If you’re looking to uncover the mysterious Autophage settlements in No Man’s Sky, you’re not alone. No Man’s Sky is a standout sci-fi live-service survival game like Warframe. Since their introduction in the Echoes and Beacon updates, players have been eager to locate these robotic hubs, but they’re not as straightforward to find as regular settlements.
In this guide, we’ll break down what an Autophage settlement NMS actually is, how to unlock the tech that reveals them, and the steps you’ll need to follow to claim one for yourself.
What are Autophage Settlements?
Autophage settlements in No Man’s Sky are cloaked, robotic-themed hubs introduced as part of the Autophage faction. Unlike regular planetary settlements, these are hidden from basic scans and require specific tech to even see. Inside, you’ll find unique NPCs, terminals like the Autophage Synthesis Terminal, and special resources tied to the Autophage storyline.
You’ll also gain access to crafting recipes not found elsewhere, including upgraded multi-tool parts, staff components, and deep lore tied to the ancient robotic civilization first hinted at in the Echoes update.
Step 1: Complete Autophage Questlines
To even begin accessing Autophage settlements in No Man’s Sky, you need to progress through the questline “They Who Returned.” This questline will introduce you to the Autophage faction and reward you with items like the Polyphonic Core, a necessary tool for locating cloaked Autophage structures.
Don’t skip through this content, it’s essential to unlocking your first Autophage settlement signal in NMS.
Step 2: Get an Autophage Settlement Chart
Once you’re deep enough into the Autophage faction progression, you can trade Void Motes (a new faction currency) for an Autophage Settlement Chart. This is done through the Synthesis Terminal at any existing Autophage camp or settlement.
This chart functions like a Navigation Beacon. When activated, it reveals a potential Autophage settlement location on your Galactic Map. Just find Void Motes from Autophage missions, then buy a chart only to drop it, and it will give you a real location.
Step 3: Scan and Reveal the Settlement
Once you arrive on the target planet, you’ll need to scan the surface using the Polyphonic Core or Scan Harmonizer. These tools help decloak Autophage structures, including their settlements. The Autophage settlements are usually found near landmarks like drop pods, crash sites, or buried tech. When revealed, they appear with a unique robotic structure and a yellow icon.
Step 4: Claim the Autophage Settlement
Interacting with the main Overseer terminal inside lets you claim the location as your own Autophage settlement in NMS. From here, you can upgrade the buildings, complete Autophage-specific missions, and unlock exclusive technology.
Note: Some players have reported a visual bug where some settlements don’t load properly the first time. If that happens, leave the system, reload, and scan again. It usually fixes itself after one or two jumps.
Tips to Farm Autophage Settlements Efficiently
- Bring Void Motes: These are needed to purchase charts. You can earn them by completing Autophage-related Nexus missions or camp events.
- Avoid Storms: Autophage camps are often located in hazardous biomes, pack protection modules.
- Check the Exchange: Some players list charts for sale at galactic terminals.
Autophage settlements in No Man’s Sky are unlocked after completing the “They Who Returned” questline.
Stay tuned to Retronoob for more news and guides.
