Can You Sell a Pirate Ship in Starfield? A Smuggler’s Guide
Ahoy, spacefarers! So, you’ve embraced the life of a cosmic buccaneer in Starfield, plundering the stars and liberating vessels from their rightful owners, and now you’re wondering if you can turn that ill-gotten gain into cold, hard credits. The short answer is a resounding yes, you can sell a pirate ship in Starfield! However, like any good swashbuckling endeavor, there are a few hoops to jump through, a few rules to observe, and a few potential pitfalls to avoid. Consider this your comprehensive guide to offloading your stolen spacecraft in the vast expanse of the Settled Systems.
The Art of the Deal: Selling Your Stolen Goods
The process of selling a stolen ship is not quite as straightforward as selling one you legitimately acquired. But fear not, with a bit of preparation and the right know-how, you’ll be swimming in credits in no time.
Step 1: The Necessary Evil – Registering Your Stolen Ship
This is absolutely crucial. You cannot sell a ship that isn’t registered. Think of it like trying to fence a stolen car without changing the plates. The authorities are bound to notice. Registration essentially legitimizes the ship, at least in the eyes of the vendors and potential buyers. To register a stolen ship:
- Pilot the stolen ship. Make absolutely certain you are piloting the ship you intend to sell, not your primary vessel.
- Access your ship menu. Open the character menu and select the ship menu via the lower left corner.
- Make it your home ship. In the ship menu, select the stolen ship and make it your home ship.
- Register the ship. Once the stolen ship is your home ship, the register option will appear. Select it to begin the registration process.
You can register a stolen ship at any Ship Services Technician located at major spaceports like New Atlantis (Jemison, Alpha Centauri) or Akila City (Akila, Cheyenne).
- Expect to Pay: Registration isn’t free. The cost will vary depending on the ship’s class, condition, and overall value. Consider it a necessary investment.
- Why is Registration Essential?: Registration clears the ship’s ‘stolen’ flag, allowing you to modify it, add it to your fleet, and most importantly, sell it without complications.
Step 2: Finding a Buyer – The Ship Services Technician
These individuals are your best friends when it comes to buying and selling ships. They are usually located near the landing pads at major spaceports. Look for the person wearing a spacesuit and standing near a console.
- The Outpost Shipbuilder Kiosk: These kiosks can also be used to buy and sell ships, so if you prefer to do business away from the crowds, set one up at your outpost.
- Talk to the Technician: Initiate a conversation and select the option that indicates you want to view or modify your ships. This will open the ship management interface.
Step 3: Making the Sale
Once you have opened the ship management interface, the sale is straight forward.
- Selecting “Sell”: Within the ship management interface, you should see a “Sell” option or similar prompt, usually bound to a key on your keyboard (like ‘G’ on PC).
- Choose Your Target: Choose the registered ship from your fleet that you want to offload. This will show you the ship’s sell value.
- Seal the Deal: Confirm the sale. The credits will be added to your account, and the ship will be removed from your fleet.
Important Considerations for Pirate Ship Sales
- Contraband: If your stolen ship has any contraband on board (like Aurora or harvested organs), you’ll need to smuggle it into a city that has the Trade Authority, then sell that separately before you sell the ship itself. Some Ship Services Technicians at specific locations may be more discreet than others.
- Home Ship: You cannot sell your home ship. Always ensure you have at least two ships in your fleet, with one designated as your home ship.
- Vendor Credits: Ship Services Technicians have a limited number of credits. If you are trying to sell a high value ship, you may have to sell to multiple technicians over several days, or wait for the vendor’s credits to replenish.
FAQs: Your Pirate Ship Selling Questions Answered
1. Can I sell a ship immediately after stealing it?
No. You must first register the ship before you can sell it. This cleanses the ship of its stolen status.
2. What happens if I try to sell an unregistered stolen ship?
The Ship Services Technician will not allow you to sell it. The option to sell the ship will simply not be available.
3. Does the value of the ship affect the sale price?
Yes, absolutely. The better the ship, the higher the sell price. Condition also affects the sell price.
4. Can I sell a Starborn ship I stole in Starfield?
While you can’t initially steal the first Starborn ship, later Starborn ships can be stolen. You can sell them, provided they are registered.
5. Is it worth selling ships in Starfield?
Definitely. Selling ships is a great way to earn credits, especially if you find yourself with more than you need.
6. Where can I find Ship Services Technicians?
They are located at most major spaceports, including New Atlantis, Akila City, and Neon.
7. Can I sell ships at my outpost?
Yes, you can build a Shipbuilder Kiosk at your outpost and sell ships there.
8. What happens to my old ship if I just steal a new one without selling it?
Your old ship will essentially disappear. It’s best to sell unwanted ships to maximize your profit.
9. How many ships can I own in Starfield?
You can own up to ten ships at once.
10. What if a ship has contraband on board?
Sell the contraband separately before selling the ship, preferably at a Trade Authority location, or somewhere that doesn’t scan your ship on landing.
11. Can I scrap ships for parts instead of selling them?
Unfortunately, no. Starfield does not currently allow you to scrap ships for parts. You can only sell them whole.
12. How do I register a stolen ship in Starfield?
Make the stolen ship your home ship, then the register option will appear in the ship menu.
13. Why can’t I sell my original ship in Starfield?
You cannot sell your current home ship. Always make sure you have a second ship in your fleet that is flagged as your home ship.
14. Can I modify a stolen ship before selling it?
Yes, but only after you have registered it. Modifying it might even increase its value before you sell it.
15. Are there any ships I absolutely should not sell?
That depends on your playstyle. But generally, unique ships with special abilities or designs should be kept, at least until you find a better replacement.
Final Thoughts: Becoming a Starfield Ship Selling Tycoon
Selling pirate ships in Starfield is a lucrative business, but it requires a bit of planning and understanding of the game’s mechanics. Remember to register your stolen ships, deal with any contraband, and always have a backup ship designated as your home ship. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful ship-selling tycoon in the Settled Systems. And remember, ethical considerations in Starfield are… optional.
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