Complete Guide to the Planetary Survey Quest in Starfield

Introduction

In Starfield, the Planetary Survey quest allows players to explore and assess various planets, gathering vital data that contributes to the game’s extensive world-building and story. This guide will walk you through each step of the quest, ensuring you complete it efficiently while uncovering the rich lore and diverse environments within the game.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

1. Initiate the Quest

   • Begin your journey by locating the quest marker in the game's main hub or from NPCs offering quests.
   • Accept the "Planetary Survey" quest to activate it in your mission log.

2. Prepare for Exploration

   • Stock up on necessary supplies, including food, water, and medical kits.
   • Depending on your playstyle, consider upgrading your weapons and gear.
   • Check your ship's fuel and ensure you have adequate resources for travel.

3. Select Your Target Planet

   • Open your star map and view available systems.
     • Zoom in on the targeted star system with a highlighted planet for your survey.
     • Optionally, consult the quest log for additional hints on which planet to survey next.

4. Travel to the Planet

   • Board your ship and set the destination to the chosen planet.
   • Once you arrive, familiarize yourself with the planet's orbit. Look for landing zones.

5. Land on the Planet

   • Land your ship in a safe area, ensuring you're not too close to any hostile lifeforms or anomalies.
     • Exit your ship and activate your scanner (usually bound to a function key) to survey the area.
     • Scan the environment to detect resources, lifeforms, and survey points.

6. Gather Data

   • Once your scanner is active, move around the targeted area and collect the required data points.
     • Look for notable landmarks or signals that provide critical information.
     • Interact with any unique items or locations that appear on your scanner with the prompt.

7. Complete Environmental Checks

   • Ensure you gather environmental data, which may include soil composition, weather patterns, or atmospheric conditions.
     • Interact with required survey instruments as indicated on your screen.
     • Make notes of any hostile encounters and conduct scans for resources.

8. Return to Your Ship

   • After documenting your findings, trace back to your ship.
     • If punctuated by hostile lifeforms or enemies, prepare for combat or stealthily avoid them.
     • Board your ship, where data collection prompts will be aligned for reviews.

9. Submit Your Findings

   • Travel back to the location you initiated the quest. Depending on the quest structure, this could mean returning to a specific NPC or scientific base.
   • Upon arrival, interact with the designated NPC or terminal to submit your findings.
     • Engage in conversation and provide any additional data points requested.

10. Quest Completion

    • After submitting, a completion screen should appear, noting the successful finish of the Planetary Survey quest.
    • Review the rewards in your inventory that are granted for completing this quest, which may include experience, currency, or new items.
    • Check your mission log to close out the task and receive any follow-up quests.

Conclusion

Completing the Planetary Survey quest not only gives players a deeper insight into the celestial environments within Starfield but also strengthens your reputation and resource base in the game. Following this detailed guide, you should now be equipped to tackle the quest with confidence, ensuring a rewarding exploration experience throughout your journey in Starfield. Happy surveying!