Chromatic Metal is a core crafting input, including for Hyperdrive and base technology. Stellar metals provide a repeatable raw-material source.
PC / Global, current live version
WHERE & HOW TO FARM
Where to farm
Copper deposits on planets in yellow-star systems; other stellar metals occur in their matching star systems.
Turn a stellar metal into Chromatic Metal with a refiner. Copper is the accessible choice in yellow-star systems; Cadmium, Emeril, and Indium are alternatives found in their matching star colors. The method is the same whichever metal you have: locate the deposit, mine the raw material, and refine the amount needed.
In a yellow-star system, scan the planet from space or on the surface and identify Copper as a planetary resource.
Land and use the Analysis Visor to locate a Copper deposit, then follow its marker.
Use the Terrain Manipulator to mine the deposit and collect Copper.
Place a Portable Refiner in a safe spot and add Copper as its input.
Start refining, then collect the Chromatic Metal when processing is complete.
Use it for the required technology or base recipe, retaining raw Copper if another recipe needs it.
Farming tips
If you already have access to a red, green, or blue system, its Cadmium, Emeril, or Indium can also be refined into Chromatic Metal.
Check your recipe before refining so you do not consume stellar metal needed for another task.
Repeat, collect and use
Repeat at another deposit whenever you need more. Planetary deposits are renewable targets, but each visit requires locating and mining the specific deposit again.
Common mistakes
Searching for Copper in a system where another stellar metal is the relevant resource wastes time; check the star color and planet resource listing.
Using the Mining Beam instead of the Terrain Manipulator is inefficient for a deep deposit; switch tools for terrain mining.
Leaving the refiner output uncollected means it is not in your inventory; return to the refiner and take it.
When to stop or switch
Stop when the Chromatic Metal requirement is met and any desired raw-metal reserve remains; switch to another stellar metal only if your destination or recipe calls for it.
