Helium-3 is a mid-game resource in StarRupture that starts appearing naturally once you move away from the tutorial area. You won’t rely on it immediately, but it becomes essential as your base infrastructure and crafting chains expand.

Where Helium spawns in StarRupture

Helium-3 is found exclusively on the planet’s surface and is easy to identify once you know what to look for. Most deposits emit a distinct purple hue that stands out against surrounding terrain.

Helium Deposit (Image credit: Creepy Jar | Via: YouTube - Quick Tips)
Surface rocks and meteorites

Smaller Helium-3 deposits often appear as purple-tinged rocks scattered across the ground. Some are embedded in meteorites that crack open when you mine them. These are common while exploring and are usually your first source of Helium-3.

A key giveaway is the purple smoke plume rising from the deposit. If you see faint purple vapor drifting upward, there’s a good chance Helium-3 is nearby.

How to extract Helium-3 early

  • Before automation, Helium-3 gathering is entirely manual. You’ll collect it naturally as you explore and expand outward.
  • While exploring, keep an eye on the horizon for purple vapor rising from the ground. This visual cue is the fastest way to spot Helium-3 deposits without scanning every rock.
  • Use your basic mining tools to break the Helium-3 rock or meteorite. Small deposits yield limited amounts, so don’t linger too long unless you need it immediately.
  • Early on, Helium-3 isn’t heavily used, so stash what you collect. It becomes more valuable once advanced production chains unlock.
Helium extractor (Image credit: Creepy Jar | Via: YouTube - Quick Tips)

Where Helium is used

Helium-3 isn’t a constant requirement early on, but its importance ramps up quickly.

Use caseWhy it matters
Advanced craftingRequired for higher-tier materials
Ceramics productionKey component for structural parts
Glass manufacturingSupports expanded base building
Late-game systemsAppears in multiple advanced recipes

Survival tips while hunting Helium-3

Venturing farther from your base comes with risks. Helium-3 deposits often sit in hostile zones, so preparation matters.

  • Expect enemies near large nodes and clusters
  • Bring repair supplies and backup power if building extractors
  • Environmental hazards increase outside the tutorial region
  • Scout first, then return with building materials

We hope the helium ore guide for StarRupture was informative and helped you progress without confusion. If you’d like to share ideas, experiences, or any doubts, the comments section is open. We review comments regularly and respond to ensure you receive timely support whenever required.