Astroneer: An Important Rover Guide

In the vast and challenging world of Astroneer, rovers are your best friends. These vehicles help you explore distant planets, gather resources, and set up new bases. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, knowing how to use and optimize each type of rover can make your journey much smoother and more efficient.

In this guide, we’ll dig through the different types of rovers available in Astroneer, their unique features, and also how to craft and improve them. By the end, you’ll be ready to tackle any planets in Astroneer and easily gather resources.

Types of Rovers

1. Tractor
2. Trailer
3. Buggy
4. Medium Rover
5. Large Rover

Tractor

The Tractor is often the first vehicle you’ll craft in Astroneer. It’s simple to build and very useful in the early stages of the game. Moreover, with its cheap research and crafting costs, the Tractor is perfect for early exploration and resource gathering. Also, it has a T2 Attachment Slot on the front and a power port on the back, allowing it to pull up to three other rovers.

Crafting Details

• Tier: Medium
• Group: Vehicle
• Type: Rover
• Crafted at: Small Printer
• Recipe: 2x Aluminum
• Unlock Cost: 1,000 Bytes

Uses

To use the Tractor effectively, you can attach a power source like a Solar Panel or a RTG to keep it running. The Tractor has a small internal battery, but it drains quickly, so a continuous power source is necessary for longer trips. Also, the Tractor can be entered and exited by pressing F (PC), Y (Xbox), Triangle (PS4), or X (Switch). The front slots can also be used like a backpack Attachment Slot, allowing you to carry items directly on the Tractor.

Trailer

The Trailer is a small, lightweight vehicle designed to be paired with the Tractor for early-game rover trains. Additionally, it has a single Tier-2 attachment slot, making it useful for carrying additional items or modules. Also, the Trailer is easy to craft, requiring Compound Aluminum and 1,500 Bytes, and it can be made using a Small Printer.

Crafting Details

• Tier: Medium
• Group: Vehicle
• Type: Rover
• Crafted at: Small Printer
• Recipe: Compound Aluminum
• Unlock Cost: 1,500 Bytes

Uses

To use the Trailer, you need to attach it to the Tractor’s rear power port. The Trailer itself has no internal battery, so it relies on the Tractor for power. To make the Trailer functional, you need to add a power source like a Solar Panel or a RTG to the Tractor. The Trailer can be connected to up to three other Trailers, creating a longer train for even more storage. This setup is ideal for early-game resource gathering and base expansion.

Buggy

The Buggy is a fast and maneuverable scout vehicle, ideal for exploring rugged terrains. It’s smaller than other rovers and is perfect for quick exploration and resource gathering. The Buggy can climb very steep inclines, making it great for mountainous areas and large caves.

Crafting Details

• Tier: Large
• Group: Vehicle
• Type: Scout
• Crafted at: Medium Printer
• Recipe: 1x Aluminum, 1x Compound
• Unlock Cost: 1,500 Bytes

Uses

To use the Buggy effectively, you need to attach a Rover Seat to it, which allows you to drive it. You should also add a power source like a Small Battery or a Power Cell to extend its driving time. The Buggy has one T2 and two T1 Attachment Slots, which can be used for additional storage or tools. While the Buggy is not ideal for carrying large items, it can be equipped with a Packager to store larger items in their packaged state. The Buggy is also equipped with a Portable Oxygenator, which provides a constant supply of oxygen while you are driving.

Medium Rover

The Medium Rover is a versatile vehicle that balances speed, storage, and power efficiency. It’s ideal for longer expeditions and resource gathering. The Medium Rover can carry more items than the Tractor or Buggy and has better power management.

Crafting Details

• Tier: Large
• Group: Vehicle
• Type: Rover
• Crafted at: Medium Printer
• Recipe: 2x Plastic, 1x Rubber
• Unlock Cost: 3,750 Bytes

Uses

To use the Medium Rover effectively, you need to attach a Rover Seat to it, which allows you to drive it. You should also add a power source like a Small Battery or a Power Cell to ensure it has enough power for extended trips. The Medium Rover can pull one loaded Large Rover or three loaded Medium Rovers, making it useful for creating rover trains. The Medium Rover’s large storage capacity and towing capabilities make it an excellent choice for resource gathering and base expansion.

Large Rover

The Large Rover is the most powerful and spacious vehicle in Astroneer, suitable for long expeditions and resource gathering. It has the largest storage capacity and is ideal for carrying heavy loads. The Large Rover can also supply unlimited oxygen when you are driving it.

Crafting Details

• Tier: Extra Large
• Group: Vehicle
• Type: Rover
• Crafted at: Large Printer
• Recipe: 2x EXO Chip, 1x Aluminum Alloy, 1x Rubber
• Unlock Cost: 5,000 Bytes

Uses

To use the Large Rover effectively, you need to attach a Rover Seat to it, which allows you to drive it. For multiplayer, you can use a Large Rover Seat to allow more passengers. You should also add a power source like a Small Battery or a Power Cell to ensure it has enough power for extended trips. The Large Rover can pull three loaded Large Rovers or three loaded Medium Rovers, making it perfect for creating large rover trains. The Large Rover’s high storage capacity and powerful tools make it an essential vehicle for advanced exploration and resource management.

Additional Features

1. Crane: For bulk resource collection.
2. Winch: For towing other vehicles and large objects.
3. Drill Heads: For digging tunnels while driving.
4. Paver: For paving roads of dark gray soil.

Tips and Tricks

Power management is crucial in Astroneer. Always ensure your rovers have a reliable power source, especially for long expeditions. Furthermore, use Small Batteries and Power Cells to extend driving time. Optimize your storage by using Medium and Large Storage modules to carry more items. However, the Buggy is perfect for quick scouting missions, while the Large Rover is ideal for long-term exploration and resource gathering.

Be mindful of the weight and number of vehicles you tow, as overloading can slow down your rovers or prevent them from moving. Use Drill Heads and the Crane for efficient resource extraction while driving. By understanding and optimizing each type of rover, you’ll be well-equipped to explore the vast and challenging world of Astroneer.

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Conclusion

Rovers are essential tools in Astroneer, providing mobility, storage, and power for your adventures. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimize your existing vehicles, understanding the capabilities and limitations of each rover type will enhance your gameplay experience.

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