Can You Sell Pirate Ships in Starfield? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, absolutely! You can sell pirate ships in Starfield, but the process isn’t as straightforward as selling a legally acquired vessel. There are nuances to understand, including registration fees, diminished selling values, and specific vendor requirements. If you’re looking to build a fortune by becoming a space pirate, knowing how to profit from your ill-gotten gains is crucial. Let’s dive into the details of how to steal and sell ships in Starfield.
The Basics of Selling Ships in Starfield
Where to Sell
In Starfield, you can sell your ships at any ship services technician found at major settlements and spaceports or at your own outpost shipbuilder kiosk. These technicians are your primary point of contact for buying, selling, and modifying ships. When speaking with them, you’ll find options to browse their ship inventory or sell your own.
The Home Ship Requirement
It’s important to note that you must have at least two ships to sell one. You can’t sell your current home ship because the game always requires you to have a designated primary vessel. This means you need to either buy a new ship or, more commonly, steal a ship to make a sale.
The Nuances of Selling Stolen Ships
Stealing Ships: A Risky Business
Stealing a ship in Starfield is a profitable venture, albeit with certain steps. You’ll typically need to board an enemy ship during combat, dispatch the crew, and then take the pilot’s seat. However, just because you’ve taken control doesn’t make the ship yours legally.
The Registration Process
This is where the process of selling a pirate ship becomes a bit more complicated. To sell a stolen ship legally, you must first register it. This is a crucial step because it gives you legal ownership, and without it, you can’t sell the ship to vendors. To register a ship, you also have to visit a Ship Services Technician. When you speak with them and choose the option to view ships for sale, a button should appear that says register ship.
The Cost of Registration
Be prepared; the registration fee is substantial. It can often cost around 85% of the ship’s stated value. This can drastically eat into the profit you would make by selling a stolen vessel.
Diminished Sale Value
After registering a stolen ship, you won’t get its full original value when you go to sell it. Typically, the selling value is only a fraction of the ship’s worth. For example, a ship with a stated value of 100,000 credits will have a selling value of approximately 16,000 credits. After registration, you can end up making as little as 2.56% of the ship’s original value. This makes ship stealing more of an early game income method or a way to get a unique ship rather than a consistent way to earn credits.
Making Profit from Piracy: Is It Worth It?
While selling stolen ships might not be the most lucrative method for making money in Starfield, it can be a quick way to accumulate credits early in the game. The real value in stealing ships often comes from the chance of finding valuable contraband in their cargo holds or the opportunity to acquire a vessel you want for yourself. It also can be a fun activity that adds another layer to the gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions related to selling pirate ships and ships in general in Starfield.
1. Can I sell ships without registering them?
No, you cannot sell ships without registering them first. Registration is mandatory for you to get legal ownership, which is needed to complete the sale.
2. What happens to my old ship when I get a new one?
When you acquire a new ship, your old ship simply disappears without fanfare. It isn’t stored or accessible, making it a good idea to sell old ships you no longer plan to use.
3. What’s the best ship to buy in Starfield?
Some of the best ships to consider buying include the Narwhal (known for its high reactor level), the Abyss Trekker, the Silent Runner, and the Crimson Fleet Wraith, each offering different strengths and specializations.
4. Is registering and selling ships worth it?
Registering a ship costs a lot, and you won’t make much of a profit. The primary benefit is gaining a new ship you might want or clearing the ship from your active roster when you find a better one.
5. What are the best stolen ships in Starfield?
Some of the best stolen ships often include the Stronghold (Class C), Shieldbreaker (Class B), Vanquisher (Class C), and Crimson Fleet Wraith (Class C), due to their combat capabilities and cargo capacity.
6. What happens if I steal a UC ship?
Typically, stealing faction ships, such as UC ships, won’t immediately result in serious penalties. However, repeatedly stealing ships from the same faction can affect your reputation and may result in the faction becoming hostile.
7. How do I sell my pirated ship?
To sell a pirated ship, you must first register it at a Ship Services Technician. Once registered, you can then select the option to sell the ship via the same vendor.
8. How can I make money fast in Starfield?
While selling stolen ships can provide some income, other fast ways to make money include selling stolen items and contraband, completing quests, and exploring valuable resource locations.
9. What are the free ships in Starfield?
Some of the free ships in Starfield include the Frontier, Kepler R, Razorleaf, Star Eagle, UC Prison Shuttle, and Starborn Guardian.
10. How do you sell ships for full value?
You can’t sell ships for their full stated value. The registration process and market conditions mean the ship will always sell for a diminished amount.
11. What do you do with spare ships in Starfield?
You can store a ship by changing your home ship at a Ship Services Technician. It will be saved to your inventory until you decide to sell it or make it your home ship again.
12. How many ships can you own in Starfield?
You can own up to ten ships at any given time in Starfield. To acquire more, you must sell or store existing ones.
13. Can I steal a landed ship?
Yes, you can steal landed ships, but you must enter the ship before eliminating everyone outside to prevent it from taking off.
14. How does being a pirate affect the game?
Becoming a pirate in Starfield allows you to engage in ship-stealing, contraband smuggling, and other illicit activities, though it may affect your relationships with certain factions.
15. Is the Narwhal the best ship in Starfield?
The Narwhal is often cited as one of the best ships in Starfield due to its incredible reactor level and balanced combat capabilities, making it a fantastic all-rounder.
Conclusion
Selling pirate ships in Starfield is a viable, although not exceptionally profitable, way to earn credits. While you will encounter registration fees and a reduced selling price, it’s a fun way to acquire and try out different ships. Understanding how the mechanics of stealing, registering, and selling function allows you to maximize your gameplay and embrace your inner space pirate. Enjoy your adventures amongst the stars!