Fandom>XenoZera at 21:32, 7 June 2026

2026-06-07T21:32:41Z

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[[File:Thargoid-Surface-Site-Overview.png|thumb|300px|Thargoid Surface Site]]
A '''Thargoid Surface Site''',<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5aa12e112e30637590761b2c GalNet: Thargoid Surveillance in the Pleiades]</ref> also designated an '''Unknown Structure Scan''', is a sprawling, seemingly ruined [[Thargoid]] structure found on planetary surfaces. The first site was discovered on June 26, 3303 on planet B 1 C of the HIP 19026 system, and over 200 other sites have since been confirmed. They are devoid of any significant Thargoid activity aside from [[Scavenger]]s, but the systems they are located in are usually swarming with [[Non-Human Signal Source]]s.

The layout of these structures are somewhat similar to those of the [[Thargoid Titan]] class motherships first discovered in 3309, possibly implying that Surface Sites are the wreckage of an older generation of motherships killed by the [[Mycoid|Mycoid virus]].

==Description==
===Exterior===
Thargoid Surface Sites consist of a central, organic-like structure in a crater or depression at the center of a spiral formation with more organic formations protruding from the spiral's eight arms. The central structure is a smaller spiral with shorter arms, reminiscent of a [[Thargoid Interceptor]]'s general shape. A possible eight-panelled door that is oriented flat with the surface can be seen at the center of the structure. Tunnels lead below the surface and seemingly deeper into the site itself, but are blocked by doors that can only be opened by carrying a [[Thargoid Sensor]] or [[Thargoid Probe]]. Vehicles that approach or enter the central structure will experience some light electromagnetic interference that disrupts their HUD. There are two types of sites, "active" with no collapsed areas, and "inactive" with collapsed areas. As new sites are discovered, some also appear to be more developed or complete than others, with a greater proportion of their structure visible above ground.

[[File:Thargoid-Surface-Site-From-Above-HIP-14909.png|right|thumb|250px|Thargoid Surface Site at HIP 14909 as seen from above]]
Scattered around the site are "Thargoid Uplink Devices" and salvageable but highly corrosive "Unknown Technology Samples". Scanning these can produce three kinds of [[Materials|Material data]]: Thargoid Material Composition Data, Thargoid Residue Data Analysis, and Thargoid Structural Data. In addition, the [[Organic Structures]] across the site can be destroyed to obtain Materials ranging from Sulphur and Iron to [[Meta-Alloys]].

Drone-like entities called [[Scavenger]]s can also be found throughout the site, but are not hostile until fired upon. They drop various Materials, including Thargoid Fragments, Thargoid Carapaces, Thargoid Energy Cells, Thargoid Organic Circuitry, Thargoid Technology Components, Thargoid Ship Signatures, and Thargoid Wake Data.

=== Thargoid Device ===
[[File:Thargoid_Machine.png|right|thumb|250px|A Thargoid Device]]
Inside the central chamber of a Thargoid Surface Site is a mechanism identified as a Thargoid Device", originally known as an "Unknown Device". Activating the Device requires one [[Thargoid Sensor]], [[Thargoid Probe]], and [[Thargoid Link]]. Any of these three items can also be carried individually just to open the door leading into (and out of) the structure.

[[File:Thargoid-Device-Star-Map.png|right|thumb|250px|The star map]]
Thargoid Links can be found at Surface Sites, but Sensors and Probes must be sourced elsewhere and transported to the Sites; [[Corrosion Resistant Cargo Rack]]s are helpful in this matter. Thargoid Probes can be found orbiting Ammonia Worlds in Threat Level 2 [[Non-Human Signal Source]]s. Thargoid Sensors can be found at [[Crashed Thargoid Ship]]s, such as at HIP 17403 A 4 A or HIP 17862 6 C A, or free floating in various systems within an approximate 150 light year radius from the Merope system.

Once activated with all three objects, the Thargoid Device generates what appears to be a holographic star map highlighting specific systems across a galaxy, and emits three "Unknown Signals" that are logged in the Notifications tab. Spectrograms of these signals produce maps.<ref name="629Summary">[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/6k7eqg/couple_of_news_regarding_the_thargoid_ship_base/ /r/EliteDangerous: Couple of news regarding the thargoid ship /base]</ref> The dot positions appear to change when the star map is generated.

[[File:Thargoid Device signal spectrograph.png|right|thumb|250px|The spectrogram from an Unknown Signal received after scanning a Thargoid Device]]
It was also discovered that any one of the various artifacts found at the [[Ancient Ruins]] of the [[Guardians]] produces an adverse reaction when placed in the Thargoid Device. The machine begins pulsing with energy and producing intense heat that can rapidly damage any non-Thargoid vehicles in its vicinity. This reaction lasts for five minutes. In Odyssey, if a [[Guardian Relic]] is placed in each of the three slots instead of the correct Thargoid components, they will be converted into [[Unclassified Relic]]<nowiki/>s during this process, but any nearby Thargoid Scavengers may become hostile when the Device is data link scanned. The heat damage from the reaction can be avoided by simply activating the device from one of the hallways leading into the central room. Note that Unclassified Relics can only be created this way in "batches" of three, and only in game version 4.0 or higher (currently only Odyssey).

====Following Unknown Signals====
Thargoid Links can be combined with Unknown Signals to lead the way to other Thargoid Surface Sites. After activating a Thargoid Device and acquiring its Unknown Signals, take an Unknown Link into space and deploy it. Next, play one of the Unknown Signals. The Thargoid Link will react and point the way to the location of a system and planet that hosts another Thargoid Surface Site. Notably, these systems usually also feature Ammonia Worlds and a high concentration of Thargoid Sensors.<ref name="ULActivate">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9jVtCJD3pY YouTube: Elite dangerous, activating UL.]</ref><ref name="629Summary" />

==History==
[[File:Thargoid Surface Site above.png|thumb|250px|The Thargoid Surface Site on HIP 19026 B 1 C]]
The first Thargoid Surface Site was located on HIP 19026 B 1 C on June 26, 3303 by CMDR Lightningwing. The Site was the origin of an "Unknown Signal Source" identified after a beacon in [[Maia]] directed CMDRs to comm relays in the Electra and Calaeno systems. Logs obtained from Communication Hub Zeta 12 orbiting the planet Electra 4 and Relay Station PSJ-17 orbiting the planet Calaeno 1, both locations associated with the mysterious [[Black Flight]] unit, contained the following coded message:

:''12 15 3 1 20 5 4:UKHKMWK RFDKLI RMUQCT: RYRSTJ BFN 19026:NILKTS O 1 C:ILS JFKUR 17:IMKD JFKUR 152:NITLRT QTJTJOTO(Q?) UR:OTS SBT JTRRLDT MUS:''

Which decrypted to:

:''LOCATED:UNKNOWN SIGNAL SOURCE: SYSTEM HIP 19026:PLANET B 1 C:LAT MINUS 17:LONG MINUS 152:PLEASE REMEMBEB(R?) US:BET THE MESSAGE OUT:''

This led directly to the first Site.<ref name="Mystery">[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/6jmzs7/a_mystery_is_afoot/ /r/EliteDangerous: A mystery is afoot]</ref><ref name="Found">[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/6jnvjf/spoilers_mysterious_structures_found_by_cannon/ /r/EliteDangerous: (SPOILERS) Mysterious Structures Found By Cannon group]</ref> By the following day, four additional Sites had been discovered in nearby systems. The discoveries were hailed by [[Professor Palin]], a noted Thargoid researcher, as a remarkable development.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/595227c0a05bc55d845830c2 Galactic News: Thargoid Structures Discovered]</ref>

[[File:Thargoid-Surface-Site.png|right|thumb|250px|Thargoid Surface Site]]
On July 5, 3303, Palin acknowledged that the structures provided valuable insight into Thargoid technology and also confirmed a connection between Thargoids and Unknown Artefacts and Probes. [[Ram Tah]], the lead researcher on the [[Guardians]], commented that the reaction Thargoid Devices have to Guardian artefacts suggests the Thargoids and Guardians may have had prior contact, and that this may not have been peaceful.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/595cb76fd1d10c3bf24bb11b Galactic News: Specialists Respond to Latest Findings]</ref>

==Locations==
The first 15 sites discovered by CMDRs are listed below. The [[Canonn Interstellar Research Group]] maintains a 3D [https://map.canonn.tech/ts-data.html Unknown Site Map] with additional known locations, and a full list of all 229 sites can be found [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1G79y2Sg-7lU8BDIpM_N0-mnS6BFqhe4va648J1wwnag/edit#gid=1403369018 here]. Note that an additional site is believed to exist in the HIP 22460 system, which is also the location of the [[Megaship]] Overlook, but this system is currently permit-locked and the site cannot be confirmed.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/6ldmgw/this_time_we_have_found_all_thargoid_sites_208/ /r/EliteDangerous: THIS TIME: We have found all Thargoid Sites! (208)]</ref> A 229th site was discovered on planet 2 A in the Outotz ST-I d9-6 system, well away from the known Thargoid sites, following a Thargoid attack on [[The Gnosis]] on September 6, 3304.<ref>[https://canonn.science/uncategorised/gnosis-jump-fails/ Canonn Research: Gnosis Jump Fails]</ref>

Note that since they launch of the Odyssey expansions, planet-side points of interests have moved.

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" border="1"
! System
! Planet
! Surface Coordinates
! Status
! Notes
|-
| HIP 19026
| B 1 C
| Lat: -17°
Long: -152°
| Inactive
| First site discovered by CMDR Lightningwing on June 26, 3303<ref name="Found" />
|-
|Pleiades Sector OS-U c2-7
|Body: 4 A
|Lat: 58.21°
Long: -177.04°
|Inactive
|Discovered by CMDR MadRaptor<ref>https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?p=5657408&viewfull=1#post5657408</ref>
|-
|Aries Dark Region DB-X d1-63
|A 7 A
|Lat: 25.53°
Long: 78.18°
|Inactive
|Discovered by CMDR StarfireIX, HD Zak L33T, Emerius, Mr. Pink and SmotheryZorf of Lavigny's Legion<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/6jqfwn/survey_vessel_victorias_song_found/</ref>
|-
|Col 285 Sector CV-Y d57
|AB 4A
|Lat: 4.7863°
Long: 136.2453°
|Inactive
|Discovered by CMDR StarfireIX, Mr. Pink and Emerius.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/6jr5ce/survey_vessel_pandora_has_been_found/</ref>
|-
|HIP 14909
|2 A
|Lat: -26.5°
Long: -27.5°
|Inactive
|Discovered by CMDR Tomsen Jaden<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/6jreu3/fifth_unknown_site_found_and_its_active/</ref>
|-
|Mel 22 Sector ZU-P c5-1
|4 A
|
Lat: -63.5°

Long: 8.02°
|Inactive
|Discovered by CMDR Two Quiet Suns<ref name="629Summary" />
|-
|Mel 22 Sector NX-U d2-27
|5 A
|Lat: -39.8°
Long: -56.2°
|
|Discovered by CMDR OhBelgium and Bioann<ref name="629Summary" />
|-
|Mel 22 sector NX-U d2-31
|3 A
|Horizons:
Lat: -51.8°

Long: -109.9°

Odyssey:

Lat: 39

Long: 23.64
|Active
|Discovered by CMDR Painbeaver<ref name="629Summary" />
|-
|Mel 22 Sector YU-F B11-1<br />
|AB 5 A
|Lat: -52°
Long: -5.68°
|Active (Not found within Odyssey)
|Discovered by CMDR Nanoexplorer<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/6kbopc/latest_alien_site_has_6_arms_quick_n_dirty/</ref>
|-
|Mel 22 Sector UT-R C4-4
|1 A
|Lat: 16.14°
Long: 25.45°
|
|Discovered by CMRD Liquid on 30 Jun 3303, 22:05<ref name=":0">https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/6k7eqg/couple_of_news_regarding_the_thargoid_ship_base/</ref>
|-
|Mel 22 Sector UE-G B11-0
|A 2
|Lat: -33.2°
Long: 141.7°
|Active
|Discovered by CMDR NanoExplorer on 30 JUN 3303, 22:57<ref name=":0">https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/6k7eqg/couple_of_news_regarding_the_thargoid_ship_base/</ref>
|-
|HIP 16985
|A 4E
|Lat: 45.4°
Long: -18°
|
|Discovered by CMDR Julian McCoy and wingmates on 30 JUN 3303, 00:32<ref name=":0">https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/6k7eqg/couple_of_news_regarding_the_thargoid_ship_base/</ref>
|-
|MEL 22 Sector KC-V D2-28
|1 C
|Lat: -77.5°
Long: 110.4°
|
|Discovered by CMDR Julian McCoy and wingmates on 30 JUN 3303, 03:32<ref name=":0">https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/6k7eqg/couple_of_news_regarding_the_thargoid_ship_base/</ref>
|-
|Mel 22 Sector BV-P C5-2
|1 A
|Lat: -22°
Long: -112°
|Active
|Discovered by CMDR Ace Homefoil on 30 JUN 3303, 04:14<ref name=":0">https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/6k7eqg/couple_of_news_regarding_the_thargoid_ship_base/</ref>
|-
|Mel 22 Sector TT-R C4-2
|3 A
|Lat: -27.65°
Long: 63°
|Active
|Discovered by CMDR Julian McCoy on 30 JUN 3303, 04:15<ref name=":0">https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/6k7eqg/couple_of_news_regarding_the_thargoid_ship_base/</ref>
|}

==Notes==
*Thargoid Surface Sites are labeled "Unknown Structure Scan" in-game, and unlike items such as the [[Thargoid Sensor]] (originally named "Unknown Artefact"), they have not received an updated name since their introduction. Frontier Developments internally refers to the sites as "Thargoid Imprints", which can occasionally be seen in ''Elite Dangerous'' patch notes.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/elite-dangerous-odyssey-update-6.586906/ Frontier Forums: Elite Dangerous: Odyssey Update 6]</ref>
*Attempting to log-out of the game while at a Thargoid Surface Site triggers a prompt alerting the player that they "are currently in a dangerous region", and that their vehicle will be moved outside that region when they log back in to ensure the player won't be immediately endangered.
*After activating the Thargoid Device, there is a chance that a [[Thargoid Interceptor]] will jump in and scan the player in their SRV after exiting the interior of the central structure.

==Trivia==
*It was long theorised that Thargoid Surface Sites were the wreckage of [[Thargoid Mothership]]s that were destroyed by [[mycoid]] at the end of the [[First Thargoid War]]. This is based on datamined file names for assets used in the sites. Following [[Aegis|Aegis's]] successful penetration of the [[Thargoid Maelstrom|Maelstroms]] in 3309, this has tentatively been confirmed, given the loose structural similarities between surface sites and the underside of [[Thargoid Titan|Thargoid Titans]].

==Videos==
<gallery>
Beautiful_Thargoids
Thargoid_base_music_video_-_Investigating_the_Rift
RETURN OF THE THARGOIDS - What Awaits The Core Worlds Of Humanity ...
Sagittarius_Eye_Bulletin_-_New_Thargoid_Base_Uncovered
Thargoid Device Activation - Elite Dangerous Odyssey
Thargoid Bases
Elite Dangerous - Shadow of Salvation (machinima)
</gallery>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Thargoid-Surface-Site-Overview.png|Thargoid Surface Site overview
File:Thargoid Surface Site horizon view.png|The Site at ground-level
File:Thargoid Surface Site above 2.png|The central structure
File:Thargoid Surface Site central structure 3.png|The central structure
Thargoid-Surface-Site.png|Thargoid Surface Site
Thargoid Surface Site above.png|The Thargoid Surface Site on HIP 19026 B 1 C
File:Thargoid Surface Site tunnel.png|The interior of a tunnel
File:Thargoid Surface Site Scavenger close.png|A close-up of a Scavenger
File:Thargoid Surface Site high view.png|The Site at high altitude for scale
File:Thargoid Surface Site central structure.png|The central structure as seen from directly above, featuring the door
File:Thargoid Surface Site Unknown Uplink Device.png|An Unknown Uplink Device
Thargoid Machine.png|Thargoid Machine
Thargoid-Machine-2.png|Thargoid Machine 2
Thargoid-Device-Star-Map.png|Thargoid Device Star Map
Thargoid Device star map.png|Thargoid Device Star Map close-up
</gallery>

==References==
<references />
{{Thargoids}}
{{StructureNavbox}}
{{PointsofInterestNavbox}}

[[ru:Таргоидский планетарный объект]]
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[[Category:Alien life]]
[[Category:Points of Interest]]
[[Category:Thargoids]]
[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Structures]]

Thargoid Surface Site - Revision history

Fandom>XenoZera at 21:32, 7 June 2026