Vortex Grenades are a powerful addition introduced in Starfield‘s Shattered Space DLC, offering players a new way to decimate enemies with unpredictable and devastating effects. Crafting these grenades involves gathering unique resources from specific enemies, unlocking the crafting ability through quests, and understanding the different types of Vortex Grenades you can create.

Step 1: Unlock Vortex Grenade Crafting

Before you can start crafting Vortex Grenades, you need to complete a key quest in the Shattered Space DLC. The quest, titled “The Promise, Broken,” is part of the main storyline and becomes accessible once you’ve progressed far enough into the expansion. Upon completing this quest, you’ll meet Ekris Kaisir, who will introduce you to the concept of Vortex Grenades. After speaking with him, you unlock the ability to craft these grenades at any Industrial Workbench, setting you up for a new strategic layer in your gameplay.

Step 2: Collecting Crafting Materials

The materials needed to craft Vortex Grenades come from specific enemies found throughout the Shattered Space DLC. You will primarily be hunting two types of enemies: Vortex Phantoms and Vortex Horrors.

• Vortex Shards are dropped by Vortex Phantoms. These eerie creatures appear in areas like The Oracle and the central structure of Va'ruun'kaia key location in the game. These enemies teleport frequently, but once defeated, they drop a single shard.
  
• Vortex Cysts are acquired from Vortex Horrors. These creatures are tougher and appear randomly in dungeons and along key quest paths. Each Vortex Horror drops a cyst along with a Vortex Shard. There are different types of cysts, and the exact variation will determine the type of grenade you can craft.
  

Farming these materials can take time, especially since the enemies only drop one item per kill. Efficient farming requires persistence—be sure to loot every Vortex Phantom and Horror you encounter while progressing through the story.

Step 3: Crafting the Grenades

Once you have the materials, head to any Industrial Workbench to start crafting. There are five different types of Vortex Grenades, each with unique effects. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Binding Vortex Grenade: This grenade freezes enemies in place for a short period, giving you a tactical advantage in battle. It requires one Dark Vortex Cyst and one Vortex Shard to craft.
   
2. Charged Vortex Grenade: This grenade behaves similarly to a traditional grenade, dealing direct damage on impact. You’ll need one Glowing Vortex Cyst and one Vortex Shard for this.
   
3. Lure Vortex Grenade: A strategic option, this grenade summons a Vortex Horror that distracts or attacks enemies. It requires one Dark Vortex Cystone Vortex Cystand one Vortex Shard to create.
   
4. Phasing Vortex Grenade: This grenade phases out enemies temporarily, making them intangible and harmless for a short duration. To craft it, you’ll need one Glowing Vortex Cystone Vortex Cystand one Vortex Shard.
   
5. Unstable Vortex Grenade: As the name suggests, this grenade has unpredictable effects, which can vary from one throw to the next. It requires one Vortex Cyst and one Vortex Shard to craft.
   

It’s important to test each type of grenade to see which fits your playstyle best. Since materials can be scarce, it’s wise to use these grenades strategically rather than in every combat situation. Consider experimenting with different types in various combat scenarios to fully understand their tactical benefits.

Additionally, once you unlock the ability to craft these grenades, make sure to return to previously explored areas to farm more materials. Over time, you’ll build a stockpile that ensures you’re always prepared for tough encounters.