Discovering Barnacle Locations in Elite Dangerous: 2018 Edition
Elite Dangerous, the renowned space flight simulation game, is filled with mysteries and hidden gems. One such intriguing feature are the barnacle locations, which have been a subject of fascination among players since their discovery in 2018. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to these enigmatic sites, ensuring you're well-equipped for your next interstellar adventure.
Understanding Barnacles
Barnacles, or 'Barnacle Sites' as they're often referred to, are mysterious, organic structures found in the game's Milky Way galaxy. They were first discovered in 2018 by the Elite Dangerous community and have since become a popular topic of discussion. These sites are not explicitly explained in the game's lore, leaving players to draw their own conclusions and theories.
Finding Barnacle Locations
Barnacle sites are scattered throughout the Milky Way, with a higher concentration in the core systems. They are typically found in the vicinity of Earth-like worlds (ELWs) and ammonia worlds (AWLs). To locate them, you'll need to use a combination of the Discovery Scanner and the Detailed Surface Scanner. Here's a step-by-step guide:

- Equip your ship with a Discovery Scanner and a Detailed Surface Scanner.
- Travel to a system with an Earth-like world or an ammonia world.
- Use the Discovery Scanner to scan the planet. If a barnacle site is present, it will appear as a 'Signal Source' in your scanner.
- Switch to the Detailed Surface Scanner and scan the signal. This will reveal the exact location of the barnacle site on the planet's surface.
Exploring Barnacle Sites
Once you've located a barnacle site, you can land your ship and explore the area. The sites themselves are quite striking, featuring large, organic structures that seem to pulse with an otherworldly energy. While there's no in-game explanation for these structures, they've inspired a variety of theories among players, ranging from alien artifacts to remnants of ancient civilizations.
Barnacle Site Theories
Given the lack of concrete information about barnacle sites, players have come up with several theories to explain their existence. Some popular theories include:
- Alien Artifacts: Some players believe that barnacle sites are the remnants of ancient alien civilizations. This theory is supported by the fact that the structures bear no resemblance to human technology.
- Natural Formations: Another theory suggests that barnacle sites are natural formations, possibly the result of unique geological processes on certain planets.
- Thargoid Structures: Given the recent revelations about the Thargoids in Elite Dangerous, some players speculate that barnacle sites could be related to this mysterious alien race.
Barnacle Sites and the Community
The discovery of barnacle sites has sparked a lot of interest and discussion within the Elite Dangerous community. Players have been sharing their findings, theories, and even creating guides to help others locate these enigmatic structures. This communal effort is a testament to the game's ability to foster a sense of exploration and discovery.

Barnacle Site Coordinates
To help you on your journey, here are some known barnacle site coordinates as of 2018:
| System | Planet | Coordinates |
|---|---|---|
| HIP 1776 | HIP 1776 A 1 B | 0.23 km/s, -113.56° |
| Col 285 Sector JH-V C2-3 | 2 A | -0.04 km/s, -121.82° |
| Col 285 Sector JH-V C2-4 | 2 A | 0.07 km/s, -122.88° |
Remember, these coordinates may not be up-to-date due to the game's ongoing development. Always check the latest community resources for the most accurate information.