In the vast galaxy of Avorion, finding claimable asteroids can be one of the most rewarding activities for players aiming to expand their empire, increase mining income, or build up territory control. These valuable space rocks can be turned into mining stations or sold for substantial credits, making them highly desirable targets. However, not all asteroids are claimable, and identifying the right ones takes time, tools, and strategic navigation. Understanding how to locate and claim these hidden gems is essential for any serious space adventurer or faction builder.
Understanding Claimable Asteroids
What Are Claimable Asteroids?
Claimable asteroids in Avorion are large, unowned rocks found in various sectors that can be marked and turned into stations. They differ from regular mining asteroids in size and purpose. Once claimed, they provide a solid foundation for constructing automated facilities like mines, solar power stations, or trading posts. This makes them particularly useful for generating passive income or building industrial infrastructure in key sectors.
Why They Matter
Claimable asteroids offer several benefits:
- Free platform for building resource-generating stations
- Can be sold to factions for quick money
- Help in controlling sectors and expanding influence
- Useful for placing warp gates, turret factories, or repair docks
Because of these advantages, knowing how to find claimable asteroids efficiently gives you a major edge in Avorion’s economic and strategic gameplay.
How to Spot Claimable Asteroids
Visual Identification
Claimable asteroids are usually large and irregularly shaped, noticeably larger than standard mining rocks. They often appear with a unique surface texture and may stand out due to their placement in a sector.
When flying manually, you can hover your mouse over an asteroid, and if it is claimable, it will display the word Claimable along with a prompt to interact (usually the F key). If this text doesn’t appear, then the asteroid is not claimable.
Using the Object Detector
The most effective way to locate claimable asteroids is by using an Object Detector system module. This utility scans sectors for hidden or special objects, including:
- Claimable asteroids
- Wreckages
- Stashes and containers
Install an Object Detector in your ship’s system slot and ensure it is powered. Once active, it will display icons on your HUD pointing toward special objects. Higher rarity detectors (like blue, purple, or legendary) scan a wider area and detect more hidden objects, increasing the chance of spotting claimables quickly.
Sector Scanner Use
Sector scanners can help find sectors that might contain claimable asteroids. While they don’t tell you exactly which asteroid is claimable, they help prioritize where to explore next. Look for sectors that are:
- Asteroid-rich with no stations
- On the fringes of faction territories
- Empty or unknown
These types of sectors often hide claimable asteroids, especially in the outer areas of the galaxy where fewer factions have built infrastructure.
Best Places to Search
Neutral and Unclaimed Sectors
Claimable asteroids are more frequently found in sectors that have asteroids but no stations. These areas are often neutral zones not controlled by any major faction, making them ideal for exploration. Open your galaxy map and look for sectors with asteroid belts or fields but lacking a faction presence. These are high-probability areas.
Systems Off Main Trade Routes
Sectors located a few jumps away from busy trade routes tend to contain more unclaimed objects. These quieter systems are less traveled by AI factions and are more likely to hold untouched claimable asteroids.
Deep Outer Rim Sectors
The further you travel from the center of the galaxy, the more likely you are to find unclaimed space. Although these regions are more dangerous and often require better gear and ships to survive, they also contain the richest and least discovered claimables.
Claiming the Asteroid
How to Claim
Once you’ve located a claimable asteroid, approach it with your ship. When in range, a prompt should appear that says Press F to claim asteroid. Simply press the designated key and the asteroid becomes yours. From there, you’ll have several options:
- Convert it into a mine or station using a station founder
- Sell it to a faction at a nearby shipyard or headquarters
- Leave it claimed for future use
Using a Station Founder
To build a station on the claimed asteroid, you need a Station Founder block on your ship. This allows you to convert the rock into an operational facility. Choose the type of station you want based on your needs a mine for ores, solar station for energy, or a factory for production. Make sure the surrounding sector supports the station type and provides safe access.
Selling Claimed Asteroids
If you’re not looking to manage a station, you can simply sell the asteroid. Dock at a faction’s shipyard and choose the Sell Claim option. The price varies based on location, faction relations, and overall market conditions but is usually quite lucrative.
Optimizing Your Search Routine
Prepare a Scout Ship
Design a fast, nimble scout ship with the following components:
- High-speed engines
- Radar range boosters
- High-tier Object Detector system
This setup allows you to jump quickly between sectors, scan areas thoroughly, and mark claimables for later return. You can even add a few cargo holds to grab hidden loot or wreckage while you explore.
Log Coordinates
Whenever you find a claimable asteroid but don’t want to claim it right away, make a note of the sector coordinates. That way, you can return with a better-equipped ship or station-building crew later on.
Work in Grid Patterns
Systematically scan areas by jumping in a grid pattern explore sectors vertically and horizontally in a consistent range. This prevents backtracking and ensures you don’t miss hidden zones.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Detector Not Showing Asteroids
If your Object Detector doesn’t reveal any claimables, double-check:
- It’s properly installed and powered
- You’re not in a fully explored or faction-owned sector
- You’re using a detector with sufficient rarity and range
Sometimes the RNG simply doesn’t place a claimable asteroid in a given sector. Move to a new area and try again.
Claim Prompt Not Appearing
Ensure you are within range of the asteroid and not confusing it with a regular rock. Use the Alt key (or equivalent) to highlight interactable objects if the prompt isn’t obvious. Also confirm that the asteroid is actually listed as claimable when hovered over.
Final Tips for Finding Claimable Asteroids
- Regularly check asteroid-rich sectors without stations
- Upgrade your Object Detector as soon as possible
- Keep an eye out while doing other missions claimables can show up in random sectors
- Use saved coordinates to return later with station materials
- Combine scouting with wreckage salvaging for efficient resource use
Finding claimable asteroids in Avorion adds both strategic depth and economic power to your playthrough. Whether you’re building a trade empire or simply funding your next ship upgrade, mastering this aspect of the game is well worth the effort. With the right tools, scanning habits, and sector targeting, you’ll soon have a galaxy dotted with profitable stations built on rocks you claimed yourself.