Can You Hijack a Landed Ship in Starfield? A Complete Guide
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Yes, you absolutely can hijack landed ships in Starfield. This mechanic allows players to acquire new vessels through a bit of daring and combat. It’s a core element of the game, adding depth to exploration and ship ownership. However, it’s not as simple as walking up and claiming any spaceship you see. There are specific steps and considerations you’ll need to take into account. This guide will detail the process of stealing landed ships, discuss which vessels are the best targets, and cover other key aspects of this exciting feature.
How to Steal a Landed Ship
Finding a Suitable Target
First, you need to find a ship that has landed. These can appear randomly during your travels on various planets or as part of specific quests or encounters. Look for ships that are not clearly marked as belonging to friendly factions or associated with a questline where the pilot is seeking assistance (as these might be unstealable due to specific game parameters). Ships belonging to groups like the Crimson Fleet are often prime targets, as taking them will not result in an increased bounty.
Boarding the Ship
When you approach a landed ship, be cautious. Some may have crew members outside the ship, while others may have the crew entirely inside. To successfully steal the ship, you must board the vessel. If you eliminate all enemies outside the ship first, it might initiate a take-off sequence, preventing you from claiming it. The ideal approach is to quickly enter the ship before dealing with exterior threats.
Clearing the Crew
Once inside the ship, you’ll almost certainly encounter enemy crew members. You must eliminate all crew members on board to be able to claim the ship. This may involve a firefight, so be prepared with appropriate weapons and gear. Ensure that you have thoroughly searched the entire ship, as the remaining crew might be hiding somewhere.
Claiming the Ship
After ensuring the entire crew is eliminated, locate the pilot’s seat and sit down. Once you do this, the game registers the ship as yours. You may be prompted to make the stolen ship your home ship. This action will allow you to fly it, customize it, and utilize it as your main vessel. Don’t forget to also register the stolen ship at a ship service technician, as stolen ships are considered contraband.
Returning to Your Main Ship
Once you have made your stolen ship your home ship, you can return to your original vessel. To do this, head back to your original ship on the planet’s surface and sit in its pilot seat to make it your home ship again. At this point, you can now choose which ship you want to take to the stars.
Best Ships to Steal and Considerations
Not all ships are created equal, and some are much more rewarding to steal than others. Here are some things to consider:
Crimson Fleet Ships
Ships from the Crimson Fleet are often recommended for stealing. They are more likely to carry contraband, which can be sold for a profit. Also, because the Crimson Fleet is a generally antagonistic faction, killing their crew members won’t result in a bounty.
Early Game Options
Early in the game, you’ll find several free ships through quests and exploration. The Razorleaf from “The Mantis” quest is a powerful option that is available early and is a very strong contender. This ship is free, and getting it is a great first step to building a good ship collection.
Contraband and Registration
Stolen ships are considered contraband. This means that you cannot sell them and you will likely be scanned for contraband when traveling to patrolled planets. You must register your stolen ships before heading to any of the patrolled planets.
Piloting Skills
The ability to pilot higher class ships will require advancements in your Piloting Skill. As you level up and invest in this skill, you can steal more complex and powerful ships that are a much higher class than the ships you can initially use.
Limitations on Stealing
It’s worth noting that some ships are unstealable during specific quests or scenarios, as well as Starborn vessels during your first playthrough. This is often due to game mechanics tied to plot progression or specific character interactions. You will need to start new game plus to gain access to Starborn Ships.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you steal any ship that lands in Starfield?
Not all ships can be stolen. Some ships, especially those involved in specific missions or owned by key characters, might be unstealable for game-related reasons. However, many random encounters with landed ships offer you the chance to take them for your own.
2. What happens if you kill the crew outside the ship before boarding?
If you kill the entire crew outside the ship, it will likely take off. You should enter the ship before killing everyone outside to ensure you can steal the ship.
3. Can you steal UC (United Colonies) ships?
While you can encounter UC ships, some may be part of specific quests or activities, making them unstealable. However, you can use console commands on PC to bypass these restrictions if you want to.
4. Are Starborn ships stealable?
During your initial playthrough, you cannot steal a Starborn ship. You will be awarded a Starborn ship for your personal fleet when you start a New Game Plus, but until then you cannot access them.
5. What are some good ships to steal early in Starfield?
The Razorleaf obtained through “The Mantis” quest is an excellent free option early in the game. Crimson Fleet vessels are also good targets due to the potential contraband they carry and their lack of association with positive factions.
6. How many ships can you own in Starfield?
You can own up to ten ships in Starfield. This allows you to build a diverse fleet for various purposes, such as combat, cargo hauling, or exploration.
7. What do you need to do after stealing a ship?
After stealing a ship, you need to sit in the pilot’s seat to claim it. You should then register the ship at a ship services technician to avoid fines related to contraband and be able to sell it.
8. Can you sell stolen ships for profit?
You cannot sell a stolen ship unless you have registered it first. Without doing so, it is a useless pile of scrap that is considered contraband. Make sure you register the vessel to be able to sell it.
9. Is stealing ships always the best way to acquire a new vessel?
While stealing ships can be exciting and rewarding, you can also obtain free ships through quests. The Star Eagle, for example, is a great free ship you can earn by finishing the Freestar Collective questline.
10. What is the best all-around ship in Starfield?
Many ships are considered among the best overall, such as the Abyss Trekker, Narwal, Razorleaf, Star Eagle, and the Starborn Guardian. They provide a balance of combat capability, cargo space, and customization options.
11. How do you tell if a ship is worth stealing in Starfield?
Ships that carry contraband or belong to hostile factions like the Crimson Fleet are often good targets. Consider the ship’s class, stats, and potential upgrades as well.
12. What happens if you steal a ship from a major faction like UC or Freestar Collective?
Stealing a ship from factions like the UC or Freestar Collective can result in bounties on your head. This is why it’s often better to target hostile factions.
13. What is the easiest way to steal a spaceship?
The easiest method is to approach a landed ship, quickly enter it without alerting the crew members outside, eliminate all the crew inside, and then claim the pilot seat.
14. What are some of the best free ships in Starfield?
Some of the best free ships include the Razorleaf, Star Eagle, Kepler R, and the Starborn Guardian. Each has different strengths and can be obtained by progressing through quests or specific in-game events.
15. What are the risks involved in stealing ships?
Risks include being detected during boarding, facing strong enemy crews, accumulating bounties for stealing from friendly factions, and possibly being scanned for contraband.