Reaching the Sunless City in Outer Wilds can be one of the most complex but rewarding navigation puzzles in the game. This mysterious and ancient city, buried beneath the sands of Ember Twin, holds critical information tied to the Nomai and the secrets of the solar system. Getting there quickly is essential, especially if you’re trying to optimize your time loop or return for a specific log entry. Understanding the fastest way to the Sunless City requires not only knowledge of its entrances but also perfect timing due to the shifting sand between the twin planets.
Understanding the Sunless City and Its Challenges
Why Timing Matters
The sand transfer between Ash Twin and Ember Twin is a key mechanic in Outer Wilds. At the start of each loop, sand begins flowing from Ash Twin to Ember Twin, gradually filling the canyons and caves, including the Sunless City. This means the longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to reach the lower levels. For the fastest way to the Sunless City, arriving early in the loop is crucial.
Entrances to the Sunless City
There are several known entrances to the Sunless City, but not all of them are accessible throughout the entire time loop. Here’s a quick overview of some of the primary access points:
- High Energy Lab Cave Path– West side of Ember Twin.
- Gravity Cannon Ruins– Leads to a connected path downward.
- Anglerfish Fossil Cave– An alternate but longer route.
- Main Entrance in the Northwest Canyon– Often the most direct route, especially early on.
The Fastest Route: Northwest Canyon Entrance
Launch and Approach Strategy
Immediately after you wake up at the start of the loop, head straight to your ship and set a course for Ember Twin. Don’t waste time scanning other signals or exploring. Lock onto Ember Twin and use autopilot if needed, but manual navigation will get you there faster. Aim for a shallow descent toward the planet’s western hemisphere to reduce course corrections and landing time.
Landing Location
The ideal spot to land is near the Northwest Canyon entrance. This location is just west of the Gravity Cannon and slightly south of the High Energy Lab ruins. If you locate a small rock bridge leading into a narrow tunnel in the canyon wall, you’re in the right place. Make sure your landing is gentle to avoid damaging your ship it’s best to keep your vessel intact in case you need it later in the loop.
Entry Timing
As soon as you land, exit your ship and enter the canyon immediately. The sand has not yet flooded the pathways, so this is your best window of opportunity. Navigate carefully down the winding sandstone ramps and spiral walkways. Using your flashlight helps, but more importantly, keep an eye on time. The sand level rises quickly, and hesitation can block certain passages.
Navigation Tips Inside the Sunless City
Use Gravity Crystals
The Sunless City is full of walls embedded with gravity crystals. These allow you to walk along curved surfaces and reach lower levels safely. Always align your movement with these surfaces and avoid rushing, as a single misstep can lead to death or time loss.
Follow the Lighting Cables
One of the smartest ways to navigate quickly inside the city is to follow the lighting wires that run along the cave walls and tunnels. These were left by the Nomai to mark paths between different zones, such as the Anglerfish Overlook, the Stepping Stone Cave, and the High Energy Lab Trailhead.
Map Your Route Ahead of Time
If you’re familiar with the structure of the Sunless City, it’s best to plan where you want to go before even landing. For example, if you’re heading to the High Energy Lab, you’ll want to stick to the southwestern corridors. On the other hand, the Anglerfish Fossil is located deeper inside, requiring a longer route.
Alternative Entrances and Their Drawbacks
Gravity Cannon Ruins
This path is slightly less direct but still usable early in the loop. It’s often not recommended for the absolute fastest route since it involves more detours and climbing. However, it can be a good emergency backup route if the northwest canyon is already flooded with sand.
Anglerfish Fossil Route
This is one of the most atmospheric entrances but also the most time-consuming. It requires descending through a sand-filled tunnel system with many dead ends. By the time you reach the fossil chamber, much of the city may already be inaccessible due to rising sand.
High Energy Lab Cave System
Although the High Energy Lab path provides an important connection between Nomai tech and the Sunless City, it is not recommended for quick access. Reaching this cave takes too long for a speed-focused run, though it does offer insight for lore-driven exploration.
Recommended Equipment and Preparation
Jetpack Fuel Management
Using your jetpack efficiently can shave off precious seconds. Tap the thrust gently rather than holding it down to maintain control while saving fuel. This is especially useful in tight canyon paths or during sand escape sequences.
Scout Launcher
The scout is your best friend in the dark. If you’re unsure about a tunnel’s depth or whether it leads to a blocked-off area, shoot the scout ahead to get a quick visual. This can prevent time loss from entering flooded paths or dead ends.
Oxygen Supply Awareness
Inside the Sunless City, there are oxygen refills scattered around lantern-lit stations. Memorizing their locations is helpful, especially if you plan on spending extended time exploring after your quick entry. Refill often to avoid a mid-exploration reset.
Speedrunning Tactics
Time Splits and Loop Awareness
Speedrunners aiming to reach the Sunless City as fast as possible typically record splits from loop start to tunnel entry. If you’re attempting this style of gameplay, reset your loop as soon as you make a major mistake to optimize your runs. Every second counts due to the time-sensitive nature of the sand mechanics.
Using Landmarks to Save Time
Practice identifying rock formations, cliffs, and canyon patterns to speed up your descent. After a few loops, you’ll start to recognize which landmarks lead to the quickest tunnels and avoid unnecessary detours.
Summary of Steps for the Fastest Entry
- Wake up and launch immediately toward Ember Twin.
- Manually fly toward the northwest canyon region.
- Land close to the narrow tunnel leading into the canyon wall.
- Descend into the Sunless City before the sand floods in.
- Follow lighting cables and gravity crystals to navigate deeper.
- Refill oxygen if needed and keep an eye on your path out.
The Sunless City remains one of the most iconic and atmospheric locations in Outer Wilds, and reaching it efficiently is a satisfying challenge for any player. Mastering the fastest way to enter not only makes each loop more productive but also opens up new opportunities for discovery. With practice, precise movement, and good timing, you can consistently reach the depths of the Sunless City before the sand traps you out. This skill will significantly enhance your journey through the mysteries of the Nomai and the secrets they left behind.