Exploring planets in No Man’s Sky means gathering hundreds of resources, and few are as important as Uranium. Whether you’re powering your ship, building technology, or refining rare materials, Uranium plays a vital role. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about where to find it, how to collect it, and the best ways to use it in your adventures.
What Is Uranium Used For?
Before hunting it down, it helps to understand why Uranium is so valuable:
- Crafting Technology: Needed for building tools like Autonomous Mining Units, Exocraft Summoning Stations, Health Stations, Radiation Deflectors, and even high-powered weapons like the Positron Ejector.
- Farming: Essential for cultivating Gamma Weed.
- Refining: Used in Refiner recipes to produce elements such as Pyrite, Lemmium, or even Condensed Carbon.
- Starship Fuel: Commonly used to recharge your Launch Thrusters, making it one of the most reliable fuel sources for space exploration.
See also: Why Everyone Is Playing No Man’s Sky 2025: Expansions, Updates & Comeback Story
How to Locate Uranium in No Man’s Sky
Uranium isn’t found everywhere, so knowing how to spot it saves time and effort.
1. Scan Planets From Space
When entering a new star system, fly close to planets and scan them. If Uranium is present, it will appear in the planet’s resource list. Look out for radioactive planets, which are the most likely places to yield Uranium. Greenish or yellowish planets often indicate radiation, though Uranium can exist on worlds of any color.
2. Search Radioactive Environments
Uranium usually appears in planets with strong radiation storms or gamma-rich ecosystems. These planets often glow with a green or yellow hue and may be labeled as Radioactive or Gamma-Intensive.
3. Use Your Analysis Visor
After landing on a suitable planet, equip your Analysis Visor to scan for Uranium Deposits. These show up as yellow or gold nodes. Tagging them makes navigation easier, whether you’re on foot or in your ship.
4. Harvesting Deposits
When you reach a deposit, use the Terrain Manipulator on your Multi-Tool to dig it out. The Uranium automatically moves into your inventory as long as there’s space.
Tip: If you own a Corvette, you can hover above a planet’s surface and use the visor directly from the ship hatch. This method speeds up scanning without wasting fuel on repeated landings.
Other Ways to Get Uranium
Mining From Rocks
Some ordinary mineral rocks on radioactive planets may yield small amounts of Uranium, even if they don’t appear as major deposits.
See also: How to Build a Corvette in No Man’s Sky – Complete Guide to Modules, Customization & Upgrades
Buying From Galactic Trade Terminals
Certain Space Stations and planetary outposts sell Uranium at Galactic Trade Terminals. Keep in mind, though, that it’s often overpriced. This option is best when you urgently need fuel or crafting materials.
Refining Uranium
If you can’t find deposits, Uranium can also be crafted in a Refiner using other resources. Here are some key recipes:
| Ingredient 1 | Ingredient 2 | Uranium Yield |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Phosphorus | 1 Ferrite Dust | 1 |
| 2 Phosphorus | 1 Pure Ferrite | 1 |
| 1 Gamma Root | 1 Salt | 1 |
| 1 Radon | 1 Ferrite Dust | 1 |
| 1 Radon | 1 Pure Ferrite | 2 |
| 1 Crystallized Helium | 1 Pure Ferrite | 2 |
| 1 Crystallized Helium | 1 Magnetized Ferrite | 3 |
| 1 Radon | 1 Magnetized Ferrite | 3 |
This makes refining a strong backup plan when exploration doesn’t yield results.
Best Practices for Farming Uranium
- Prioritize Radioactive Planets: These consistently offer the best chance for large deposits.
- Carry a Refiner: Having a Portable Refiner on hand means you can create Uranium whenever you gather the right components.
- Maintain Extra Inventory Space: Uranium farming can quickly fill your slots, so always keep room for large deposits.
- Balance Buying and Mining: Buy small amounts only in emergencies—mining and refining remain the most cost-effective methods.
Uranium is one of the most practical elements in No Man’s Sky, fueling exploration, crafting, and refining. By scanning radioactive planets, using your Analysis Visor, and keeping Refiner recipes in mind, you’ll never run short on this crucial resource. Whether you’re traveling between systems or setting up permanent bases, mastering Uranium collection ensures your journey never stalls. Play Now!
