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Planetary Samples in The Alters come from Interal anomaly trails: use the Luminator to reveal a trail, follow it to the glowing core, then destroy the core and collect its drop. A Guides4Gamers interactive map lists 10 Planetary Sample markers in the base game, though that is a community map tally—not an official total. Some trails appear only after Magnetic Storms, so check the act and map before leaving an area.
How to collect a Planetary Sample
- Find a green Interal anomaly and aim the Luminator at it to reveal the trail.
- Follow the trail through the terrain to its core, a large glowing orb embedded in the webbing.
- Aim the Luminator at the core and destroy it, then collect the drop.
These trails are not always direct: routes can involve climbing, caves, lava crossings, or areas with other anomalies. Use the in-game map and visible trail as your primary guides rather than relying on compass directions alone.
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How many Planetary Samples are there?
The Guides4Gamers interactive map lists 10 markers across the base-game acts. This is a third-party map count, not a total published by 11 bit studios. The map lists one Act 1 marker, six in Act 2, and three in Act 3; available walkthrough descriptions do not give equally precise directions for every marker.
Act 1 Planetary Samples
Across the lava river near the mineral route
The first trail is east or northeast of the starting area, across the lava river near the mineral route. Activate it with the Luminator and follow its winding path toward the southeastern part of the area, near a cargo pod.
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Below the Organics field
A later trail appears after Act 1’s final Magnetic Storm. The described route climbs around a lava pool and leads to a rocky outcropping. If the trail is not available yet, continue the act’s progression and check again after the storm.
Act 2 Planetary Samples
Western route near the Rapidium caves
Look along the route between the base and the Enriched Metals field, near the Rapidium cave system. The walkthrough route climbs into the cave and searches near an Energy Gate.
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Northern or northeastern cave route
A trailhead is described on the ridge behind the base, with the sample in an early cave chamber approached from the Organics-side tunnel. Guides differ on the cardinal direction, so use the map marker and follow the revealed trail instead of choosing a route by compass label alone.
Extreme southern cave
This late route appears after Act 2’s second Magnetic Storm. Descend from the overlook above the southern Metals field and search the dead-end cave. A ceiling opening used for a power-line route is a landmark described for this area.
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Finding the other Act 2 markers
The interactive map lists six Act 2 markers, but detailed walkthrough directions are not available for all of them. Set the map’s act filter to Act 2, check the in-game trail indicators, and follow each activated trail to its core rather than inferring an undocumented route from nearby landmarks.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Act 3 Planetary Samples
Southwest valley
A post-storm trail southwest of the base leads down into a darker valley. Prism Anomalies may obstruct the approach, so follow the revealed path through the area rather than assuming a direct line from the trailhead.
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Northern cave near the radiation-zone perimeter
The final northern route is described in the cave system northwest of the Enriched Metals deposit, near the perimeter of a radiation zone. It appears close to the final Sunrise.
Finding the remaining Act 3 marker
The map lists three Act 3 markers, while the available walkthrough descriptions give detailed directions for two. Use the Act 3 map filter and the game’s Interal Trail indicators to locate the remaining marker.
Quick Recap
Route-planning tips
- Check for post-storm trails before leaving an act; some sample routes depend on Magnetic Storm progression.
- Follow the trail all the way to its core. The sample is the core’s drop, not an ordinary resource deposit.
- Expect terrain to shape the route: caves, cliffs, lava, and other anomalies can make the direct-looking path impractical.
- Use map markers as orientation and the revealed in-game trail for the actual route, particularly where walkthroughs use conflicting compass directions.
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