No Man’s Sky NEXT: How to Get Ancient Key & What It Does

How to Get an Ancient Key & What it Does in No Man’s Sky NEXT

Alongside the visual overhaul, multiplayer functionality, altered materials and resources, and a whole load of other changes, No Man’s Sky’s NEXT update has also added in a mysterious item that goes by the name of Ancient Key. Of course, with an item sounding so mysterious, you can bet your bottom dollar that it does something cool in No Man’s Sky NEXT. Or perhaps you’ve just heard all the talk about this item, and what to know how to get one yourself in the game. Well fear not, because here’s how to get an Ancient Key, and what it does in No Man’s Sky NEXT.

First things first, let’s tell you how to get the Ancient Key in No Man’s Sky.  You’ll first need to land on a planet and use your Terrain Manipulator and Scanner to find anything called an Artifact Fragment tucked away in a buried ruin. When you find yourself near one of these buried ruins in No Man’s Sky NEXT, you’ll be able to find small-looking crates called Artifact Fragments scattered around nearby. Now, three guesses what might be hiding inside the Artifact Fragment? That’s right, it’s the Ancient Key you’ve been looking for.

So, what does the Ancient Key enable you to open in No Man’s Sky NEXT? Essentially, this gives you the ability to unlock and open any Artifact Crates you may spot in the nearby vicinity to where you found the Artifact Fragments. You may need up to three Ancient Keys in order to unlock the Ancient Locks on the Artifact Case, but inside, you’ll get a bunch of rare items, materials, and resources, so it’s well worth embarking on this little treasure hunt in No Man’s Sky NEXT whenever you have the opportunity.

Alternatively, if a life of searching for Artifact Crates just doesn’t sound all that appealing to you, you can always sell an Ancient Key for 1,000 units.

That’s all you need to know about how to get your hands on an Ancient Key and what it’s used for in No Man’s Sky NEXT. For more tips, tricks, and information on the game, including an all-new NEXT section, be sure to check out our wiki.