How to Get an Echo Locator in No Man’s Sky: Your Definitive Guide

Acquiring an Echo Locator in No Man’s Sky involves venturing into corrupted systems and engaging with corrupted sentinels. These systems, identifiable by their unique visual distortions and ominous atmosphere on the galaxy map, are home to corrupted planets. On these planets, you’ll encounter corrupted sentinel pillars. Interacting with and defeating waves of corrupted sentinels at these pillars rewards you with a corrupted sentinel shard. You then must rehabilitate this shard at a harmonic camp. Successful rehabilitation transforms the shard into an Echo Locator, which you can then use to find a Autophage camp and begin the “They Who Returned” questline.

Decoding the Echoes: A Deep Dive into Echo Locators

The quest for an Echo Locator in No Man’s Sky is more than just a simple acquisition; it’s a gateway to unraveling the mysteries of the Autophage, a fascinating and enigmatic robotic race. It’s a journey that tests your combat skills, resourcefulness, and understanding of the game’s evolving lore.

Locating Corrupted Systems and Planets

First, identifying corrupted systems is crucial. Scan the galactic map meticulously. Look for systems exhibiting visual anomalies – typically, a glitching or distorted appearance. These systems often harbor corrupted planets. Upon entering a corrupted system, use your ship’s scanner to identify planets afflicted by the corruption. These planets are usually marked with a specific icon, making them relatively easy to spot.

Conquering Corrupted Sentinels at the Pillars

Once on a corrupted planet, your primary objective is to locate a corrupted sentinel pillar. These structures, often heavily guarded, serve as focal points for the corrupted sentinel presence. Approaching a pillar triggers waves of corrupted sentinels. Be prepared for a challenging fight, as these sentinels are more aggressive and resilient than their standard counterparts. Utilize your ship’s weaponry and personal combat skills to efficiently eliminate the sentinels. Once all waves are defeated, you will be rewarded with a Corrupted Sentinel Shard.

Rehabilitating the Shard: Harmonic Camps and the Transformation

After obtaining a Corrupted Sentinel Shard, your next step is to rehabilitate it at a harmonic camp. These camps are typically found on dissonant planets, identifiable by the same visual glitches as corrupted systems. Inside the harmonic camp you will find a terminal used to cleanse and reassemble the Corrupted Sentinel Shard. Performing this task requires you to solve a simple puzzle. Completion of this puzzle triggers the transformation of the shard into the coveted Echo Locator.

The Autophage Connection: Echo Locators as Keys

With an Echo Locator in hand, you can now locate Autophage camps. Activating the locator will guide you to the nearest camp. These camps serve as the starting point for the “They Who Returned” questline. Interacting with the Autophage will unveil their story, allowing you to delve into their history and purpose. This questline opens new avenues for exploration, customization options for your character, and a deeper understanding of the No Man’s Sky universe.

Echo Locator FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about acquiring and using Echo Locators, providing further clarity and helpful tips:

1. What are Corrupted Sentinels?

Corrupted Sentinels are a variant of standard sentinels found exclusively on corrupted planets within corrupted systems. They are visually distinct, often exhibiting a glitching or fragmented appearance. They also pose a greater combat challenge, possessing increased health, damage output, and aggressive behavior.

2. How do I find a Harmonic Camp?

Harmonic Camps are located on dissonant planets, which can be found in corrupted systems. You can locate them using your ship’s scanner or by using the Echo Locator if you have already defeated the Corrupted Sentinels and obtained the corrupted sentinel shard.

3. What resources do I need to fight Corrupted Sentinels?

Efficiently dealing with Corrupted Sentinels requires a well-equipped starship and potent personal weaponry. Ensure your ship is equipped with upgraded weapons and shields. For personal combat, consider using a powerful multi-tool with upgrades focused on damage and range. Stock up on shield recharging items and health packs.

4. Are Corrupted Systems dangerous?

Corrupted Systems pose unique risks. Beyond the hostile Corrupted Sentinels, these systems often feature hazardous environments. Be prepared for extreme weather conditions and aggressive fauna. Scan your surroundings carefully and prioritize survival.

5. What is the “They Who Returned” questline?

The “They Who Returned” questline is a narrative-driven adventure focused on the Autophage, a mysterious robotic race. Initiated by finding and interacting with the Autophage after locating an Autophage camp with your Echo Locator. This questline unlocks new lore, customization options, and gameplay possibilities.

6. Can I skip the fight with Corrupted Sentinels?

While avoiding the fight entirely is difficult, you can attempt to flee the scene after interacting with a corrupted sentinel pillar. However, the sentinels will likely pursue you, making escape challenging. Defeating them is generally the most efficient way to obtain the required Corrupted Sentinel Shard.

7. What happens if I fail the Harmonic Camp puzzle?

Failing the puzzle at a harmonic camp does not have severe consequences. You can simply attempt the puzzle again. There is no penalty for failure, so don’t be afraid to experiment and learn the solution.

8. Are Echo Locators reusable?

No, Echo Locators are single-use items. Once you use an Echo Locator to locate an Autophage camp, it is consumed. You will need to acquire another corrupted sentinel shard from a corrupted sentinel pillar to obtain another Echo Locator.

9. Can I find multiple Autophage camps with one Echo Locator?

No, one Echo Locator only leads you to a single Autophage camp. After interacting with the first camp, you’ll need to find and rehabilitate another Corrupted Sentinel Shard to locate another camp.

10. Do different corrupted systems have different types of Corrupted Sentinels?

While the core behaviors remain similar, there can be slight variations in the types of Corrupted Sentinels encountered in different corrupted systems. Some systems may feature stronger variants or unique sentinel units, adding an element of surprise to each encounter.

11. How do I know if I’m ready to take on Corrupted Sentinels?

Assess your equipment and skills. Can you confidently defeat standard sentinels? If so, you’re likely ready for the corrupted variants. Ensure your ship and multi-tool are adequately upgraded, and stock up on essential resources. Practice your combat techniques and learn the attack patterns of the sentinels.

12. Is the “They Who Returned” questline worth pursuing?

Absolutely! The “They Who Returned” questline offers a rich and rewarding experience, unveiling the lore of the Autophage and providing unique customization options. It’s a compelling addition to the No Man’s Sky universe and well worth the effort.