Can You Sell Ships You Steal in Starfield? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, you absolutely can sell ships you steal in Starfield, but it’s not as straightforward as selling other loot. There are several steps involved, and understanding the process is key to maximizing your profits from illicit acquisitions. This article will walk you through the entire process, from hijacking a vessel to pocketing the credits, and answer all the burning questions you might have about selling stolen ships in Starfield.
How to Sell a Stolen Ship in Starfield
The path to profit from a stolen ship is not immediate. You can’t simply land, hop out, and sell it off. Here’s the step-by-step guide to successfully selling your newly acquired spacecraft:
1. Acquire a Ship
The first step is, of course, finding and stealing a ship. This can be done in various ways, such as boarding landed ships, engaging in space combat and boarding disabled vessels, or even encountering a derelict ship in space. Once aboard, you will need to access the pilot seat to claim it.
2. Make it Your Home Ship (Temporarily)
After successfully gaining access to a ship, you don’t necessarily need to fly it right away. The next step is to sit in the pilot seat and make it your home ship. This is a crucial step to register the ship. You can then immediately switch back to your main ship by getting in the pilot seat and setting it as your home ship again.
3. Register the Stolen Ship
This is the most important and often overlooked step. Before you can sell your stolen ship, it must be registered with the relevant authorities. You’ll need to visit a Ship Services Technician at any major spaceport, like New Atlantis or Akila City. Speak to them, and choose the option to modify your ship. Look for a register option at the bottom of the screen. Be prepared to pay a registration fee. This fee can be significant and is directly tied to the value of the ship. Failing to do this will prevent you from selling the ship.
4. Choose a Ship to Sell
Once your stolen ship is registered and you have more than one ship, the option to sell will be available. You will always need one home ship, and therefore cannot sell your only vessel. Go back to the Ship Services Technician and interact with them again.
5. Sell the Ship
From the technician’s menu, select to “View my ships” or a similar option. The stolen and registered vessel should appear in this list. You will then be able to see options to modify, set as your home ship, and sell the ship. Select “Sell” to proceed with the sale. You will now receive credits for your stolen vessel.
Profitability and Considerations
While the thrill of stealing a ship might be appealing, the monetary reward may not always be as high as expected. There are several factors to consider when assessing the profitability of ship theft:
- Registration Fees: These are a major factor. The registration fee often costs a huge portion of the ship’s overall value, meaning you will never see the full profit of a stolen vessel. This reduces the overall amount you earn.
- Sale Value: Even after registration, the sale value of a stolen ship is considerably lower than its original value. Expect to receive only a fraction of the ship’s worth.
- Time Investment: It takes time to steal, register, and sell a ship. Weigh the time investment against the potential credits you’ll receive.
- Contraband: Check your newly acquired ship thoroughly as they can sometimes contain contraband which needs to be sold separately, and it may lead to trouble if not dealt with properly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about selling stolen ships in Starfield, providing extra detail to ensure you are fully informed about how to make money from your ill-gotten gains.
1. Where can I find Ship Services Technicians?
Ship Services Technicians are usually found at major spaceports and landing zones in most major cities. Look for the icon that looks like a ship on the map or minimap. They are often near the ship landing pads. Some notable locations include New Atlantis, Akila City, and Neon.
2. How much money will I get for a stolen ship?
You can expect to get roughly 2.5% of the ship’s initial value. The majority of the value is lost to the registration fee.
3. Do I need more than one ship to sell a ship?
Yes, you must have at least two ships in your possession before you can sell any of them. You always need to have a home ship.
4. Can I sell a ship without registering it?
No, registration is mandatory before you can sell any ship in Starfield. You cannot sell a stolen ship without registering it.
5. Does the ship’s class (A, B, or C) affect its sale price?
Yes, generally higher-class ships sell for more but also have higher registration fees. Even though a Class C ship may appear to sell for more, the fee may be extremely high, resulting in similar profits to a lower value ship.
6. Are there any risks associated with stealing ships?
Yes. If you get caught stealing a ship by NPCs, you will receive a bounty with the local authorities. Stealing ships can also sometimes place you in a precarious situation, especially if you are in the middle of space combat.
7. Can I sell ships I boarded in space?
Yes, you can sell ships you boarded in space, provided you make it your home ship, register it, and meet all other conditions.
8. Can I sell ships I purchased?
Yes, you can sell any ship you own, whether stolen, found, or purchased from ship vendors, as long as it is registered.
9. How many ships can I own in Starfield?
You can own a maximum of ten ships at any given time. If you acquire an eleventh, you must sell one of the others.
10. Does my home ship have to be registered before I can sell others?
No, your home ship does not need to be registered before you register and sell another. However, you cannot sell your only ship, which is always the home ship.
11. What happens to my original ship when I steal a new one?
Your old ship will automatically undock and fly away when you make the stolen ship your home ship. You can always target and dock with it again and set it back as your home ship.
12. What should I do if I accidentally steal a ship I don’t want?
You can either sell it to recover some money or you can reload an earlier save. Make sure to switch back to your original ship first, then register and sell the stolen ship for profit.
13. Is ship theft the best way to make money in Starfield?
While it can be a viable source of income, it is not the most efficient way to make money in Starfield. Other methods such as completing quests, selling other items, or trading are generally more profitable. Ship theft should be seen as more of a fun or convenient option, rather than a guaranteed get-rich-quick scheme.
14. Can I sell bounty hunter ships?
Yes, you can sell bounty hunter ships just like any other ship, provided it’s registered.
15. Where can I sell contraband I find on stolen ships?
You cannot sell contraband at most vendors. To sell contraband, you’ll need to visit the Trade Authority located in major cities like New Atlantis, The Key, or Neon. Be warned, though, that they will scan your ship as you arrive, and you will get in trouble if you have contraband, and it will be confiscated if you are caught.