No Man's Sky is an open-world space exploration game where players can discover new galaxies, plants, resources, and wildlife. While flying through the stars, several pieces of equipment for the Exosuit and Starship can be crafted to make certain aspects of exploration easier.
Crafting requires Units, the in-game currency. Players can get units by scanning things on planets, or by selling and trading items from their inventory. However, while anything can be exchanged for units, some items are more important than others. If players sell things carelessly, they might wind up parting with something that they'll need down the line. So, here's a list of items No Man's Sky players should never sell or trade.
7 Carbon & Condensed Carbon
Carbon and Condensed Carbon fuel the Multi-Tool and Life Support Systems. While it is not necessarily a rare resource, it is something players will want to keep on them consistently. The Multi-Tool is vital for gathering resources, including more Carbon. Meanwhile, the importance of Life Support speaks for itself
Carbon is found in rocks, plants, and sometimes in a crystallized form where it is Condensed Carbon. Since it is used constantly, players will want to ensure they keep Carbon on them. It's not worth selling.
6 Oxygen
Oxygen, like Carbon, is used in the Life Support Systems. The player's Life Support decreases whenever they are vulnerable to the environment, encounter pirate attacks, or fall. Life Support maintains player's overall health, and once it depletes, they start taking severe damage and can die.
Oxygen is found in many plants around most planets. Players can scan for it and then mine it using the Multi-Tool. Players can sell Oxygen if they're strapped for cash, but it only sells for a little since the demand isn't as high. Considering its low sell value and how essential it is for the player's survival, keeping it on hand is the better option.
5 Sodium & Sodium Nitrate
Sodium and Sodium Nitrate are used to maintain the Environmental Hazard capabilities of the Exosuit. Many planets in the galaxies of No Man's Sky are not habitable due to high and low temperatures, lack of oxygen, or toxic air. Installing Environmental Hazards protection is necessary if players hope to travel on foot.
Sodium is less common than Carbon or Oxygen, although it is found on most planets. It is mainly harvested from Sodium-rich plants, which are large yellow flowers. Small amounts can be harvested from rocks and smaller plants. Sodium Nitrate comes in crystallized form, but players will need an Advanced Mining Laser if they want it. Like Oxygen and Carbon, its importance in player survival means that selling Sodium isn't worth it.
4 Copper
Copper is an uncommon element used in crafting weapons, tools, and other technology. Players will especially use Copper and Ferrite Dust to make Chromatic Material. Because it is so frequently used and in a shorter supply, players should hold onto their stash rather than selling it.
Copper is more challenging to find than other natural resources that can be harvested from rocks and plants. Instead, players can get Copper from mineral deposits on various planets. Players can locate these deposits are using the Analysis Visor, and they are visible on the surface. Players can get Copper using the Terrain Manipulator after installing it to their Multi-Tool. Another way to find the rare mineral is by shooting Asteroids.
3 Salvaged Data
Salvaged Data is picked up from Buried Technologies. Salvaged Data can be exchanged at the Anomaly or a Space Station at the Construction Research Unit. It is used to get blueprints for different base constructions. Usually, having these blueprints is much more important than any units players could get frmo selling Salvaged Data.
Buried Technologies are found underground on planets using the Analysis Visor and the Terrain Manipulator. If players hover over the Wi-Fi signal, they'll see the correct label. The Terrain Manipulator can tear through the rock whenever they are above one until the Salvaged Data is revealed.
2 Navigation Data
Navigation Data is a Curiosity item used to find star charts and Settlement locations from Cartographers at the Anomaly and Space Stations. It is rare, so if players want to collect lots of it, they won't do it accidentally. Considering how hard it is to find and the useful information it contains, it's far more valuable for players to keep than to sell.
Players can occasionally find Navigation Data inside Cargo Drops near planets with their Analysis Visor. Another way to find Navigation Data is by finding Ancient Data Structures on planets. However, purchasing it from Galactic Trade Terminals is the most reliable way to get it.
1 Salvaged Frigate Modules
Salvaged Frigate Modules is one of the more challenging resources to get ahold of. Players have a few options for finding the rare item, but most rely on random drop rates from Freighters or Missions. Since they are so hard to find, players don't want to waste one by selling it.
Freighters are commonly spotted near Space Stations, so players must shoot the exposed cargo for a potential Frigate Module drop. Missions can be chosen at a Space Station or the Anomaly. Once players complete one, they might be rewarded with Salvaged Frigate Module.
No Man's Sky is available for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.