What is the Point of Freighters in No Man’s Sky? A Comprehensive Guide
Freighters in No Man’s Sky are much more than just large, impressive ships to add to your collection. They serve as a mobile base of operations, a hub for managing your fleet, and a source of valuable resources. In essence, a freighter is a crucial element for progressing through the game, allowing players to expand their reach, engage in complex activities, and ultimately experience the full scope of what NMS has to offer.
At their core, freighters provide storage. Early on in the game, inventory management can be challenging. Freighters allow you to store vast quantities of resources, freeing up your exosuit and starship inventory. However, their capabilities extend far beyond simple storage. They provide a platform for base building, enabling you to construct a personalized and functional base, complete with all the necessary crafting stations, storage units, and even hydroponic farms, and all of it mobile across the galaxy. Additionally, freighters are essential for managing frigate expeditions, allowing you to send out specialized ships on missions to gather resources and earn valuable rewards. Owning a freighter unlocks a new layer of gameplay depth that greatly enhances the overall experience.
The Multifaceted Role of Freighters
Mobile Base Building
One of the most significant features of freighters is their ability to act as a mobile base. Unlike planetary bases, which are fixed in one location, your freighter allows you to construct a base that travels with you wherever you go. This is incredibly useful for players who like to explore new systems and don’t want to be tied to a single location. You can construct all the typical base building structures on your freighter, including refiners, storage containers, and even landing pads for additional ships. This also allows you to have an efficient and convenient location for crafting, storage, and resource management regardless of your current location in the galaxy.
Fleet Management & Frigate Missions
Freighters are also essential for managing your frigate fleet. Frigates are smaller support ships that can be sent on expeditions to gather resources and rewards. These missions are managed from your freighter’s bridge, where you can view and choose from a variety of available expedition options. You’ll start by establishing a Fleet Command Room to begin. Successfully completing frigate expeditions provides you with materials like Tainted Metal, Salvaged Frigate Modules, and units, which are necessary for advancing. It adds a layer of strategy to the game, requiring you to develop a balanced fleet suited to different mission types.
Valuable Resources & Derelict Freighters
Beyond their core functionality, freighters also provide access to unique gameplay features like derelict freighters. These abandoned vessels are procedurally generated and contain dangerous hazards, puzzles, and valuable loot like Tainted Metal and Salvaged Frigate Modules. These items are crucial for upgrading your own freighter and unlocking valuable blueprints. While exploring these hulks can be risky, the rewards they provide make them a highly lucrative activity.
Unlocking Essential Mechanics
Owning a freighter unlocks critical mechanics in No Man’s Sky. Not only does it provide inventory capacity but it allows for efficient resource management and advanced gameplay options. It becomes the central hub for your space operations as you navigate the vast universe of No Man’s Sky. You’ll find your experience significantly changes once you have your own freighter, providing the freedom to explore and expand with less reliance on single planetary bases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freighters in No Man’s Sky
1. How Much Does a Freighter Cost?
The price of a freighter varies significantly based on its class and size. Regular freighters range from 5 million to 23 million units, whereas capital freighters cost between 26.15 million and 178 million units. S-class freighters are the most expensive and most sought-after due to their superior stats and inventory slots.
2. Can I Have Multiple Freighters?
No, you can only own one freighter at a time. However, you can amass a fleet of up to 30 frigates, which are managed from your freighter’s bridge.
3. What Happens When I Buy a New Freighter?
When you purchase a new freighter, your existing freighter base is automatically transferred and reconstructed onto your new vessel. You can also reset your freighter’s base layout anytime via the Freighter Upgrade Control terminal.
4. Should I Accept the First Freighter I’m Offered?
It’s not necessary to accept the first freighter offered to you. If you decline the first freighter offered after defending it from pirates, you will encounter another pirate battle after 3 hours and 5 warps. This next freighter is guaranteed to be a capital ship and will also be free.
5. Can I Walk Around My Freighter?
Yes, you can explore the interior of your freighter, including the bridge, crew quarters, and hangar bay. You can also walk around on the exterior of your frigates.
6. What Are Derelict Freighters?
Derelict freighters are abandoned spacecraft found in space and are filled with loot. They feature dangerous hazards, puzzles, and provide access to valuable resources like Tainted Metal and Salvaged Frigate Modules.
7. Can I Leave a Derelict Freighter and Come Back Later?
No, you cannot leave and return to a derelict freighter. The mission cannot be saved during derelict freighter runs, and if you leave and try to return later, the derelict freighter will vanish.
8. What Are Frigate Expeditions?
Frigate expeditions are missions where you send out your frigate fleet to gather resources, earn rewards, and gain experience. They are an essential part of freighter gameplay and are managed from the Fleet Command Room.
9. Can Frigates Be Lost During Missions?
Yes, frigates can be damaged or even lost during expeditions. The risk depends on the expedition’s difficulty and your fleet’s rating. Sending a fleet that doesn’t meet the required skill level can lead to losses.
10. Where Do I Find Crashed Freighters?
Crashed Freighters are typically found on the surface of planets. They appear as red dots on your starship scope. You can also find them using a Signal Scanner, or sometimes by getting hints from NPCs at space stations.
11. What is the Biggest Freighter in No Man’s Sky?
The Oculus-class freighter is considered the biggest regular freighter available in No Man’s Sky. It’s easily recognizable by its large, spherical bow.
12. What is the Probability of a Freighter Being S-Class?
The probability of encountering an S-class freighter varies by system. The odds are higher in pirate systems (around 5%), compared to normal three-star systems (2%).
13. Can I Reset My Freighter’s Base?
Yes, you can reset your freighter’s base at any time by using the Freighter Upgrade Control terminal. This can be useful for reorganizing or starting a new base build.
14. How Do I Get a Living Freighter?
Living Frigates are not found on freighters directly. You must run fleet missions to obtain the Dream Aerial blueprint as a reward. Then it will allow you to start a mission to encounter these living frigates.
15. What Is the Best Beginner Ship?
While freighters are important, the best beginner ship is often considered a Fighter class ship. They have high damage and shields, making them useful for combat. However, they lack inventory space. For base building, you need to make use of your freighter inventory space.
In conclusion, freighters in No Man’s Sky are indispensable assets for both new and seasoned players, offering essential functionality and a unique gameplay experience. They are far more than just a method of storage; they represent a mobile base, a center for fleet management, and a gateway to lucrative activities like derelict freighter explorations. By understanding their multifaceted role, you will be well equipped to navigate and explore the galaxy to its fullest.