Overview
Vending Machines are automated supply stations scattered across Starsand Island. They sell a small selection of essential items including Hot Spring tickets, snacks, drinks, and basic consumables. Unlike NPC-operated shops and vendors that close at 10:00 PM, Vending Machines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This makes them the only reliable source of supplies during nighttime hours and on days when shops have reduced hours.
Vending Machines are not a replacement for full shops. Their inventory is limited to convenience items, and their prices are slightly higher than what you would pay at a dedicated vendor. However, their constant availability and widespread placement make them a critical part of the island's supply infrastructure, especially for players who frequently work late or travel to remote locations.
Locations
Vending Machines are placed at high-traffic areas and transportation hubs across the island. They are recognizable by their glowing panels and the soft hum they emit. The following table lists the major Vending Machine locations.
Location | Area | Nearest Landmark |
|---|---|---|
Hopeland Bus Stop | Player's property | Hopeland entrance |
Starsand Town Square | Town center | Near the fountain |
Beach Boardwalk | Coastal area | Next to the beach parking lot |
Moonlit Forest Trailhead | Forest entrance | Near the forest information board |
Mining District Hub | Mountain foothills | Adjacent to the mine elevator |
Green Pasture Ranch Gate | Ranch area | Outside the ranch entrance |
Harbor Pier | Docks area | Next to the boat rental kiosk |
Hot Springs Entrance | Spa area | Just outside the Hot Springs facility |
Additional Vending Machines are located at bus stops and fast travel points. Nearly every major bus stop has a Vending Machine within a few steps, making it easy to grab supplies immediately after arriving at a new location.
Available Items
Each Vending Machine stocks the same inventory. Items are categorized into drinks, snacks, and utility items. Prices are fixed and do not fluctuate with supply or demand.
Item | Price | Effect |
|---|---|---|
Hot Spring Ticket | 100 coins | Grants one entry to any Hot Springs location |
Energy Drink | 50 coins | Restores a small amount of stamina immediately |
Bottled Water | 20 coins | Restores a tiny amount of stamina; cheapest option |
Onigiri (Rice Ball) | 40 coins | Restores a small amount of health and stamina |
Chocolate Bar | 30 coins | Restores a small amount of health |
Canned Coffee | 60 coins | Restores moderate stamina; minor speed buff for 2 minutes |
Basic Bandage | 80 coins | Restores a moderate amount of health over time |
Insect Repellent | 40 coins | Prevents insect-related debuffs for 10 minutes |
The most commonly purchased item is the Hot Spring Ticket, which is the only way to access Hot Springs without earning a ticket through quests or events. The Energy Drink and Canned Coffee are popular among players who need a quick stamina boost while exploring far from home.
Pricing Compared to Shops
Vending Machine prices are slightly higher than the equivalent items at NPC shops. This premium reflects the convenience of 24/7 access.
Item | Vending Machine Price | Shop Price | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
Hot Spring Ticket | 100 coins | 100 coins | None (same price) |
Energy Drink | 50 coins | 40 coins | +25% |
Onigiri | 40 coins | 30 coins | +33% |
Basic Bandage | 80 coins | 60 coins | +33% |
Insect Repellent | 40 coins | 30 coins | +33% |
The premium is modest enough that most players do not bother shopping at NPC vendors for these items unless they are buying in bulk. For single-item emergency purchases, the convenience of a Vending Machine far outweighs the small price difference.
Why 24/7 Access Matters
NPC shops in Starsand Town and other areas close at 10:00 PM and do not reopen until the next morning. For players who work late (mining expeditions, Moonlit Forest exploration, evening fishing), this creates a gap where no supplies are available. Vending Machines fill this gap by staying operational around the clock.
Common nighttime scenarios where Vending Machines are essential include:
Running low on stamina during a late-night mining run and needing an Energy Drink to finish the last ore vein.
Wanting to visit the Hot Springs for a stamina recharge after midnight, requiring a ticket.
Needing a Basic Bandage after taking damage in the Moonlit Forest late at night.
Buying Insect Repellent before entering a bug-heavy area during evening hours.
Grabbing a quick snack to restore just enough stamina to make it home before passing out at 2:00 AM.
Vending Machine Usage Tips
Memorize the Vending Machine locations near your most-visited areas. Knowing where the nearest machine is saves time in emergency situations.
Always buy a Hot Spring Ticket before visiting the Hot Springs. There is a Vending Machine right outside the Hot Springs entrance specifically for this purpose.
Canned Coffee provides a minor speed buff in addition to stamina recovery. If you are rushing to get home before 2:00 AM, the speed buff can make the difference between making it to bed and passing out on the road.
Do not rely on Vending Machines as your primary food source. Cooking your own meals is significantly cheaper and provides better stat restoration. Use Vending Machine items only for emergencies and convenience.
The Bottled Water at 20 coins is the cheapest stamina recovery option. If you just need a tiny top-up to finish one more action, it is the most cost-effective choice.
Vending Machines never run out of stock. You can buy as many of each item as you can afford in a single visit.
Role in the Island Economy
Vending Machines represent the automated commerce layer of Starsand Island's economy. While NPC shops handle the bulk of buying and selling during daytime hours, Vending Machines ensure that basic necessities are always available regardless of time or location. They also serve as coin sinks that prevent players from hoarding currency indefinitely, since the convenience items they sell are consumed regularly by active players.
For new players still learning the island's layout and shop hours, Vending Machines provide a safety net. Forgetting to buy supplies before shops close is a common early-game mistake, and Vending Machines prevent this from becoming a game-stopping problem.