Finding this is straightforward once you know where to look; the hard part is that the game never points you there.
People often blame the game when the actual cause is a setting they changed weeks ago. Randomised placement means the exact spot can differ, but the area does not. If you are short on time, the first section alone is usually enough.
The short answer
There is one reliable route and several unreliable ones. Take the first, and bring what the list below suggests.
Where to look
The difference between a smooth run and a frustrating one usually comes down to preparation, not skill. Mark the location the moment you arrive, because coming back is common. Nothing below requires mods, paid tools or an account on some sketchy site. If you are short on time, the first section alone is usually enough.
If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. It helps to know why a step exists, because then you can adapt it when your situation differs slightly. If you are short on time, the first section alone is usually enough.
If it is not there
If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. Carrying capacity ruins more of these trips than combat does. Nothing below requires mods, paid tools or an account on some sketchy site.
- Write down what you changed, so you can undo it if the result gets worse.
- Check the version you are running before following any step-by-step advice.
- Back up your save if the game gives you the option.
- Test one change at a time instead of five at once.
Getting there safely
Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. Start with the simplest option before touching anything that is hard to reverse. Small details matter more than they should here, so read the order of steps carefully.
The approach below has been checked against the current version rather than a patch from two years ago. Mark the location the moment you arrive, because coming back is common. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update.
Mistakes worth avoiding
- Following a guide written for an older version and assuming nothing moved.
- Changing several settings at once, then having no idea which one helped.
- Skipping the preparation step because it looks boring, then repeating the hard part four times.
Frequently asked questions
Is the location randomised?
The general area is fixed in most versions; the exact placement within it can shift between saves.
Can I get it early?
Usually yes, with enough patience. Whether that is worth doing depends on how much the item actually helps at that stage.
Is there a faster method?
Usually yes, and usually it is riskier. The route above trades a little speed for a much lower chance of having to start over.
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