Can You Be a Pirate in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, you absolutely can embrace the pirate life in No Man’s Sky! While the game doesn’t explicitly label you as a “pirate” with a specific faction or questline, the mechanics allow for plenty of unlawful activities. You can raid freighters, steal ships, and generally cause mayhem in the vast expanse of space. This opens up a unique gameplay style that deviates from the typical exploration and base-building focus. It’s not about being a lawful space explorer; it’s about carving your own path as a galactic renegade. Let’s delve into how this works and what it entails.
Embracing the Pirate Lifestyle
The core of being a pirate in No Man’s Sky revolves around attacking other ships. This isn’t limited to just random encounters; you can strategically target freighters carrying valuable resources or engage in dogfights with passing vessels. Be aware that these actions aren’t without consequence.
Attacking Freighters and Triggering Sentinels
If you decide to attack a freighter, be prepared for a challenge. Destroying cargo pods or attacking the main freighter itself will alert the authorities in the form of Sentinel Drone Starships. These aggressive robotic protectors are designed to punish players who break the law. The more damage you inflict, the more tenacious the Sentinels become, escalating from standard drones to powerful combat ships. This means that being a pirate in No Man’s Sky is a high-risk, high-reward proposition.
Ship Theft: A Pirate’s Essential Tactic
Another key aspect of piracy is the ability to acquire ships through less-than-legal means. You can steal ships from landing pads, provided you have the right tools and timing. It requires a Bypass Chip to hack the landing pad console—note that you don’t hack the pad itself or any parked ship, but the console near the landing pad. If there’s no ship parked, you can summon your own. If there is a ship, you can claim it as your own. This is a great way to quickly amass a fleet of different ships for free, albeit at the risk of encountering Sentinels.
Choosing the Right Pirate Ship
Not every ship is made equal in the world of piracy. While any ship can theoretically engage in these activities, some are better suited for the job. Fighters are a popular choice due to their strong combat capabilities and reasonable cargo space. Exotics offer enhanced shield ratings, making them durable in extended battles. Shuttles are a decent fallback if you don’t have a Fighter or Exotic available. Ultimately, a lot depends on your personal playstyle but, generally, fighters and exotics are the go-to options.
Avoiding the Law: Stealth and Smart Strategy
Being a pirate isn’t always about brute force. Sometimes, it’s about knowing when to hold back. You can sometimes evade Sentinels by jumping into a space anomaly or a space station quickly, or by upgrading your ships speed. Also, keeping an eye on your wanted level is important to avoid larger battles. Mastering the art of hit-and-run tactics and understanding when to retreat are essential for the aspiring pirate.
Pirate Life: Rewards and Risks
Being a pirate in No Man’s Sky isn’t a smooth ride; it comes with a unique set of benefits and challenges. The primary reward is the acquisition of resources and ships that would otherwise cost considerable time and units to obtain. By raiding freighters, you can quickly amass valuable commodities for crafting and trading. Ship stealing provides a fast track to diversifying your fleet without spending in game currency.
However, there are also significant risks involved. Sentinel encounters can be challenging, especially early in the game when you’re not well-equipped. Also, constantly battling authorities can become exhausting. Managing your resources and upgrades carefully becomes even more important when living outside the law. The pirate life in No Man’s Sky requires skill, cunning, and a tolerance for risk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Piracy in No Man’s Sky
Here are some common questions about being a pirate in No Man’s Sky to help you get a better understanding of this playstyle:
1. Can I permanently own stolen ships?
Yes, once you steal a ship and claim it, it becomes part of your fleet. You can then repair, upgrade, and use it like any other ship you’ve purchased.
2. What are the best ships for piracy?
Fighters are favored for their combat capabilities and decent cargo space, while Exotics are known for their superior shield ratings. Shuttles can be a good, temporary option too.
3. How do I avoid Sentinels when raiding?
Use hit-and-run tactics, retreat to space stations or anomalies, upgrade your ships speed and damage, and be prepared for a tough fight if they catch you.
4. Is it possible to become a “Pirate King” in NMS?
No, there is no formal “Pirate King” title or questline in the game. However, you can certainly feel like one by building up a large fleet of ships and dominating the game’s pirate style.
5. How many ships can I own in my fleet?
You can own a maximum of twelve ships in your fleet. Only six can be in your freighter at any time. The others are available through the quick menu for swapping between.
6. What’s the biggest capital ship in No Man’s Sky that I could raid?
The Resurgent-class Star Destroyer is the largest freighter variant and the most challenging to raid due to its size and defense capabilities.
7. Is there a rare type of ship that is hard to acquire through stealing?
While you can potentially steal any ship, Squid-shaped ships are very rare and hard to find in the wild. They often require lots of time and effort to come across.
8. Can I sell stolen ships for profit?
Yes, you can sell stolen ships at trading posts or space stations. However, keep in mind that their value is often reduced in trade.
9. What is the S-class Royal Multi-tool and is it helpful for piracy?
The S-class Royal Multi-tool is the most difficult multi-tool to acquire. It’s very helpful for piracy, as it provides great combat and mining capabilities, essential for any pirate.
10. Can I lose my frigates if I send them on missions?
Yes, if the mission difficulty exceeds your team rating, your frigates are likely to be damaged and can be lost.
11. Are there NPCs I can hire to help with my pirate activities?
While there aren’t specific pirate NPCs, you can hire NPCs at specific terminals in your base. These characters provide various missions and blueprints that can indirectly benefit your pirate ventures.
12. How do Solar Ships benefit my pirate activities?
Solar ships with Vesper Sails improve your maneuverability and fuel efficiency, which can be useful for quickly escaping from Sentinels or navigating between targets.
13. Can you claim abandoned ships?
Yes, you can claim and add abandoned ships to your collection by repairing their launcher. These ships can then be used or traded, allowing for quicker fleet growth.
14. What is a Living Freighter and can it help a pirate?
Living freighters are a unique type of organic frigate. They’re usually smaller than regular freighters but offer special advantages and are a good addition to any pirates fleet.
15. What is the max amount of frigates I can own?
You can own a maximum of 30 frigates, including traditional frigates, expedition rewards, and living frigates.
Conclusion
So, can you be a pirate in No Man’s Sky? The answer is a resounding yes. By engaging in unlawful activities, you can forge your own path as a galactic renegade, collecting ships, resources, and causing chaos in the vastness of space. It’s a challenging but rewarding way to play, offering a unique deviation from the standard exploration and base-building experience. Just be prepared for the risks that come with it, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a feared pirate in the No Man’s Sky universe.