How can I get an Atlas Pass?

From what I've read, there seems to be a fairly clear path towards getting an Atlas Pass if you take the path of the Atlas.

But I took the path of the Explorer.

Can I still get an Atlas pass?

If so, how can I get one? Is there a way to work towards getting one, or is it random?

Solution 1:

In order to obtain the Atlas Pass V1, you need to encounter a Space Anomaly. It will be extremely obvious when you've encountered one, as when you warp into a system with one in you'll see as you're exiting warp.

Inside an NPC will give a simple test for a milestone, then give you the blueprint for the Atlas Pass V1.

Once you've obtained that, you can start finding Atlas Pass V2 and V3. The fastest way to do this is to use a Bypass chip with one of the Orange beacons on a planet, and select 'Colonial Outpost'. Keep doing this until you get a waypoint for 'Manufacturing Building'. This type of building requires you to break down a door to enter. Solve the puzzle inside and you'll be awarded with a blueprint, which has a random chance of being an Atlas pass. The Atlas Pass V3 will allow you to enter V2 doors, so if you get the V3 before the V2 it's fine.

You do not get the Atlas Pass V1 from an Atlas Station, only Space Anomalys

Solution 2:

As of right now the only clear way to get one is follow the Atlas path.

Makes you wonder why choose any other path.

Otherwise, the only other way is you'd have to stumble on a Atlas Station out in the wild but not sure what their spawn rates are and how the level of card is distributed.

Edit: See comment below or accepted answer for the correct answer.