The Alters: Complete Guide On Planetary Samples

As you are progressing in The Alters, you must acquire new research to install advanced variations of the standard machinery. They will help unearth more materials from the ground in a short amount of time. Some of the advanced research can help you work on technologies behind suit upgrades to make your crafting easier. In this guide, we will take a look at how to get and use Planetary Samples in The Alters.

How To Get Planetary Samples In The Alters

You get Planetary Samples in The Alters by tracking a specific anomaly marked by a pink-colored question mark, and hitting it with a Luminator Device. The very first time you come across anomalies, go to the Research Lab and have a conversation about the anomalies with the Jan Scientist. After the conversation, you will unlock a new research item under Base called Internal Analysis Tool. Once the research is completed, head back to the Research Lab and talk to Jan scientist. He will hand you the blueprint to craft the Luminator via the Workshop.

How To Use The Luminator To Get Planetary Samples

• When you are exploring a region in the game for the very first time, you will encounter a different variety of anomalies. Some anomalies will stand in your way, while others will rush at you as you get closer to them. You will also find different kinds of anomalies that don’t present any threat to your body; instead, they will be docile, latching onto a rock. Even if you get inside the anomalies, you will not receive any radiation damage.
• When you find these specific types of anomalies, they will be updated on the map with a “Pink Question Mark” sign. When you get close to these kinds of anomalies, equip your Luminator by pressing Q, and aim at the anomalies to destroy them. 
• While simply holding the Luminator doesn’t consume any charge but aiming at anomalies will consume charge. It will use your Suit’s energy, having a good amount of Suit Battery will help you recharge the Luminator.
• Once the anomaly is destroyed, it will reveal a bunch of plants. As long as you have the Luminator equipped and its light glowing in front of you, you will be able to see these plants.
• Next step is to hold the Luminator, and follow the trail of plants, and they will eventually lead you to a giant mysterious plant, in the shape of a ball. Here, aim your Luminator at the ball to destroy its energy around it. The ball-shaped plant is the item we are hunting for; it’s the Planetary Samples – A rare and valuable resource used for advanced Research.

Once the energy around the ball disappears, you can walk over to the Planetary Samples and interact with them to store them inside your inventory. Now, you need to travel back to the Research Lab and have a conversation about this mysterious ball with Jan Scientist. After the conversation, all the technologies in the research tree previously hidden behind a question mark symbol now get unlocked.

What Are Planetary Samples Used For In The Alters?

In the top-left corner of the research tree, you will see the number of Planetary Samples you have stored inside your inventory. Unlike common technologies that you research without needing any resources, Advanced forms of technologies, such as Advanced Metals Outposts, will require a single Planetary Samples x1. The same goes for suit upgrades and any other unlocks. 

Note: Once you invest the Planetary Samples to start working on a new technology in a Research Tree, the sample will disappear. You will always need to hunt for these special anomalies whenever you are in a new region in the game. As most of the crucial upgrades are locked behind the Planetary Samples.