Starfield: Shattered Space - How to Find Vortex Shards and Vortex Cysts

Starfield: Shattered Space introduces a variety of new items, and one of the most valuable among them is the Vortex Shard. Essential for crafting the powerful Vortex Grenades, each grenade you create requires at least one of these rare shards.

There are several types of Vortex Grenades, each offering unique effects to tackle the different threats you'll face in the DLC. While you can naturally obtain Vortex Shards through main missions, there's a quicker way to farm them early in the game. Here’s a guide on where and how to collect Vortex Shards and Vortex Cysts efficiently.

Where to Find Vortex Shards

Both Vortex Phantoms and Vortex Horrors drop a single Vortex Shard upon defeat. Vortex Phantoms are common foes throughout the DLC and will be encountered as soon as you board The Oracle. Since each Phantom or Horror only drops one Vortex Shard, be sure to search every enemy you defeat to gather these valuable items.

For a faster way to collect Vortex Shards, head to the central structure of Va’ruun’kai. Once you gain the ability to explore the city freely, you'll notice a large pit surrounding the structure, caused by the explosion central to the DLC’s story. Players can jump down into this pit from any direction to find more enemies.

From the town square in Dazra, look to the right of the main structure to locate a path that leads down into the pit. Vortex Phantoms frequently spawn in this area, including stronger variants known as Hopeless Vortex Phantoms. These enemies are tricky, often teleporting around during combat, so keep a close eye on your mini-map to track their movements and attacks.

Where to Find Vortex Cysts

Vortex Cysts are a rare drop from Vortex Horrors, another deadly creature introduced in Shattered Space. These monsters can be encountered along the main storyline paths or inside dungeons, though they also appear randomly across the planet.

For a reliable source of Vortex Horrors, head to the Anomalous Cave, which you’ll explore during the quest The Other Side. Like the Phantoms, each Vortex Horror drops a single Vortex Cyst and a Vortex Shard. Since different types of Vortex Cysts can be found, be sure to kill and loot every Vortex Horror you encounter to collect them all.

What Are Vortex Shards & Vortex Cysts Used For?

Both Vortex Shards and Vortex Cysts are essential for crafting Vortex Grenades, which can be made at any Industrial Workbench. Each grenade requires one Vortex Shard, while Vortex Cysts are used to craft some of the more advanced grenade variations.

There are five different types of Vortex Grenades to experiment with:

- Vortex Grenade - Binding

- Vortex Grenade - Charged

- Vortex Grenade - Lure

- Vortex Grenade - Phasing

- Vortex Grenade - Unstable

To fully experience their effects, craft a variety of Vortex Grenades and test them out before using up all your materials. Each grenade offers unique tactical advantages, so make sure you try them in different combat scenarios to find the best fit for your playstyle.