Satisfactory 1.0: SAM Ore & Quantum Tech
In the 1.0 Release, **SAM (Strange Alien Matter)** has finally been given a purpose. It is no longer a placeholder resource. SAM Ore is the key to unlocking **Alien Technology**, including the game-changing **Dimensional Depot** and **Quantum Production** lines.
1. Reanimated SAM
Raw SAM Ore is processed into "Reanimated SAM" in the Constructor. This is the base fluid/material used for all alien tech tree upgrades.
2. Dimensional Depot
The most important upgrade in the game. It allows you to upload items to a "Cloud Storage" and access them from your inventory anywhere on the map. It requires SAM to build.
3. Node Scarcity
Unlike Iron or Copper, SAM nodes are rare. There are only a handful on the entire map, and most are guarded or hidden in caves.
All SAM Node Locations (Coordinates & Details)
You can verify these coordinates on the SCIM Map. These are the exact locations with purity ratings and access requirements:
| Location | Purity | Coordinates | Access Requirements | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grass Fields Arch | Impure | ~ 2150 x -2650 | Concrete pillars to reach top of stone arch | Easy |
| Northern Forest Cave | Normal | ~ 850 x -3350 | Nobelisk explosives required to open cave entrance | Medium |
| Western Gold Coast | Normal | ~ 450 x -800 | Large cavern near ocean, no special equipment needed | Easy |
| Red Bamboo Plateau | Pure | ~ 1550 x -1000 | High plateau, guarded by spiders and hogs | Hard |
| Swamp Cave (Rare) | Normal | ~ -550 x -3800 | Deep swamp, hazardous environment | Hard |
| Dune Desert Outpost | Impure | ~ 2800 x -1500 | Requires power to activate outpost elevator | Medium |
| Abyss Cliffs Edge | Normal | ~ 50 x -4500 | Cliffside access, need jetpack or scaffolding | Medium |
Early Game Access Strategy
Phase 1: Starter Nodes (Tier 3-4)
Focus on these accessible nodes first for the Dimensional Depot:
- Grass Fields Arch (Impure) - Your first SAM source. Set up a Miner Mk.2 (120/min when overclocked).
- Western Gold Coast (Normal) - Easy access once you have a vehicle. Use a Truck Station or Conveyor to transport SAM.
Phase 2: Advanced Nodes (Tier 5-6)
As you unlock explosives and advanced mobility:
- Northern Forest Cave (Normal) - Requires Nobelisk manufacturing. Use Trains to transport from this remote location.
- Dune Desert Outpost (Impure) - Power the outpost elevator. Great for Trams to Dune Desert factory.
Phase 3: Pure Nodes (Tier 7-8)
Late-game, when you need massive quantities for Tier 9:
- Red Bamboo Plateau (Pure) - 240/min with Miner Mk.3. Highest yield but most dangerous.
- Swamp Cave (Normal) - Backup source if you've exhausted the plateau.
Refining SAM: Complete Production Chain
Extraction & Processing
| Building | Input | Output | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miner Mk.3 | SAM Node | Raw SAM Ore | Varies by purity |
| Constructor | 1 Raw SAM Ore | 1 Reanimated SAM | 6s |
Dimensional Depot Tree Requirements
The Dimensional Depot is the most efficient use of SAM. Here's what you need:
| Unlock Stage | M.A.M. Cost | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 6 | 10 Reanimated SAM + 5 Mercer Spheres | Dimensional Depot Research Unlocked |
| Dimensional Depot Mk.1 | 25 Reanimated SAM + 10 Mercer Spheres + 3 Somersloops | 100 slots, remote access |
| Dimensional Depot Mk.2 | 50 Reanimated SAM + 15 Mercer Spheres + 5 Somersloops | 200 slots, faster transfer |
| Quantum Encoder | 100 Reanimated SAM + 20 Mercer Spheres + 10 Somersloops | Tier 9 quantum tech |
Tier 9: Quantum Production
For late-game quantum items, SAM becomes critical:
- Neural-Quantum Processor: 10 Reanimated SAM + 20 Circuit Boards + 5 Crystal Oscillators
- Superposition Oscillator: 15 Reanimated SAM + 10 Crystal Oscillators + 5 Singularity Cells
- Quantum Computer: 20 Reanimated SAM + 15 Superposition Oscillators + 10 Neural-Quantum Processors
Mercer Spheres & Somersloops
Finding Collectibles
Mercer Spheres and Somersloops are rare collectibles found throughout the world. They spawn in specific locations and respawn periodically:
- Mercer Spheres: Found on top of mountains, inside caves, and near SAM nodes. 20+ locations confirmed.
- Somersloops: Extremely rare. Often found in hazardous areas (radiation zones, deep caves). 10+ locations confirmed.
- Respawn Timer: Collectibles respawn approximately every 30 minutes of game time.
- Object Scanner: Unlock this early to detect nearby collectibles. It's essential for finding hidden Somersloops.
Optimal Farming Routes
For efficient collection, follow these routes:
| Route | Duration | Collectible Type | Equipment Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass Fields Loop | 15 min | Mostly Mercer Spheres | Vehicle (Explorer) |
| Northern Forest Tour | 20 min | Mercer Spheres + 1 Somersloop | Vehicle + Jetpack |
| Swamp Run | 30 min | Somersloops (dangerous) | Hazmat Suit + Explosives |
| Dune Desert Circuit | 25 min | Mercer Spheres | Vehicle + Power Shards |
Advanced SAM Strategies
Early Game Conservation
Don't waste SAM on everything. Prioritize the Dimensional Depot:
- Avoid: Using SAM for early-game cosmetic unlocks or minor research.
- Focus: All SAM should go toward Dimensional Depot research first.
- Buffer: Store at least 100 Reanimated SAM before attempting the Quantum Encoder.
Mid-Game Scaling
As your factory grows, SAM demand increases:
- Set up automated Reanimated SAM production: A Constructor chain from your miner.
- Industrial Storage: Use Industrial Storage Containers (1,000 units) for long-term stockpiling.
- Transport: Use Trains or Drones to move SAM from remote nodes to your main factory.
- Purity Upgrades: Eventually upgrade to Pure nodes for 4x output.
Late-Game Quantum Mastery
When you reach Tier 9, SAM becomes a bottleneck:
- Multiple Sources: Run miners on all 7+ SAM nodes simultaneously.
- Overclocked Constructors: Use Power Shards to maximize Reanimated SAM throughput.
- Parallel Processing: Build 10-20 Constructors in parallel for mass production.
- Backup Stockpiles: Keep 500+ Reanimated SAM in storage for emergency Quantum Encoder runs.
Multiplayer Coordination
On dedicated servers, SAM collection can be shared:
- Split Collection Routes: One player covers Grass Fields, another covers Northern Forest.
- Shared Depot: Dimensional Depot slots are shared across the server.
- Sync Research: Coordinate when to unlock Dimensional Depot Mk.2 to maximize benefits.
- Trade Somersloops: If one player finds a Somersloop, they can gift it to the M.A.M. researcher.
Expert Tip: You don't need a massive SAM factory early on. A single Miner filling an Industrial Storage Container is enough to unlock the entire Dimensional Depot tree. Don't stress about "Pure" nodes until Tier 9.
Pro Tip: The Object Scanner is your best friend for finding Somersloops. They don't show up on the SCIM map easily, and their locations are often in hazardous areas. Always bring a Hazmat Suit when hunting them!
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