Claimable asteroids are valuable assets in Avorion, offering a foundation for stations, mining operations, or passive income. Finding these special asteroids may seem random at first, but there are consistent ways to locate them if you know where to look and how to identify them. These asteroids stand out from regular resource nodes and can be claimed to establish powerful economic infrastructure. Understanding how to find claimable asteroids in Avorion is crucial for players seeking to expand their empire and generate long-term resources.
What Are Claimable Asteroids?
Unique Asteroid Types
Claimable asteroids are large rock formations found in asteroid fields that can be turned into stations. Unlike regular mining asteroids, they serve as a build point for player-owned structures. Once claimed, you can construct a mine, factory, or other station modules depending on your needs.
Why They Matter
Claimable asteroids provide several advantages:
- Permanent station foundation without using up building slots in other sectors.
- Faster deployment of stations without requiring large blocks.
- Increased profits from automated mines or trade outposts.
- Improved presence in remote or strategic regions of the galaxy.
They’re a key part of expanding your operations without investing large amounts of credits or materials up front.
Visual Identification
Appearance of Claimable Asteroids
Claimable asteroids look different from regular ones. They are:
- Much larger in size than standard asteroids.
- Shaped like boulders with a smoother surface.
- Often marked by a small white glow when scanned or hovered over.
If you fly close to one, a prompt will appear saying Claimable Asteroid. This message won’t show unless you’re within visual scanning range or using specific tools.
Using the Scanner
To find claimable asteroids faster, activate your ship’s scanner using the F9 key (by default). This scanner highlights interactive objects in the sector. Claimable asteroids will be labeled clearly when within range. You’ll still need to manually fly to them to claim them, but scanning dramatically speeds up the search process.
Best Locations to Find Claimable Asteroids
Asteroid Fields in Empty Sectors
The most reliable place to find claimable asteroids is in asteroid fields located in sectors that don’t contain stations or faction-controlled structures. These sectors are more likely to contain hidden or unclaimed resources.
- Look for sectors labeled with only a few icons or no stations.
- Scout outer systems with sparse activity for better odds.
Regions with No Claim Restrictions
Some regions may prevent you from claiming asteroids due to faction laws or territory restrictions. Check faction relations before scouting in claimed zones.
- Focus on unclaimed or neutral territory.
- If needed, improve reputation with local factions to unlock claiming rights.
Between Core and Outer Rim
Claimable asteroids can be found throughout the galaxy, but many players report more frequent appearances in sectors around the mid-tier ring between the outer edge and core barrier. These areas offer fewer patrols and less player interference.
Tools and Strategies to Speed Up Search
Scout Ships with Upgraded Radar
Equip a fast ship with high-speed thrusters and advanced radar systems to locate claimable asteroids more efficiently. The radar upgrade increases detection range and speeds up sector scanning.
- Add radar modules with high Object Detection Range.
- Include hyperspace cooldown reduction for faster travel.
Use the Galaxy Map Filter
While claimable asteroids don’t appear on the galaxy map by default, you can filter for asteroid-rich sectors to narrow your search. Look for sectors with asteroid icons and little else these are prime candidates for exploration.
Automated Sector Patrols
Once you have more resources, assign AI ships to patrol and report from multiple sectors. Set them to Scout Sector mode with orders to highlight anomalies. Occasionally, they’ll find claimable asteroids and mark them for later inspection.
How to Claim the Asteroid
Flying to the Asteroid
Once you locate a claimable asteroid, fly your ship near it until the claim option appears. You’ll see an interaction prompt or a floating UI notification such as Press F to claim asteroid.
Claiming Requirements
To claim an asteroid, you need:
- A captain or player ship with a working bridge.
- Sufficient relationship with the local faction (if required).
- No hostile entities in the sector during the claiming process.
Claiming takes only a few seconds and consumes no materials. Once claimed, the asteroid becomes yours permanently unless lost to war or manually abandoned.
What to Do After Claiming
Building a Station
After claiming the asteroid, you can immediately begin building a station on it. The game provides a station core to start with. Customize the structure or load a station blueprint to create specific facilities like:
- Mine (iron, titanium, etc.)
- Solar power plant
- Trading post
- Turret factory
You’ll need construction materials and crew to complete and operate the station effectively.
Assigning a Captain and Crew
Stations require management to function. Assign a captain with the appropriate role (e.g., Miner, Merchant, Engineer) depending on the station type. Add engineers, mechanics, and other specialists as needed to keep it running smoothly.
Automating Income
Claimed asteroids are ideal for passive income. Build automated mines and assign trade routes to maximize profits. Even a basic iron mine will yield consistent resources over time with minimal input once set up.
Tips and Reminders
- Save frequently before entering unknown sectors to avoid ambushes or crashes.
- Use hyperspace upgrades to reduce travel fatigue while searching.
- Mark sectors where you find claimable asteroids even if you’re not ready to use them yet.
- Combine your asteroid with existing infrastructure for logistic advantages.
Avoid Overclaiming
Some factions will become hostile if you claim asteroids too close to their borders. Check the influence map to avoid triggering diplomatic conflicts.
Defend Your Assets
Once you’ve established a station, build defensive turrets or assign patrol ships to guard it. Pirate raids or enemy factions may target isolated structures for easy looting.
Finding claimable asteroids in Avorion is a rewarding part of the game’s exploration and expansion systems. By scouting remote asteroid fields, using ship scanners, and identifying the visual traits of claimable rocks, you can locate and secure valuable building sites across the galaxy. Once claimed, these asteroids can become mining hubs, production stations, or trade outposts that support your growing empire. With a smart search strategy and a little patience, you’ll soon have a network of profitable outposts built on the foundation of these hidden galactic treasures.