Cave nodes offer an Exotic gathering route that does not use deep-deposit scanning equipment.
PC / Steam / current live version; Olympus, Styx and Prometheus maps
WHERE & HOW TO FARM
Where to farm
Node locations inside standard caves on eligible prospects.
Cave Exotics are collected directly from nodes inside caves. This route differs from deep deposits: a scanner does not locate cave nodes, and the extraction equipment used for deep deposits is not the collection method here. Bring a pickaxe, search cave interiors, and plan how you will carry the Exotics back for prospect extraction.
A plan to carry the Exotics to the dropship and extract at prospect end.
Confirm that your prospect supports the cave Exotic route and prepare a pickaxe and cave supplies.
Search rocky outcrops and mountain sides for a cave entrance.
Explore the cave interior, taking care around cave creatures.
Inspect the node location for an Exotic deposit; cave nodes are found by exploration rather than scanning.
Mine the node with your pickaxe and keep the collected material secure in your inventory.
Return to the dropship with the Exotics and complete prospect extraction to retain them.
Farming tips
Keep cave-node gathering separate in your plan from deep Exotic deposits, which use prospecting equipment.
Carry enough light and supplies to explore the cave rather than rushing past its interior.
Repeat, collect and use
Repeat on eligible prospects when accessible cave nodes remain available. This route depends on the prospect and cave nodes; it is not a guaranteed renewable deposit.
Common mistakes
Trying to scan for a cave node; search the cave interior directly.
Leaving the Exotics behind when ending the prospect; carry them to the dropship and extract successfully.
Entering without supplies for cave creatures; prepare before exploring.
When to stop or switch
Stop when you have collected the available node or when the amount you can safely carry is sufficient for your Workshop goal; extract before ending the prospect.
