How to Steal a UC Ship in Starfield: A Comprehensive Guide
The allure of commandeering a powerful United Colonies (UC) ship in Starfield is undeniable. Whether you’re after the sheer thrill of piracy or simply desire a new addition to your fleet, stealing a UC vessel presents both challenges and opportunities. While some ships are locked behind mission restrictions or require console commands, there are methods to acquire UC ships through gameplay. Here’s the most direct way to do it:
To successfully steal a UC ship in Starfield that is NOT mission specific, you must first disable the ship’s engines in space combat. Then, board the ship, clear out any remaining UC crew, and finally, take the pilot’s seat to claim it as your own. However, specific ships like the UC Raptor are tied to missions and initially can’t be stolen through normal gameplay means. Let’s dive deeper into the nuances of acquiring UC ships, alongside other related and frequently asked questions.
Stealing Landed UC Ships
While directly stealing a landed UC ship isn’t always straightforward, the principle remains: find a ship, board it, and eliminate the crew. Landed UC Raptors, however, are mission-specific, and while you can board them, they’re usually guarded with mission restraints. In most cases, this means the ship might take off immediately if you engage in combat outside it, requiring you to board first to have any chance of claiming it. In these situations, focus on stealth or a swift boarding action to get inside before attracting too much unwanted attention.
The Importance of Space Combat
The most reliable method for acquiring most UC ships involves engaging them in space combat. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Find Your Target
Encountering UC ships happens across various star systems. Patrolling UC ships are common, and they often travel in groups. Scan different ships and prioritize the ones you want to steal.
2. Disable Engines
Once you’ve found your target, engage in combat. The key to stealing ships is to disable their engines, not destroy them. Target the engines using the ship targeting system and watch for the engine health bar to drop to zero while keeping their shield up. You’ll need to select the ‘Engines’ using the D-Pad to ensure you are targeting them specifically.
3. Board the Ship
Once the ship’s engines are disabled, you will be prompted with the option to “Board”. Dock with the ship and proceed to enter the vessel.
4. Eliminate the Crew
Inside the ship, you’ll face the UC crew. Fight your way through and eliminate all enemies to gain full control of the ship.
5. Claim Your Prize
After clearing the ship, find the cockpit and sit in the pilot’s seat. This will officially claim the ship as your own. You’ll likely need to register it at a ship technician to get full, legal ownership and use.
UC Vigilance and Other Special Cases
The UC Vigilance, a massive and iconic ship, is another matter entirely. While you can dock with it as part of the UC Vanguard questline, you cannot take it permanently. The Vigilance is a mobile base for the UC and isn’t designed to be stolen by the player. There are workarounds by use of console commands to make it flyable, however, this often results in bugs and doesn’t allow you to dock or warp.
The UC Prison Shuttle
Another UC ship you might come across is the UC Prison Shuttle. It’s one of the free ships that can be found, and you can add it to your fleet by simply claiming it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Stealing Ships in Starfield
1. Can I steal any landed ship I find?
Generally, yes, you can steal most landed ships, excluding those tied to specific missions. Focus on boarding before engaging in combat, as shooting out the enemies outside the ship will trigger the ship to take off.
2. How do I get around the mission restrictions on the UC Raptor?
UC Raptors are usually part of missions. You can use console commands to unlock the restriction, hop in the seat, and take off to own the ship. However, this may break intended gameplay and may introduce bugs.
3. Can I steal ships that have Starborn tech?
No, you cannot directly steal Starborn ships during your first playthrough. They are only accessible in New Game Plus (NG+). Starborn Ships entrances are inaccessible until you reach NG+.
4. What happens if I try to sell a stolen ship without registering it?
You won’t be able to legally sell a stolen ship until you have registered it at a ship services technician.
5. How many ships can I own in Starfield?
You can own a maximum of 10 ships at any given time. You’ll need to sell one to acquire a new ship when you have reached the limit.
6. Is it better to side with the Crimson Fleet or UC?
It depends on your gameplay style. The Crimson Fleet offers a unique quest line and better rewards, including a reliable location to sell contraband. The UC provides an opposing perspective that’s worth exploring for the story.
7. Can I fly the UC Vigilance?
While you can dock with the UC Vigilance as part of the UC Vanguard questline and even fly it with the use of console commands, it is not intended for player ownership. It won’t work as a normal ship in that you can’t dock or warp.
8. Can I steal and sell ships for profit?
Yes, you can. Stealing, registering, and then selling ships is a great way to earn credits in Starfield.
9. What is the best ship to steal?
Some of the best ships include the Stronghold, Shieldbreaker, Vanquisher, and Narwhal. The Crimson Fleet Wraith is also an excellent option with an easier price tag, and the Starborn Guardian is a very powerful free ship acquired in NG+.
10. Where can I find free ships in Starfield?
You can find many free ships. These include the Frontier, Kepler R, Razorleaf, Star Eagle, UC Prison Shuttle, Wanderwell, and the Starborn Guardian. The Dagger and the Datura can also be found free on specific locations.
11. What do I need to do before boarding a ship?
Before boarding a ship, you should disable its engines in space combat. This will prevent it from jumping away.
12. Can I romance any of the characters?
Yes, you can romance companions in Starfield, which can lead to gifts, new quests, and XP bonuses.
13. How do I get the ‘Unfair Advantage’ in Starfield?
You acquire the ‘Unfair Advantage’ weapon during the Eye of the Storm faction quest by choosing to side with the Crimson Fleet and looting the body of Commander Ikande after defeating him.
14. Is there a benefit to joining the Crimson Fleet?
Joining the Crimson Fleet allows you to sell contraband at The Key space station and not get scanned by the UC, in addition to the story benefits.
15. Should I betray Delgado?
The decision to betray Delgado or not depends on your desired outcome with the faction and how you want to align yourself morally.
Conclusion
Stealing UC ships in Starfield requires strategic thinking and a bit of grit. By understanding the mechanics of space combat, ship boarding, and crew elimination, you can amass a fleet of commandeered vessels. Keep these tips in mind and be prepared for a thrilling journey through the stars. Good luck, Captain!