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Home»Game Guides»How to Start the Echoes Story in No Man’s Sky (Autophage Quest)

How to Start the Echoes Story in No Man’s Sky (Autophage Quest)

In celebration ofย No Man’s Sky’s seventh anniversary, Hello Games has launched the Echoes update, featuring the story of a secret society of robotic aliens. As…

AugustBy AugustAugust 26, 20232 Mins Read
Starting the Autophage Quest in No Man's Sky
Image Source: Hello Games via Newftorious Screenshot
This article is over 1 years old and may contain outdated information.

In celebration ofย No Man’s Sky’s seventh anniversary, Hello Games has launched the Echoes update, featuring the story of a secret society of robotic aliens. As expected, space explorers around the globe are undoubtedly eager to embark on a new expedition with this mysterious mechanical race known as Autophages. Theย No Man’s Sky Echoes update has also released tons of additional content, such as overhauled space combat, unique Ceremonial Staff tech, and new customization options. However, knowing how to start the Echoes storyย has bewildered the community of space explorers.

How to Unlock the NMS Autophage Quest “They Who Returned”

nms how to start echoes with damaged autophage
Image Source: Hello Games via The Nerd Stash

The Autophage quest that triggers the start of the Echoes story inย No Man’s Skyย is called “They Who Returned.” The main issue that players are experiencing is that the game doesn’t really provide any explanation as to how the mission is triggered. Fortunately, the community has banned together and recognized four common conditions that must be met:

  1. Complete “The Purge,” the final story mission of the Artemis Path, the main campaign ofย No Man’s Sky.
  2. Own a Planetary Settlement to start the quest, “A Trace of Metal,” which involves creating a Sentinel Companion and upgrading your Minotaur mech.
  3. Warp to a desolate system to randomly receive a message from a damaged Autophage communicating with you via a “hijack source.”
  4. Head to the camp where the Autophage is located, and this will conclude the initiation process of “They Who Returned.”

It should be noted that some players might be able to discover the Autophage’s camp by collecting an Echo Locator by defeating a Dissonance Resonator. If you’re on the planet where the NPC is located, the device should lead you to the hijack source.

no man sky echoes update quest they who returned
Image Source: Hello Games via The Nerd Stash

Keep in mind that the start of theย No Man’s Skyย Autophage quest in the Echoes update is treated as a random event when you’ve entered a desolate system. Therefore, you shouldn’t expect to receive any direction to begin the mission prior to clearing the four conditions we listed above.

Related:

No Man’s Sky 4.38 Update Patch Notes Address Pesky Singularity Issues

Here’s a video by Scottish Rod if you’d like to see the in-game process involving NMS and starting the Echoes story:

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Guide No Mans Sky
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August

August Webb is TNS's Lead Guide Editor who additionally helps in covering celebrity and pop culture news. She provides assistance to other freelancers and staff on trendy topics to write about. When not working, she's playing a visual novel, fanning over an indie gem, or lost in the world of VR. Residing in Daegu, South Korea, August has a Bachelor's, double-majoring in Media and Communication and Business Administration. She graduated in Yeungnam University of Gyeongsan, South Korea. August's areas of expertise include Game Strategy Guides, Video Game Features, and Celebrity News and Gossip. August has worked in online media for over four years since 2021. Starting out as a freelancer, she's written for TNS, ScreenRant of Valnet, and Gamepur of GAMURS GROUP. She has experience publishing short and long-form video game guides, game features, and game reviews. Currently serving as the Lead Guide Editor for the Guide Writing department at The Nerd Stash, she edits a variety of articles while also helping with providing topics to write about via tools like Google Trends or SemRush. She works alongside TNS's Editorial Team, discussing and executing strategies to better improve the site's traffic and experience for users.

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