Where to find SAM (Strange Alien Matter) in Satisfactory – locations mapped and updated, and how to use the ore

As the development of Satisfactory progressed, certain in-game materials and, well, stuff, underwent more changes than others. SAM, for example, went from a thing that didn’t really do anything but was there, to a major part of the end-game, requiring you to mine and refine huge amounts of it to satisfy the corpo overlords in the sky.

On this page, we will show you where you can find this alien rarity, and also every single recipe it can be used in, once you have turned it into Reanimated SAM. It;s your one stop guide to Strange Alien Matter.

The Escapist recaps

• SAM is Strange Alien Matter that is used for items required much later in the game
• SAM nodes are rare, but there are generally some to stumble across wherever you start off
• SAM is transformed into Reanimated SAM in a Convertor (or Workbench if none is handy)

All SAM Locations in Satisfactory

SAM is one of the rarest otems to find out there on MASSAGE, but depending on your choice of starting location, you might be virtually sat on top of it from the off. For example, as you can see below, if you start in the Grass Fields and look around for a big stone arch, there is a drop underground there which will lead you right to a vein. Of course, as you start off, it’s difficult to get down there safely, but it can be done because I did it, although I certainly could have left it until later on.

Grass Fields

There are a few nodes in the Grass Fields biome, but the easiest way to mine it is to look for the giant arch structure. You’ll find a huge hole just below it, where the SAM Ore node is located.

Rocky Desert

At the very eastern edge of the Rocky Desert biome, you’ll find a cave entrance next to the cluster of four coal nodes. Head inside the cave to find another SAM Ore node.

Northern Forest

Head all the way north in the Northern Forest biome until you reach the Spiral Coast region. You’ll find one impure SAM ore node in the northwestern corner, and a pure SAM ore node in the northeastern corner.

Dune Desert

Finally, in the Dune Desert biome, go all the way to the western edge and climb up the mountains. Look for the crash site on top of the northmost mountain, and you’ll find another SAM node waiting for you.

Did SAM’s name change in Satisfactory?

Well spotted, yes, it did. SAM was, back in the day, Strange Alien Metal, but when the game was released from its Early Access shackles, the keen of eye noticed it was now Strange Alien Matter, which fits better with the vibe. Also, it is more commonly known now as just SAM rather than SAM Ore.

How to Mine SAM in Satisfactory

The good news is that you can mine SAM Ore by hand or with mining equipment. You can also have your tamed Lizard Doggos bring it to you every now and then. The nodes will respawn, so you can mine as much of it as you want.

What can you make with SAM?

Later in the game, you will need to mine enough SAM to make Reanimated SAM.

What is Reanimated SAM?

Reanimated SAM is a refined form of SAM Ore introduced as part of Satisfactory’s late-game progression systems. Once you unlock the relevant research through the MAM, raw SAM can be processed into Reanimated SAM, transforming the otherwise unusable alien material into something far more valuable.

The resource is tied closely to the game’s advanced technology tiers and experimental mechanics, and it acts as a key ingredient in several high-level crafting recipes and research unlocks.

Because SAM deposits are limited and often located in awkward or dangerous parts of the map, many players choose to mark the locations early and return later with proper mining infrastructure. While it does not play a role in traditional factory chains like iron or copper production, Reanimated SAM represents a gateway into some of Satisfactory’s more mysterious systems, rewarding players who explore the world and invest time into unlocking its deeper layers of technology.

How to craft Reanimated SAM

Despite its spooky, X-Files-like properties, you only need a Constructor or Workbench to turn lumps of SAM into Reanimated SAM, meaning it is simple to set up a basic automation to carry this out close by any SAM site you come across. You will need 4x Sam for every 1x Reanimated SAM.

Reanimated SAM recipes

Here are all the things you can craft with Reanimated SAM:

Ask The Escapist