The Xenobiology update in Astroneer opened up exciting new avenues for research and exploration, introducing enigmatic lab wreckage and charming Galastropods. Central to this update is the Xenobiology Lab, a structure brimming with scientific potential. Before you can delve into its mysteries, you’ll need to get it up and running. This guide will walk you through accessing the Xenobiology Lab and, crucially, how to power it up, essentially using Astroneer Jumper Cables to bring it online.
This content update is available for free across all platforms, including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. Let’s break down the steps to unlock and activate this fascinating lab.
Gaining Access: Completing the Initial Missions
To begin your Xenobiology research, you must first complete a series of introductory missions in Astroneer. Think of these as your initial training before you get to the more advanced scientific pursuits. The mission that unlocks the Xenobiology Lab, aptly named ‘Bait & Switch’, will only become available after you’ve successfully completed these tutorial missions:
- Planetfall
- Astroneering Bas(e)ics
- Breathing Space
- Resourcing
- Printing Up
- Smeltering Hot
Completing these fundamental missions will pave the way for the ‘Bait & Switch’ mission to appear in your mission log.
The ‘Bait & Switch’ Mission: Gathering Sphalerite
The ‘Bait & Switch’ mission is straightforward: you’re tasked with collecting three pieces of Sphalerite. This natural resource can be mined from caves on Sylva, the starting planet, or found on the mountains or in the mantle of Desolo. Sphalerite deposits are easily identifiable by their shiny purple appearance.
Alternatively, if you have established a trade platform, you can exchange one unit of scrap for two units of Sphalerite. Once you have acquired the required three Sphalerite, you will be rewarded with the enigmatic Strange Object.
Placing the Strange Object and Summoning the Lab
With the Strange Object in your possession, the next step is to find a suitable location to place it. While the object itself is small, placing it will project a large holographic outline indicating the space needed.
Locate an open, clear area free of obstructions and place the Strange Object. Interacting with it after placement will trigger the summoning of the Xenobiology Lab.
Activating the Xenobiology Lab: Jumper Cables and Oxygen
Once summoned, the Xenobiology Lab will appear, ready for activation. To bring it online, you’ll need to complete two essential tasks. The game cleverly refers to one of these as requiring “jumper cables“, although in Astroneer terms, it means providing power.
- A Breath of Fresh Air: The first task is to place an Oxygenator within the Xenobiology Lab. Conveniently, an Oxygenator is usually found nearby, eliminating the need to craft one immediately. Simply locate it and place it in the designated slot within the lab.
- Jumper Cables (Powering Up): The second task, our focus on “astroneer jumper cables“, involves supplying power to the Xenobiology Lab. This is achieved by connecting any standard power source in Astroneer to the lab. This could be a Portable Generator, a Small Generator, solar panels, wind turbines, or any other power generation method you have available. Attach the power cable from your chosen power source to the power input node on the Xenobiology Lab.
Once both oxygen and power are supplied, the Xenobiology Lab will become fully operational! You can then interact with the Data Log inside to receive new missions related to the lab and the intriguing Galastropods.
Discovering Galastropods and Their Benefits
There are seven unique Galastropods, or space snails, to discover and collect throughout the Astroneer solar system. Each Galastropod resides on a different planet and bestows a unique buff upon the player.
| Gastropod Type | Location | Buff Provided |
|---|---|---|
| Sylvie | Sylva | Illuminates area |
| Usagi | Desolo | Makes curiosities appear on compass |
| Stilgar | Calidor | Produces oxygen that fills tanks |
| Princess | Vesnia | When on backpack, prevents all damage except for suffocation |
| Rogal | Novus | Produces power |
| Bestefar | Glacio | When attached to Terrain Tool, improves width, boost, and drilling ability |
| Enoki | Atrox | When on backpack, increases jump height, sprint speed, and movement penalty while carrying items |
These buffs are active for 30 minutes when the Galastropod is fed its preferred seed type, or for 10 minutes when fed any other seed. Obtaining each Galastropod involves completing a short mission chain, after which the space snail becomes your companion. These quests can be repeated, allowing multiple players in a cooperative game to each acquire their own Galastropods.
Start your research today, power up your Xenobiology Lab with your “astroneer jumper cables” (power source), and begin uncovering the secrets of the Galastropods!
