Resource Extraction
Resource Taxonomy
Every resource in PSECS is classified using a 4-level taxonomy:
| Level | Examples | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Inorganic, Organic | Broadest classification |
| Type | Mineral, Chemical, Flora, Fauna, Microscopic, Energetic | Material category |
| Class | Metal, Ore, Gemstone, Gas, Liquid, Food, NonFood, Meat, Hide, Bone, Algae, Bacteria | Specific material type |
| Order | Ferromagnetic, Precious, ReactiveGas, HardWood | Most specific classification |
This taxonomy matters for manufacturing. Blueprint inputs specify a qualifier level (Group, Type, Class, or Order) and a value to match. A blueprint requiring "Class: Metal" will accept any metal — iron, copper, titanium — but a blueprint requiring "Order: Precious" is much more specific.
Quality Properties
Each resource has numeric quality properties that directly affect manufacturing output. Common properties include:
- OQ (Overall Quality)
- PE (Purity/Efficiency)
- SR (Structural Rating)
Higher quality resources produce higher quality manufactured goods. This creates a meaningful difference between grabbing the nearest resource and seeking out the best quality you can find.
Resources also have a density value, which affects extraction speed — denser resources take longer to mine but may have other advantages.
Extraction Modules
Ships need extraction modules to mine resources. There are four types, each specialized for different resource types:
| Module Type | Resource Types |
|---|---|
| Biological Extraction | Flora, Fauna, organic materials |
| Mineral Extraction | Metals, ores, gemstones |
| Chemical Extraction | Chemicals, gases, liquids |
| Energetic Extraction | Energy-based resources |
Higher-tier extraction modules mine faster and may handle a wider range of resource types. Research modifiers can also boost extraction speed.
How Extraction Works
- Find resources — Deep scan an orbital position to see what's available
- Start extraction — Target a specific resource with your ship's extraction module
- Wait for extraction — Resources accumulate in your ship's cargo hold over time
- Monitor cargo — If your cargo hold fills up, extraction pauses automatically
Extraction speed depends on your extraction module tier, any research modifiers you've unlocked, and the resource's density.
Resource Spawning
Resources spawn procedurally in sectors based on the composition of orbital bodies. Different sector types produce different resource profiles:
- Star Systems — varied resources based on planet types
- Nebulae — gas-rich, chemical-heavy
- Rubble fields — mineral and metal concentrations
- Black Holes — rare and exotic materials
Resources have a limited lifespan and eventually despawn, but new resources spawn regularly. This means the galaxy's resource landscape is always shifting.
Resource Catalog
As you discover resources through deep scanning, they're automatically logged in your corporation's resource catalog. You can:
- Browse discoveries filtered by type or class
- Favorite high-value resources for quick reference
- Add notes — record quality observations, blueprint matches, or spawn patterns
Building a thorough resource catalog helps you make informed decisions about where to mine and what to prioritize for manufacturing.
Strategy Tips
- Quality matters more than quantity for manufacturing — seek out the best resources for important blueprints
- Diversify — manufacturing chains need many different resource types
- Annotate your finds — note quality patterns in your resource catalog so you can return to the best sources
- Watch cargo capacity — don't let your hold fill up during long extraction runs
- Research extraction modifiers early — even small speed bonuses compound over time