Complete Guide to Hard Drive Locations in Satisfactory

If you’re tired of navigating the extensive Satisfactory map in search of Hard Drives, it’s time to discover the precise locations.

This guide will cover how to locate Hard Drives, the most efficient method to unlock valuable Alternate Recipes, and how to avoid the frustrations the MAM (Molecular Analysis Machine) may bring.

The aim is to help you focus more on constructing your ideal factory and less on endless researching.

What are Hard Drives?

hard drive alternate recipes satisfactory — Image credit: dexerto/Coffee Stain Studios

Choose the recipe that suits you best.

Hard Drives are essential for unlocking alternate recipes through the MAM, found in drop pods scattered across 118 crash sites.

Researching each drive takes 10 minutes, during which the MAM will provide three randomly selected recipes based on your unlocked tiers. Caution: Some recipes might not be useful until you’ve unlocked specific machines, such as the Pure Ore refinery recipes that appear only after coal power is unlocked.

To maximize efficiency, consider building a MAM immediately upon finding a Hard Drive. Start the research, dismantle the MAM, and then rebuild it to expedite the process.

Best Way to Find All Hard Drives

Hard Drive pod in Satisfactory — Image credit: dexerto/Coffee Stain Studios

Look for the distinctive yellow drop pods.

To unlock all Hard Drive recipes without frustration, the key strategy is to take it slow.

Start by unlocking everything in Tiers 1 and 2. Before launching the space elevator to advance to Tiers 3 and 4, grind as many Hard Drives as possible. The MAM will eventually return the drive once you’ve accessed all recipes available at your tier. Afterward, feel free to launch the space elevator.

If you rush ahead, the MAM’s recipe pool expands significantly, leading to long waits for desired recipes like Turbofuel and Compact Coal. You may find yourself idle while it cycles through recipes you currently don’t need.

All Hard Drive Locations

Hard Drives are distributed throughout the map. With the help of your scanner, you shouldn’t have difficulty locating a couple once you get close.

The images provided above divide the map into four sections, allowing you to place markers close to Hard Drives for easier access.

Changes to Hard Drives in Version 1.0

In Satisfactory version 1.0, the Hard Drive system received significant improvements. The new system enhances recipe hunting, transforming it into a rewarding experience.

Now, there are no more duplicate recipes, and the MAM’s recipe pool aligns with your progress, preventing it from offering Tier 6 items while you are still in Tier 3.

Additionally, research times have been optimized, ensuring that you won’t be watching the clock endlessly.

While you explore the map to uncover each Hard Drive, consider marking all Pure Ore node locations to help gather the essential resources for your factory.

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