simply deposit them at the Community Challenge Depots by the Task Board consoles.  

Feel free to also join in on the shenanigans of other fellow Astroneers. The Starseeker is the heart of our crew and there’s usually someone making their own fun nearby. 

ONBOARDING COMPLETE 

And with all that, you’re now ready to chart your future Expeditions! Go and make us proud! Oh, and don’t forget to pack some Medi-Mash and check in with your DAD. 

- Honourael.