A big part of The Alters is researching and crafting the gear you need to survive. While you’ll find most resources to be pretty plentiful once you’ve installed mining outposts and connected them to your mobile base. However, the really useful research projects are locked behind a special currency called Planetary Samples. You’ll begin the questline to start collecting them once you create the Scientist Alter, but there’s a bit more to it. Read on to learn how to get Planetary Samples in The Alters.
How do you make Planetary Samples available?
In order to learn about them at all, you need to create the Scientist Alter, who should really be the second Alter you make after the Technician (who is always first) or you simply won’t be able to use the Research Lab module at all.
Once you have the Scientist, you’ll be able to report back to him on the weird anomalies that have started appearing on the planet’s surface. Naturally, he’ll want to investigate and experiment, so you’ll need to observe the anomalies. Once you’ve done this, you’ll come across a new type of anomaly called an “Interal”, which looks like a glowing green light usually stuck to a rockface. These are the key to Planetary Samples.
How do I get Planetary Samples?
The scientist will come up with an invention called the Luminator, which you’ll need to research then craft. Once you have it, you’ll have the power to destroy planetary anomalies – which is essential later when they’re everywhere. It’s advisable to get this part done ASAP, as the Luminator comes in super handy for clearing out anomalies and giving you access to mining deposits.
Once you have the Luminator you can return to the Interal and scan it with the left trigger before holding down the right to remove it. Once you do, you’ll be able to see ghostly flora through the Luminator’s light. Follow it to its destination, and you’ll find a huge glowing ball that looks like a genetic cell. Use the Luminator on it and scavenge the Planetary Sample it leaves behind.
Be aware that your Luminator uses up your suit’s battery, so make sure you take a few spares with you if you’re hunting Interals. There are always a few available when you reach a new area, and more will appear as the sun draws closer.
Now you know how to get Planetary Samples in The Alters.
