ASTRONEER News

Megatech Automation Guide

[p]ASTRONEER's upcoming Megatech DLC and Free Update will be adding some new high-tech options to your base building, especially for those with a love of automation! While it’s true that you don’t need to delve into automation to enjoy the new Megatech content, there’s still a lot of fun to be had in experimenting with the new Megastructures. [/p][p]To that aim, this guide is meant to serve as a bit of a primer to teach the basics of automation in ASTRONEER, enough to give you a few fun projects to try out for yourself. We’ll also show off some of the ways in which the new Megatech additions can add more convenience to your automation or unlock completely new potential.[/p][p][/p][h2]Where to start [/h2][p]Before diving into the nitty gritty of automation, there are some general tips to consider that should help you get up and running: [/p]

[p]Experiment in Creative Mode: It can be extra challenging to figure everything out when you need to gather the resources to print everything, so experimenting in creative mode can let you see more easily how everything fits together so you can then bring that knowledge back into your main game. After all, half the fun of automation comes from figuring things out for yourself.[/p]
[p]Review the Research Catalog: Start by familiarizing yourself with every item in the catalog and understanding how it all works. Sometimes you can discover interesting features that you might not have expected, like Platforms moving nuggets and resources around without the need for Auto Arms. Experiment so you can prioritize where to spend your research Bytes.[/p]
[p]The Wiki is your friend: This guide is only meant to help get you started. Looking through the community Wiki can help fill any gaps in your knowledge and reveal more in-depth information.[/p]
[p]Join our Discord: We have some avid automation enthusiasts on our server that love talking shop and could help you with your build. Join here.[/p]
[p]YouTube tutorials galore: We’re fortunate to have content creators on YouTube share a wide variety of tutorials and guides on the topic of automation and much more. Some information might become less relevant as the game receives more updates, but the fundamentals should still hold true. Some good channels include One Last Midnight, Vainglorious Gaming, Kuya Game, and Tactile Object, but there are plenty more out there, so consult whichever channel is your favorite.[/p]

[p] [/p][h2]What can be automated? [/h2][p]That’s a pretty open-ended question. In terms of production, you can automate the production of any resource in the game, including research and power. But you can also get creative with very specific scenarios, like a thoughtful Auto Arm that packs Hydrazine directly into your Backpack every time you leave your base. At the end of the day, you set your own goals for whatever you think matters most or simply find the most fun.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]How does it work?[/h2][p]Let’s start by looking at some of the tools in your toolbox and explaining how each of them works. You might be familiarized already with some of them, while others you might have decided you weren’t going to bother with because they looked too complicated. But, once you start using them, you might find that they weren’t as complicated as you thought.[/p][p] [/p][h3]Auto Arms[/h3][p]This is probably the most iconic bit of tech for automation, and don’t let its compact form fool you; it can extend quite a bit, especially vertically. Place it on any powered platform and it will move resources from one end to the other. Mouse over it to see two colored holographic spheres where green is the input and blue the output. Fun facts:[/p]

[p]You can place a specific item on the open slot in the middle of its base to filter for only moving that kind of item.[/p]
[p]If the Auto Arm can’t find an open slot to place an item in, it will hold said item until a slot within reach opens up, which might include your Backpack. [/p]

[p][/p][h3]Platforms[/h3][p]You might not think Platforms play much of a role in automation, but the wide variety of shapes available means some Platform types can be most beneficial to certain arrangements. For example, the Large Extended Platform and XL Extended Platform are the ideal length for an Auto Arm, and Platforms also automate the movement of resources on them, so choose the right one for your needs. Consult the Wiki for reference. [/p][p] [/p][h3]Auto Extractors[/h3][p]Unlocking these is an important milestone to automating your resource extraction and production game. They’re far more efficient at extracting resources than your Terrain Tool, if somewhat slower. You can extend power to one from your base, but many choose to use a local source, since you’ll end up moving them once they exhaust a deposit. Fun facts: [/p]

[p]The Auto Extractor has a slot on top where you can add a Medium Resource Canister, Medium Storage, or Medium Storage Silo to directly store into.[/p]
[p]You can also add a Portable Smelting Furnace to the top so it can directly produce finished metals. [/p]

[p][/p][h3]Rail Networks[/h3][p]It’s less useful to automate a resource if you have to run around gathering it all, so Rails help automate this part too, they’ll even help with power and oxygen distribution. You can equip Rail Cars with storage and set them up to be loaded/unloaded by Auto Arms, using Storage Sensors to automatically transport goods between Auto Extractors and your base. Keep reading for details on a Starter Project. [/p][p] [/p][h3]Sensors & Repeaters[/h3][p]If you’ve been opting out of automation, then these might be a set of items you’ve never used before. These are what will allow you to customize the behavior of your automation, versatile enough to allow for the creation of some elaborate contraptions, like a music player, or even a crazy display capable of doing math for you! But let’s think small for now. [/p][p]Sensors: Place them down by themselves or directly on to the item you want to be sensing, then extend the Pin from the top and place it on the item you want the Sensor to activate when its condition has been met. You can also extend additional Pins from the first Pin, but only the ones at the end of the wire will activate items.[/p]

[p]Storage Sensors: Useful for resource management, like keeping your supply of Resin topped up but deactivate your Auto Extractors once your storage is full to save up on power. Cycle through its Modes to activate when its attached storage is either “Full or Empty”, “Empty or Not Empty”, or “Full or Not Full”.[/p]
[p]Power Sensors: Useful for keeping your power flowing when your renewable sources run out, like shifting from Solar Panels at night over to your Generators. Cycle through its Modes to activate when it “Gains Power Flow”, “Loses Power Flow”, or every time it either “Gains or Loses Power”.[/p]
[p]Battery Sensors: Useful for keeping your Battery supply charged up, like activating your Generators only once your Batteries are all drained to save up on Carbon. Cycle through its Modes to activate when its attached battery “Gains or Loses Charge”, is “Empty or Not Empty,” or it’s “Charged or Not Charged”.[/p]
[p]Motion Sensors: These work a little differently, as you don't place one on anything you want to sense. Instead, it will activate whenever anything passes through it. You can directly slot small items on to some of them like Horns to announce when a buddy returns to base or extend Pins to anything else you want one to activate.[/p]

[p] [/p][p]Repeaters: Unlike most Sensors, you don’t place Repeaters directly on to other items; you either place them down by themselves or on a small slot, but you can also stack them for combined effects. Alternatively, attach small slot items you want to activate directly to the top of them. They also have Pins that work the same way as they do for Sensors.[/p]

[p]Proximity Repeater: When one of these is activated, it will in turn activate everything within a small radius, which you can see as a green holographic circle when you mouse over it. It can be useful when you want to activate multiple nearby things at the same time, and it can even collect research items in its proximity.[/p]
[p]Button Repeater: This is pretty straightforward. It's a simple button that will activate anything you connect it to via its Pins. This is the best Repeater to combine with any of the other Repeaters in order to combine their effects, particularly the Delay Repeater and the Count Repeater.[/p]
[p]Delay Repeater: These don’t activate anything by themselves but instead create a delay between receiving a signal and sending one out. It can be useful, for example, for activating an Auto Arm to collect an Organic nugget from a Tapper that’s finished producing a full nugget, so the Auto Arm isn’t spending power the whole time.[/p]
[p]Count Repeater: Like the Delay Repeater, it doesn't activate anything by itself. It can send out a signal only after a set amount of input signals have been received. For example, a Solid Fuel Thruster can make 2 interplanetary round trips. A Sensor Ring with a Count Repeater could print a new Thruster only when needed.[/p]

[p] [/p][h3]Power Switches, Extenders, and Splitters[/h3][p]Your power production is certainly something you can automate, but fiddling with the direction of your power flow can also help ensure your usage of power stays efficient. You can cut power to entire sections of your base that currently aren’t needed, like in the case of resource production setups when you run out of storage.[/p]

[p]Power Switches: These are simple On/Off Switches that can either let power pass through or get cut off. If you ensure power flows into an automation set up from a single point, then a Switch will allow you to easily shut it all down. They can also act as transistors for complex logic gate set ups, but that’s advanced stuff.[/p]
[p]Power Extenders: Not only do they carry power and oxygen, but they also have the interesting property of being able to set what direction you want power to flow in. This can be useful for automated backup Generator set ups, ensuring a Power Sensor only turns it on when it runs out of power coming from the base.[/p]
[p]Splitters: These allow you to divert the flow of power down separate circuits. For example, assuming you only have enough power to keep automation for one resource running at any given time, a Splitter could allow you to quickly divert power from one set up to the other or even deactivate them entirely to free up power.[/p]

[p] [/p][h2]Starter Projects [/h2][p]Theory is all well and good, but there’s nothing like a little hands-on demonstration. Below you’ll find a few project ideas to get you started, ordered from simplest to most advanced. Bear in mind that these are just examples, and there are countless different arrangements you could use to achieve the same results. Feel free to experiment. Give them a try and tag us on social media if you share your results![/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Carbon Power Farms[/h3][p]Carbon farms and Generators can help keep your base powered even when renewable power slows down. Follow these steps for your own basic set-up and expand as needed.[/p][p][/p][p]What you’ll need: [/p]

[p]A few tappable plants planted close together in a small area.[/p]
[p]At least one Tapper per plant (the more per plant, the slower).[/p]
[p]1x Auto Arm[/p]
[p]1x Storage Sensor[/p]
[p]1x Medium Storage[/p]
[p]1x Medium Platform A[/p]
[p]1x Large Platform B[/p]
[p]1x Smelting Furnace[/p]
[p]1x Medium Generator[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Build Steps:[/p]

[p]Find a nice flat space near your base and plant your tappable plants close to each other. Mouse over the Auto Arm to see the size of the green holographic sphere; this is how close you want these plants. The Plumefir trees in Sylva will work nicely.[/p]
[p]Wait for the plants to have fully grown then attach a Tapper to each of them, making sure they stay within the Auto Arm’s green sphere area. Make sure to activate each Tapper so they are producing Organic.[/p]
[p]Place a Medium Platform A with an Auto Arm on it so that all Tappers fit within the green sphere hologram.[/p]
[p]Place a Large Platform B with one end inside the blue sphere hologram of the Auto Arm. Slot the Medium Storage to this end of the Large Platform, the Smelting Furnace in the middle, and the Medium Generator on the opposite end.[/p]
[p]Place the Storage Sensor on the Medium Storage, set it to “Full or Not Full”, and extend its Pin to the Auto Arm.[/p]
[p]Connect the power cable from the Medium Platform A to the Large Platform B and then your power network into the Large Platform B, so it has enough power to get started. Make sure the Smelting Furnace, Medium Generator, and Tappers are on.[/p]

[p] [/p][p]Expansion Ideas:[/p]

[p]You could be charging up a Battery with the power you’re generating and set it up so it only activates the Generator when the Batteries are empty. Try connecting a Medium Battery to the Generator’s Platform and placing a Battery Sensor on the Battery with the Pin attached to the Generator.[/p]
[p]The Smelting Furnace is consuming some of the power the Medium Generator is producing, so using a bigger Platform like the Extra Large Platform C would free up room for an additional Medium Generator and even more Medium Storages to gather up some of the Carbon being produced.[/p]
[p]You could be storing some of the Carbon you’re not burning. Placing everything on a bigger Platform could free up room for Storage to gather Carbon, stored by an Auto Arm into a nearby Resource Canister when there’s more than the Generator needs. A Storage Sensor could activate only when the Carbon Storage is full.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h3]Automated Resource Relay [/h3][p]One of the greatest conveniences of automation is letting resources come to you. Get started on your own network of railways connecting your base to your Auto Extractors. [/p][p] [/p][p]What you’ll need:[/p]

[p]1x Auto Extractor[/p]
[p]2x Auto Arms[/p]
[p]1x Medium Stacked Platform[/p]
[p]1x Large Extended Platform[/p]
[p]1x Medium Storage Silo[/p]
[p]1x Medium Resource Canister[/p]
[p]1x Rail Car[/p]
[p]1x Large Storage[/p]
[p]4x Medium Storage[/p]
[p]2x Storage Sensor[/p]
[p]1x Proximity Repeater[/p]
[p]1x Power Switch[/p]
[p]As many Rail Posts as you need to connect the Auto Extractor to your base.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Build Steps:[/p]

[p]Place the Auto Extractor on the resource you want to gather. When activated, notice the green bars displaying how much of said resource is left in this deposit.[/p]
[p]Attach a Storage Sensor set to “Full or Empty” to the Medium Storage Silo and slot it to the top of the Auto Extractor’s thumper.[/p]
[p]Slot the Auto Arm to the top of the Medium Stacked Platform and move the Platform until the green sphere hologram is on the center of the Auto Extractor. The Auto Arm can extend vertically a fair bit, so don't worry if it’s not tall enough.[/p]
[p]Place a Rail Post on the inner edge of the Auto Arm’s blue sphere hologram so that it’s almost touching the Medium Stacked Platform. Place down the Proximity Repeater right next to this Rail Post and extend the Pin from the Storage Sensor on the Silo to connect to the side of the Repeater. Make sure the Stacked Platform is outside of the reach of the Proximity Repeater. After this, keep placing down more Rail Posts until you connect them all the way to your base.[/p]
[p]At your base, place the other Auto Arm on the Large Extended Platform with the green input end on the outside of the Platform. Move the Platform until the green sphere hologram covers the end of the railway, then place the Medium Resource Canister on the other end of the Platform.[/p]
[p]Place down the Power Switch next to the end of the railway and connect its power cable to it. When you connect the railway to your base’s power network, make sure to connect it through this Switch. Attach the other Storage Sensor to the nearby Medium Resource Canister meant to hold the resource you’re collecting, set it to “Full or Empty”, and extend its Pin to attach it to the side of the Power Switch.[/p]
[p]Slot the Large Storage on the Rail Car and slot the four Medium Storages on top of that. Extend them for a nicer look. Now place the Rail Car on the rails.[/p]
[p]Connect all mentioned Platforms to the nearest other Platform and the Rail Posts at either end so you can run power from your base all the way to the Auto Extractor. Make sure everything is powered up and the Auto Extractor is activated.[/p]

[p] [/p][p]Expansion Ideas:[/p]

[p]Using Rail Stations at either end of the railway can cancel out the need for Auto Arms or Sensors. You can use the control panel to set the Station by the Auto Extractor to disable Stop Mode and enable Loading Stopped Cars, while the other end can be set to disable Stop Mode and enable Unloading Stopped Cars.[/p]
[p]You can add more stops along the railway to gather more resources from other deposits being harvested by Auto Extractors. Adding an extra Rail Car with the same Storages and using resource filters on the loading Auto Arm could help if it’s a different resource, placed so it can only reach the second Rail Car while stopped.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h3]Hydrazine Farms[/h3][p]You’ll always be in need of Hydrazine for all of your flying needs, and if you already set up an automated Ammonium relay like in the previous project, then all you need is Hydrogen and a Chemistry Lab to automate your Hydrazine. Try starting with this setup.[/p][p] [/p][p]What you’ll need:[/p]

[p]An automated Ammonium relay, as detailed in the previous project.[/p]
[p]3x Large Platform A[/p]
[p]1x Large Platform B[/p]
[p]1x Large Extended Platform[/p]
[p]3x Auto Arms[/p]
[p]1x Atmospheric Condenser[/p]
[p]1x Chemistry Lab[/p]
[p]1x Medium Fluid & Soil Canister[/p]
[p]2x Medium Gas Canister[/p]
[p]1x Storage Sensor[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Build Steps:[/p]

[p]Place the Large Platform B next to the Ammonium Canister with one of its side “wings” placed closest to it. Then, slot the Atmospheric Condenser into the middle and two Medium Gas Canisters at either end. Set the Condenser to produce Hydrogen with the Continuous Mode button.[/p]
[p]Slot two Auto Arms on to a Large Platform A oriented in the same direction, with the green sphere holograms on one end and blue on the other. Place the Platform in such a way that each Arm’s green input end can reach the Hydrogen Canister and the Ammonium Canister, respectively. Use the Auto Arm filters if needed.[/p]
[p]Slot the Chemistry Lab on to a Large Platform A and move the Platform so that it’s within reach of the blue sphere holograms of the Auto Arm pair from the previous step. Set the Lab to produce Hydrazine with the Continuous Mode button.[/p]
[p]Slot the last Auto Arm on to one end of the Large Extended Platform, with the green sphere hologram aimed outwards, and place the Medium Fluid & Soil Canister for Hydrazine at the other end. Place the Platform so that the green end of the Auto Arm can reach the Chemistry Lab.[/p]
[p]Attach a Storage Sensor to the Hydrazine Canister and extend the Pin to the Chemistry Lab, set to “Full or Not Full”. Connect the power cables between all Platforms with their nearest neighbors and make sure everything is powered up. Make sure the Auto Arms are also activated.[/p]

[p] [/p][p]Expansion Ideas:[/p]

[p]A single Medium Fluid & Soil Canister to hold your Hydrazine might fall short soon enough. Consider grouping up a bunch of them on a bigger Platform. Or maybe keep an eye out for the Large Fluid & Soil Canister coming with Megatech. ;)[/p]
[p]Replicating this same setup will allow for more Hydrazine to be produced simultaneously instead of being limited to the speed of a single Chemistry Lab.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h2]Megatech Automation[/h2][p]Congratulations on dipping your toes into the wonders of Astroneer automation! Or if you're already a veteran then that might all have seemed like a spacewalk in the space park (Sure, that’s a thing people say). So where does Megatech come into all this? Does big automation have room for huge Megastructures? You betcha![/p][p] [/p][h3]Intermodal Terminal[/h3][p]Automate your Shuttle launches to be loaded up with local resources and be shipped to planets that don’t have said resources available. Trying to automate something like Nanocarbon Alloy can be quite an undertaking, with resources limited to a variety of planets. Outside of going to Aeoluz, you’d have to be making a lot of trips, but the Intermodal Terminal can automate the process of gathering everything in a single place.[/p][p] [/p][h3]Orbital Platform[/h3][p]While being a huge build space with plenty of conveniences, there’s one fun aspect that Soil farmers might be especially excited about. Outside of the creative options it allows for, the MEGA-Mini Asteroid is also an infinitely renewable source of purely soil. There’s no need to worry about the mess of burrow tunnels left behind, as you can simply regenerate the Asteroid whenever you like at no cost and choose which available shape you want it in. [/p][p] [/p][h3]Biodome[/h3][p]We’ve seen some massive Organic farms being created by the community, but they tend to have a lot of moving parts. That’s part of the fun, but the Biodome is designed to be a much more convenient way of achieving similar results, automating the production of Organic nuggets as well as Seeds that can go into either planting more plants or feeding into the Museum’s Donation Stations, all in one place.[/p][p] [/p][h3]Museum[/h3][p]Speaking of Donation Stations, masters of automation tend to have plenty of resources lying around, and the Museum opens up an avenue for those resources to go into unlocking useful rewards and new perks. Plus, filling up the holographic displays of all Donation Stations is worthy of the ultimate bragging rights.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]New Large Canisters[/h2][p]Building all of these new Megastructures is going to take a lot of resources, which is one good reason to add in new Large Gas Canisters as well as Large Soil & Fluid Canisters, coming with the Megatech Free Update. Both will slot into Tier 3 Large slots.[/p]

[p]The Large Gas Canister will cost 1x Silicone, 1x Glass and 1x Titanium Alloy to print and holds 4 times as much as a Medium Canister.[/p]
[p]The Large Soil & Fluid Canister will cost 1x Plastic, 1x Glass and 1x Titanium Alloy to print and holds 3 times as much as a Medium Canister.[/p]

[p]EXO Chips Storage: As some eagle-eyed commenters have already pointed out in our latest trailer, the Megatech Free Update will also add the new functionality of being able to store EXO Chips in Resource Canisters for a much tidier storage solution.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]We hope this has been an insightful look into automation and the huge additions coming with Megatech. Up next, we’ll be sharing more details on what it takes to unlock and build most of this new content. Stay tuned![/p][p][/p][p]⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Wishlist ASTRONEER: Megatech Now![/p][p][/p][p]⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Download the ASTRONEER: Megatech wallpaper:[/p][p]⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Landscape (1920x1080) - Landscape 4K (3820x2160) - Portrait (1080x1920)[/p][p][/p][h2]FAQ[/h2][p]What’s the release date for ASTRONEER: Megatech?[/p]

[p]November 20th, 2025. The Nintendo Switch release will come at a later time. We'll share more as soon as we can.[/p]

[p]How much will the ASTRONEER: Megatech DLC cost?[/p]

[p]$9.99 USD. It might vary slightly per currency. [/p]

[p]Will existing game save files be compatible with the Megatech DLC?[/p]

[p]Yes.[/p]

[p]Will any free content be released with the Megatech DLC?[/p]

[p]Yes. A free content update will be released alongside the paid DLC.[/p]

[p]How far into the game should I progress before starting the Megatech DLC?[/p]

[p]You can access the Megatech DLC as soon as you start a new game. That said, the majority of this new content will be locked behind a fair bit of the tech tree and some missions, both old and new. [/p]

Droppin’ Tethers - SES Community Update OCT.25

[p]The end of 2025 is fast approaching already, but we still have some exciting updates coming down the road. Let’s start by getting you caught up.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h2]In Recent News[/h2][p]It’s been a busy few weeks! Following the STARSEEKER Direct, we’ve continued to be hard at work on putting the finishing touches for the upcoming ASTRONEER: Megatech DLC and its accompanying free update.[/p][p]In fact, last week we shared a thorough breakdown of the content you can expect to find in both the paid DLC and free update, including its November 20th release date! If you were holding out until you learned more about what this DLC entails, then we hope this new info proves sufficiently enticing to wishlist it if you haven’t already.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]STARSEEKER & ASTRONEER[/h2][p]On the topic of STARSEEKER, we’ve been thrilled to parse through all the comments and feedback to our most recent gameplay reveal. Our hope is that this early glimpse can at least give everyone a clear idea of the kind of game we’re working towards. There’s still plenty of work that needs to happen to get us there, but it’s a vision we’re excited for.[/p][p]We’ve said it a few times already, but ASTRONEER will continue to be developed alongside our new game and be there for fans of its cozy sandbox play style. STARSEEKER is a clear departure from this kind of game, but that’s because it’s not intended as a replacement; we want both games to live next to each other, and both will feel like an SES game.[/p][p][/p][h2]Community Roundup[/h2][p]Come have a look at the new roundup of community content we have featured for you this month. This is the kind of thing that keeps us motivated and working hard over here at System Era, so you’ll find that we’ve included some reactions and comments from the dev team, straight out of our Slack channels.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]There’s always been something unsettling about the LRDs, but this short animation by Ongio really brings out their creepiness as it phases through the inside of this (hopefully sleeping) Astroneer. Check out their YouTube channel for more fun Astroneer animations.[/p][p][/p][p]⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀[/p][p]“This is sooooo moody, I really love the lighting in this scene!”[/p][p] [/p][p]“Really cool! Makes me want to turn Astroneer into a moody cosmic horror game.” 😼🔪[/p][p] [/p][p]“Astro version of LoFi girl doing homework.”[/p][p][/p][h3]Little Victories[/h3][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]I did not expect to get rickrolled in the year of our LRD 2025. Well played, typical taco. Well played.[/p][p][/p][p]⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀[/p][p]“I haven't been Rickrolled in years. Well played.” 👏[/p][p] [/p][p]“By the time I realized what was going on, it was too late.” 😱[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]Hiro Mori was rightfully proud to share this tour of their base on Glacio. Carving out a flattened build space directly into the mountain to find shelter from the elements is a cool idea, but using Sensor Archs like force fields really sells the Hoth rebel base vibes! [/p][p][/p][p]⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀[/p][p]“OK, now build the Millennium Falcon.” 😛[/p][p] [/p][p]“Very neat and tidy! Great use of things like stacked platforms and sensors, showing that you don't need to make complicated automation setups to take advantage of them.”[/p][p] [/p][p]“Where's the Ion Cannon?”[/p][p][/p][h2]Sneak Leek[/h2][p]Oxygen Tethers are an essential bit of kit for any Astroneer, but placing them down at the optimal distance one at a time can slow down your exploration a bit. Some players have developed their own workarounds on their way toward unlocking their end-game solutions to this challenge, but the new Tether Dropper will give you a new mid-game solution. [/p][p]Simply slot one into your backpack and carry a supply of Tethers, then upon activation they will automatically be placed down behind you at the optimal maximum distance allowed. This will be one of the additions coming with the Megatech Free Update on November 20th.[/p][p][/p][p]Big things are still coming, and real soon in the case of ASTRONEER! We hope you’re as excited as we are and we’ll see you for the Megatech release on November 20th![/p][p][/p][p]- Honourael. [/p]

Astroneer's Megatech DLC escalates the space sandbox game to colossal size, and connects your entire galaxy together

I've got a lot of love for the likes of No Man's Sky and Space Engineers, but Astroneer strikes the perfect balance of space exploration and excavation that gets my neurons firing just right. It's one of the best sandbox games I've played, and I was overjoyed to see developer SES returning to it to craft new experiences. Ultimately, the more standalone format of Glitchwalkers wasn't really what I was looking for, but the new Astroneer Megatech DLC appears to be right up my interstellar alley, and it lands in November.

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ASTRONEER: Megatech releases November 20th!

[p]That’s right, we’re only about a month away from the release of the upcoming Megatech DLC and its accompanying Free Update! Mark your calendars for November 20th and if you like what you see, then make sure to wishlist it if you haven’t already. Update: Do keep in mind, however, that the Nintendo Switch release will come at a later time. We'll share more as soon as we can.[/p][p]But do come back to scan through this MEGA breakdown of Megatech content, with a bit more context as well as a first look at what content the Free Update will include.[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][h2]Megatech DLC[/h2][p]As we have mentioned before, ASTRONEER’s second major DLC brings big changes to the game! With the new ability to construct massive Megastructure projects you’ll be putting your base building skills to the test as you find new ways to make it all connect with the game’s already existing technology. This is ASTRONEER on a whole new level![/p][p]Of course, automation fans should have a blast with the new possibilities unlocked by this new tech, but there’s something in this for every other kind of Astroneer as well.[/p][p]And remember, this DLC will be completely compatible with existing saves, no need for a fresh start just to be able to access the new content. However, most of it is locked behind a fair bit of progress in the tech tree and a few quests, both pre-existing and new. We’ll be providing a thorough guide in the coming weeks to walk you through this.[/p][p][/p][h3]Orbital Platform[/h3][p]Let’s start off with something BIG, the biggest, in fact! When we first announced Megatech, most were immediately drawn to the mysterious new celestial body in the sky surrounded by a massive high-tech ring. It was fun seeing the speculation over what it might be, but we can now confirm this is the new Orbital Platform![/p][p]This is the ultimate Megastructure, the ultimate prize of a massive build space in... well, space! Once you unlock it, you’ll have a few options to select what kind of asteroid shape you want to create at its center and you’ll even be able to choose what planet you want it to be in orbit of! You only get one, so choose wisely, it's not an easy thing to move around.[/p][p][/p][h3]Biodome[/h3][p]It’s not just a 90s cult classic; it’s also a great way of cultivating and harvesting a wide variety of alien flora! Astroneers who build this Megastructure will unlock the ability to more conveniently automate the planting and harvesting of your plants of choice. You get one Biodome per planet, so choose a spot with a good view.[/p][p]With the option to expand into additional Biodome extensions and with a variety of Mega-Modules to choose from, the Biodome can become an all-in-one place to farm for produce and seeds. In fact, we’re also expanding the variety of harvestable plants for all Astroneers as part of the Free Update, so it’s a good time to do a bit of gardening.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Museum[/h3][p]Some Astroneers love to show off just how productive their bases have become, and the Museum is a great way to show that off. Set new goals to work toward by donating your spare bytes, power, resources, and seeds for rewards, new perks, and an impressive holographic display that grows taller the more you donate.[/p][p]It’s also a great place to display your formidable collections! Through an expanding set of Display Cases, you can categorize your collections into the perfect exhibit of curios and oddities. This can also unlock additional perks that we’ll let you discover for yourself. You only get one Museum, so think twice before you place it down.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Deluxe Edition Cosmetics[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p]Dress to impress for the Megatech DLC with this full cosmetic set! Add a touch of nostalgia for the days when gadgets came with semi-translucent colorful shells that let you see their inner workings, perfect for a true appreciator of tech.

This Exclusive Set Includes:[/p]

[p]Jewel Case Palette[/p]
[p]En-Ambered Visor[/p]
[p]Gear Shift Mask (With rotating gears!)[/p]

[p][/p][p]⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Wishlist ASTRONEER: Megatech Now![/p][p][/p][p]⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Download the ASTRONEER: Megatech wallpaper:[/p][p]⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Landscape (1920x1080) - Landscape 4K (3820x2160) - Portrait (1080x1920)[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Megatech Free Update[/h2][p][/p][p]The Free Update also comes with a couple of Megastructures along with a few extra goodies, but there’s one Megastructure we know you’re surely the most excited for.[/p][p][/p][h3]Intermodal Terminal[/h3][p]Let's start with the hottest ticket item, the first Megastructure we teased months ago, the Intermodal Terminal! This will allow for the automated transfer of resources between planets, with up to three different landing pads to coordinate multiple deliveries between your off-world bases. Each planet can have one, including the Orbital Station. [/p][p]As is the case with automation, it may take you some time to fully master the Intermodal Terminal, but with each of its three Landing Pads having their own automation settings, Integrated Rail Stations with additional controls, and Fueling slots to keep your Shuttles ready for launch, you’ll have plenty of options to work with.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Distribution Launcher System[/h3][p]One thing you might be wondering about is how you’re even supposed to build all of these Megastructures, not even your Large Printer would be able to keep up with them. That’s where the Distribution Launcher System (or DLS) comes into play. No, it’s not an Observatory, and Construction Anchors aren’t drills (Good guesses, though!). [/p][p]Use your first Construction Anchor to mark down a construction site, then upon activation the Anchor will deploy into a Mega-Printer Platform, making use of a Mega-Printer Drone to build the DLS. You can then launch additional Anchors from the DLS to construct any other Megastructure you desire. Like the Museum, you only get one DLS.[/p][p][/p][h3]Quality of Life Items & More[/h3][p]We’ve alluded to a few extra goodies coming with this update before, including an Icon Sign you can place down anywhere, but also an efficient Tether Dropper and new Walkways! We’ll give a proper look at them with a better explanation of how they each work in the coming weeks. Keep an eye out for future leeks in the community Discord.[/p][p][/p][h2]FAQ[/h2][p]What’s the release date for ASTRONEER: Megatech?[/p]

[p]November 20th, 2025. The Nintendo Switch release will come at a later time. We'll share more as soon as we can.[/p]

[p]How much will the ASTRONEER: Megatech DLC cost?[/p]

[p]$9.99 USD. It might vary slightly per currency. [/p]

[p]Will existing game save files be compatible with the Megatech DLC?[/p]

[p]Yes.[/p]

[p]Will any free content be released with the Megatech DLC?[/p]

[p]Yes. A free content update will be released alongside the paid DLC. [/p]

[p]How far into the game should I progress before starting the Megatech DLC?[/p]

[p]You can access the Megatech DLC as soon as you start a new game. That said, the majority of this new content will be locked behind a fair bit of the tech tree and some missions, both old and new. [/p]

First look at STARSEEKER and new Megatech details!

[p]Today we finally broke our vow of silence (blame it on sound not traveling through space), we hosted our STARSEEKER Direct livestream to deep dive into what kind of game STARSEEKER: Astroneer Expeditions will be and even had a “one more thing” moment to share more details about ASTRONEER’s Megatech DLC. [/p][p]There’s still much work left to be done, but we’ve just been too anxious to share it with you all! Bear in mind, though, that some things are still works in progress and might change between now and launch.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h2]STARSEEKER Gameplay Reveal[/h2][p]If you haven’t had the chance to watch the STARSEEKER Direct yet, you can watch the full VOD on our YouTube channel! [/p][p]It’s only a few weeks ago at PAX that we gave players a small glimpse of STARSEEKER, but today we’ve shared a much larger overview of what the vision of STARSEEKER is meant to be; its gameplay loop, some of its mechanics, and even a few of the creatures you might encounter. But...[/p][p][/p][h3]What is STARSEEKER?[/h3][p]We’ve given you the broad idea before, this is a game about discovery, cooperative expeditions, and camaraderie. Exploring deep space on the ESS Starseeker, you will need to work together with the entire crew of the space station to complete planet-wide objectives across a multitude of star systems wielding advanced future tech.[/p][p]To be more specific, you’ll be teaming up with other members of the ESS Starseeker into 4-player squads to embark on expeditions. These are timed planetside adventures for you and your squad to explore, complete objectives, then finally loot and scoot, but you’ll most likely get into some delightful shenanigans along the way.[/p][p]While on a planet’s surface, you’ll run into dangerous creatures, unique encounters, and precious materials to scoop up. But be warned, players are not always expected to succeed! You will need to use all of your advanced tech and collaborate with your crew if you want to return to the ESS Starseeker with your hard-earned goods.[/p][p]If you do manage to survive an expedition, then you’ll return up to the space station to earn all of your sweet rewards and rep gains from the Fronteer Force, the legendary superteam of absurd action science heroes in charge of the Starseeker. But you can never take the desire for adventure away from an Astroneer, so gear up and plan for your next expedition.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Moment to Moment Gameplay[/h3][p]Your goal on an expedition is not to come in guns blazing to save humanity from an intergalactic threat - our heroics aren’t quite so violent, but still action-packed. Treacherous terrain, troublesome flora and fauna, and of course the ever-present limited oxygen that sets a timer to any expedition are just some of the challenges you’ll face.[/p][p]To face these challenges, you can pack a veritable Swiss army knife of gear for every occasion (though you may need to prioritize). ASTRONEER veterans will already be familiar with the trusty EXO Tool, which is still key to your expeditionary kit, but it’ll do more than just dig up terrain or scoop up resources (which it also does).[/p][p]Through a variety of nozzle upgrades, your EXO Tool can aid you in a variety of ways, like keeping rowdy critters at bay with a powerful air blast or water hose (or squad members too, if you’re feeling mischievous). You can also get creative - use your air blasts for mid-air jumps, chuck globs of soil to build bridges, or combine tools for unique effects.[/p][p]And this isn’t the only tool in your kit. Your trusty backpack will be able to receive a variety of mods as well, but we’re not quite ready to go over those just yet. Do consider, however, that we’ve also added new mobility options. Climbing, swimming, and diving are just some of them, but also soaring through Tephra’s skies thanks to the cool new glider we’ve teased in previous communications.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Alien Worlds & Creatures[/h3][p]Fascinating creatures, hazardous flora, and more await you on your expeditions. The Starseeker’s first destination is the planet Tephra, a colorful world teeming with life. This is a carefully crafted planet and not procedurally generated as we’ve done before, with different biomes and hidden secrets to discover as more landing zones unlock. [/p][p]The current vision is that once the crew of the Starseeker has finished all of its science-y goals on one planet, it will then move on to the next one, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves yet, there’s still plenty to talk about with Tephra. In addition to the wild vegetation that would be the dream of any xenobotanist, you’ll also run into a variety of alien creatures (some of which are at least partially vegetation as well). [/p][p]Some of the alien fauna can be quite dangerous and will require teamwork to fend off. You’ll run into lumbering brutes that see red at anything that gets too close to them. Other creatures might be just as territorial, choosing instead to launch slowing goop at you from a distance. [/p][p]But not all creatures you encounter are hostile, they’re all likely to respond to your presence in different ways. Some of them might just ignore you entirely, like the curious Carrotlings. They’re an enigmatic bunch, but they’re mostly harmless. Mostly.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]One Crew, One Shared Goal[/h3][p]Last, but not least, this is a game about camaraderie, as we mentioned earlier. You’ll experience this every time you head out on an expedition with your squad, but it goes beyond that. We want to offer a game experience that breeds altruism, where it feels good for you to help out, not just other players, but the whole crew of the Starseeker.[/p][p]One way we’re doing this is with community goals, shared missions with the whole Starseeker community of players. Heck, diving into an alien planet for exploration, conducting research, and gathering resources takes a village (or a space station). All this effort will go towards new rewards, unfolding new mysteries, and driving the story forwards.[/p][p]Another way we’re bringing players together is through the ESS Starseeker itself. It’s the heart of the crew, an ever-evolving space station where players get together to plan expeditions, earn new upgrades, gain reputation with the excentric Fronteer Force leadership, and even hang out with other players where silliness is encouraged.[/p][p][/p][h3]What’s Next? [/h3][p]Phew, that was a lot to take in all at once. But it’s only the beginning! We plan to dig into the details of the game much more deeply over the coming months running up to the release of the game in 2026. Keep an eye on this space and make sure to follow our channels so you’re the first to hear about any news we have to share, especially if you join our Discord. But most importantly, wishlist STARSEEKER now to show your support, it really helps. [/p][p] [/p][p]⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Wishlist STARSEEKER: Astroneer Expeditions![/p][p] [/p][p]But wait, there’s more![/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Megatech is ASTRONEER on a whole new scale![/h2][p]When we announced Megatech a few weeks ago, our upcoming new ASTRONEER DLC expansion, we were admittedly light on details. This is in no small part because we’re still in active development and some things might change between now and release, but we still want to share a few more details, with the understanding that this is still a work in progress subject to some changes. [/p][p]Joe already showed us a deeper look at one of the Megastructures you’ll be able to gain access to with the Megatech FREE Update, the Intermodal Terminal! (That’s the correct name 😉) We’ve teased it before, and to your credit, you figured out what it does right away. That’s right, interplanetary automation is coming soon for all players! But how does it work? More on this soon, we still have a few more updates to share running up to launch. [/p][p]This isn’t the only thing coming with the Megatech FREE Update either, we’ll also be adding some nice quality-of-life improvements for all players. We will be adding player requested items like the tether dropper which will automatically place down tethers behind you at the optimal distance, and large sized gas and soil canisters (you’ll be needing them to build these massive megastructures, though they’re also great for general storage), and more! [/p][p]But we also have massive additions in the Megatech DLC that we hope you’ll love as much as we already do. Megastructure projects include the expandable Biodome for you to grow your crops in and a large Museum space for you to display your achievements and favorite collections. We also have something HUGE that we’re setting aside to talk about at a later date, but let’s just say it’s too massive to place down on any of your bases, you’ll need more... space. [/p][p]If you haven’t already, make sure to wishlist the Megatech DLC so you can be among the first to get it when it launches later this year. We’ll also have more information to share soon, so stay tuned![/p][p][/p][p]⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Wishlist ASTRONEER: Megatech Now![/p][p][/p][p]⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Download the ASTRONEER: Megatech wallpaper:[/p][p]⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Landscape (1920x1080) - Landscape 4K (3820x2160) - Portrait (1080x1920)[/p][p][/p][h2]FAQ[/h2][p]STARSEEKER:[/p][p]Will there be a Beta?[/p]

[p]Yes, this is what we’re planning for. That said, we don’t have any details to share yet. Sign up here and wishlist the game to be among the first to find out more.[/p]

[p]Is this going to be a Live Service Game?[/p]

[p]Maybe only in the most technical sense. Sure, the game will be live at all times, but we prefer to think of it as an “expandable game,” a term coined by our friends at Devolver. In essence, this means that we’ll continue to update the game into the future, but we don't expect STARSEEKER players to be chained up to the game 24/7 or never play any other games. We want to keep you entertained, but we don’t see anything wrong with players coming and going as we get new content updates for them to check out or when they get drawn by other games in their collections.[/p]

[p]Can I play solo?[/p]

[p]Yes, you can head out on solo expeditions. However, you will still encounter other players on the station and on the planet. STARSEEKER is an online game designed from the ground up for squads of four, so going alone can be tougher without a crew to watch your back. If you decide to team up with others, matchmaking can help you group up, and the in-game ping system allows everyone to coordinate without requiring text or voice chat. [/p]

[p]Can I play offline?[/p]

[p]No, STARSEEKER is designed as a social experience and there are always going to be at least a few other players nearby. We like to think of STARSEEKER as a complement to ASTRONEER, which does allow for a solo experience.[/p]

[p]Is this ASTRONEER 2?[/p]

[p]Nope! While it is part of the same universe, STARSEEKER is a different type of game altogether, as we hope this blog has helped make a bit clearer.[/p]

[p]How does STARSEEKER connect to ASTRONEER?[/p]

[p]While the narrative might connect these two games in some ways, they are both entirely different games meant to live side by side with each other. There aren’t any ways in which these two games connect to each other in terms of gameplay or account progression.[/p]

[p]What will happen to ASTRONEER?[/p]

[p]It’s not going anywhere, as you can see from our Megatech announcement. We still plan to continue developing the game and adding more content over time in parallel to STARSEEKER.[/p]

[p]ASTRONEER: Megatech[/p][p]What’s the release date for ASTRONEER: Megatech?[/p]

[p]November 2025. We’ll narrow this down once we’re closer to release.[/p]

[p]Will existing game save files be compatible with the Megatech DLC?[/p]

[p]Yes.[/p]

[p]Will any free content be released with the Megatech DLC?[/p]

[p]Yes. A free content update will be released alongside the paid DLC. We’ll break this down in detail at a later date.[/p]

[p]How far into the game should I progress before starting the Megatech DLC?[/p]

[p]You can access the Megatech DLC as soon as you start a new game. That said, the majority of this new content will be locked behind a fair bit of the tech tree and some missions, both old and new.[/p]