So, You Want a Fleet? Understanding Ship Ownership in No Man’s Sky

In the vast, procedurally generated universe of No Man’s Sky, one of the most enticing prospects is building your own personal fleet of starships. But just how many ships can you actually own? The definitive answer is 12. You can own a maximum of 12 ships in No Man’s Sky, and the game encourages you to collect a variety of vessels to suit different needs.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Owning ships in No Man’s Sky is a multifaceted system with considerations that include storage, rarity, ship types, and more. Let’s dive deep into the nuances of starship ownership in this spacefaring adventure.

The Allure of a Dozen Ships

Why 12? This limit provides a good balance between collection and management. Each ship type (Fighter, Hauler, Explorer, Shuttle, Exotic, and Living Ship) fulfills different roles. You’ll want a sturdy fighter for combat, a hauler for maximizing cargo capacity when mining, a fast explorer for warping long distances, and so on.

Having a fleet allows you to be prepared for any situation the universe throws your way. Want to take on a derelict freighter filled with hostile aliens? Jump into your souped-up fighter. Need to haul a mountain of salvaged tech? Deploy your trusty hauler. The more ships you have access to, the better equipped you are to handle any challenge.

Where Do You Store All These Ships?

While you can own 12 ships, only a maximum of six ships will be located in your freighter hangar at any given time. The other ships are essentially stored “off-site” in the game’s data. You can swap ships in and out of your freighter hangar using the quick menu, allowing you to bring any of your 12 ships into active service when needed. This system allows you to manage your fleet and readily access different ship types based on the situation.

This system is important because it gives you the flexibility to have a large fleet but still manage the ships you are actively using. It avoids the problem of having to navigate through a cluttered hangar.

Expanding Your Fleet: Acquisition Methods

Acquiring new ships in No Man’s Sky is a satisfying endeavor with several avenues available:

• Purchasing from NPCs: Space stations and trading posts are bustling hubs of activity. Watch out for ships landing. You can then approach the pilot and offer to buy their ship. The price depends on the ship’s class, inventory size, and installed technology. This is the most common method.

• Claiming Crashed Ships: Exploring planets can lead you to discover crashed ships in need of repair. You can claim these ships as your own, but they usually require significant repairs to get them space-worthy. This method can be time-consuming but can save you money on the initial purchase.

• Trading: You can trade your current ship for a new one. This option is available when interacting with pilots at space stations and trading posts. Be aware that you might need to add units (the game’s currency) to the trade, depending on the value of the ships involved.

• Freighter Missions: Certain freighter missions can reward you with a new ship. Completing these missions adds a layer of adventure to the acquisition process.

• Finding Distressed Ships: You may find NPC pilots stranded on planets. Sometimes they will give you their ship if you help them.

The Hunt for Exotic Ships

Every No Man’s Sky player dreams of owning an Exotic ship. These ships are statistically superior and often have unique designs. One of the most sought-after Exotic ship variants is the Squid ship, known for its distinct tentacles. Squid ships are incredibly rare and can take a very long time to find. Perseverance is key in the hunt for these elusive vessels! Don’t give up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ship Ownership in No Man’s Sky

Here are some frequently asked questions related to the number of ships you can own and the game’s ship system.

1. How many ships does NMS have in the game world?

The total number of ships that exist in the game world is effectively infinite due to the procedural generation of ships in No Man’s Sky. The game uses algorithms to create an immense variety of ships with different parts, colors, and stats, ensuring that new ships are always being generated as you explore.

2. What happens if I find a ship when I already own 12?

If you already own the maximum of 12 ships, you’ll need to scrap one of your existing ships to claim a new one. You can do this at a space station’s ship scrapping terminal. Scrapping a ship will provide you with salvageable components and possibly ship upgrade modules.

3. Can I transfer ships between saves?

Unfortunately, there is no direct mechanism to transfer ships between different save files in No Man’s Sky. Each save file operates independently, and your fleet is tied to that specific save.

4. Are there different types of ships in NMS?

Yes, there are several different types of ships in No Man’s Sky, each with its own strengths and weaknesses:

• Fighters: Excels in combat.
• Haulers: High cargo capacity.
• Explorers: Long warp distances.
• Shuttles: Balanced, general-purpose ships.
• Exotics: Rare, high-stat ships.
• Living Ships: Unique organic ships.

5. What is the best ship to have in NMS?

There isn’t a single “best” ship; it depends on your play style. Exotic ships are generally considered top-tier due to their excellent stats. However, a well-upgraded Fighter or Hauler can be incredibly effective in specific roles.

6. Are NMS ships randomly generated?

Yes, ships in NMS are randomly generated. No Man’s Sky utilizes procedural generation, so ship designs are created using algorithms. Different ship classes can be found in particular star systems, but the actual design is random.

7. What do ship classes (C, B, A, S) mean?

Ship classes denote the quality and potential of a ship. S-class is the highest, offering the best stats and upgrade potential, while C-class is the lowest. Higher-class ships also tend to have more inventory slots.

8. What is the rarest ship in NMS?

The Squid ship is considered one of the rarest ships in No Man’s Sky. This is due to the low spawn chance of Exotic ships.

9. Can I lose my ships in No Man’s Sky?

You cannot permanently lose ships in No Man’s Sky. If your ship is destroyed in combat, you will be able to summon it at a space station, your freighter, or a planetary base after respawning. However, you may need to repair damaged components.

10. How do I find crashed ships?

You can locate crashed ships by using distress signal maps purchased from the space station’s cartographer or by using your ship’s scanner on a planet’s surface.

11. What are Living Ships?

Living Ships are a unique type of ship that can be obtained through a specific questline. They require different resources for upgrades than traditional ships and have an organic aesthetic.

12. Can I customize my ships?

You can customize your ships to some degree by changing their color at space stations. But, you are unable to physically alter the ship’s components.

13. How do I upgrade my ships?

Ships can be upgraded by installing technology modules, which can be purchased, found, or crafted. These modules enhance various aspects of the ship, such as its warp drive, weapons, and shields.

14. Is buying a freighter worth it?

Yes, buying a freighter is definitely worth it in No Man’s Sky. Freighters provide mobile bases, ship storage, access to frigate missions, and resource storage. They are an essential component of the game’s mid-to-late game.

15. How many frigates can I own?

A player can own up to 30 frigates once they command a freighter. Frigates can then be sent on expeditions to other star systems to earn resources and rewards.

In Conclusion: Build Your Dream Fleet

Having the ability to own up to 12 ships in No Man’s Sky is a core part of the game’s appeal. Whether you are a seasoned explorer or a newcomer to the galaxy, building a diverse fleet is a rewarding goal. So get out there, explore, and claim your rightful place among the stars with a fleet that suits your every need. The possibilities are endless!

To further enrich your understanding of games and learning, explore the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) for insights into how games can be used for educational purposes. This community explores the intersection of gaming, learning, and design, demonstrating the educational potential of games like No Man’s Sky.