Can You Upgrade Your Freighter in No Man’s Sky? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you can absolutely upgrade your freighter in No Man’s Sky, but perhaps not in the way you initially imagine. While you cannot directly enhance the class of your freighter (from C to S, for example) through a conventional upgrade system, there are multiple avenues to improve its functionality, storage, and overall utility. This article delves into the intricacies of freighter upgrades, providing a detailed guide and answering common questions to help you optimize your cosmic mobile base.

Understanding Freighter Upgrades

The initial statement that “Freighter class cannot be upgraded” is crucial. If you own a C-class freighter, you cannot simply spend resources to make it an S-class. To obtain a higher class freighter, you must locate and acquire a new one through a trade-in. When trading, be aware that any technology upgrades and upgrade modules attached to the original freighter will be lost. This system encourages strategic planning and careful resource management.

The Upgrade Control Terminal

Despite not having class upgrades, freighters are still highly customizable. The key to freighter upgrades lies with the Upgrade Control terminal, a research station located on the central console in your freighter’s control room. Originally called the Freighter Research Terminal, this area allows you to unlock various freighter-specific enhancements using Salvaged Frigate Modules (SFM). These upgrades enhance essential freighter functions and are vital for maximizing your mobile base’s potential.

What Can Be Upgraded?

Through the Upgrade Control terminal, you can implement a multitude of improvements including:

• Hyperdrive Efficiency: Boost your freighter’s warp capabilities to reach more distant systems.
• Fleet Coordination: Enhance your fleet’s capabilities and the rewards from frigate expeditions.
• Storage: Expand your freighter’s inventory capacity.
• Base Building Capabilities: Add more base building space and options within your freighter.

These upgrades are crucial for making your freighter a truly mobile and effective base of operations. Remember, the upgrades you apply affect your freighter, not your character or exosuit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about freighter upgrades in No Man’s Sky, providing more clarity and detail on the system:

1. Where Can I Find the Freighter Upgrade Terminal?

The Upgrade Control terminal, formerly known as the Freighter Research Terminal, is situated on the central console in your freighter’s control room. Look for the interactive panel near the main navigation table.

2. How Much Does an S-Class Freighter Cost?

The cost of an S-class freighter varies based on its type and size. Regular freighters can range from 5M to 23M units, while capital freighters can range from 26.15M to 178M units. Capital freighters are generally larger and more expensive. Remember, these costs are for purchasing a new freighter, not upgrading the existing one.

3. What is the Rarest Freighter in NMS?

S-Class versions are the highest rated and rarest of all freighters. Obtaining one requires patience, an Economy Scanner, and significant space exploration. You need to enter battles where you are defending a freighter from pirates. If you choose to save a freighter then the freighter you saved will be for sale.

4. What is the Largest Freighter Type in NMS?

The Oculus-class is the largest regular freighter, notable for its unique spherical design. It resembles the Discovery One from 2001: A Space Odyssey.

5. Are All Derelict Freighters the Same?

No, each derelict freighter has a unique story revealed through ship logs and personal effects of the crew. These can also provide items that can be used to upgrade your freighter.

6. How Do I Farm Freighter Upgrades?

Salvaged Frigate Modules (SFM) are needed for freighter upgrades. These are obtained through:

• Destroying cargo pods on freighters and frigates in space.
• Looting storage units aboard crashed freighters.
• Completing certain missions in The Nexus and on mission boards.
• Finding them in crates aboard Derelict Freighters.

Destroying cargo pods on space freighters tends to be the most efficient method.

7. How Do I Upgrade My Cargo Space in NMS?

Additional cargo slots can be added to your freighter through the Upgrade Control terminal using Salvaged Frigate Modules and through building storage rooms. Note that these slots are for freighter inventory, not starship cargo. You can also find and use Storage Augmentation to expand the inventory.

8. What Are the Odds of Getting an S-Class Freighter?

The likelihood of an S-class freighter appearing varies. In pirate systems, the chance is 5%, while in three-star regular systems, it is 2%. Lower-tier economy systems are less likely to spawn S-class freighters.

9. Can You Get an S-Class Freighter from a T2 System?

Yes, it is possible, although the chances are lower. T2 systems have a 1% spawn chance, compared to the 2% chance in T3 systems.

10. How Many Freighters Can You Own in No Man’s Sky?

You can only own one freighter at a time, however you can own 30 Frigates that are managed from your freighter’s bridge.

11. What is the Point of Freighters in NMS?

Primarily, freighters serve as mobile storage, offering numerous inventory slots. They also function as a base of operations, allowing you to build and expand within their interior and host a command center for your frigate fleet.

12. How Do I Get Frigate Upgrade Modules?

Frigate upgrade modules are primarily found by:

• Looting storage units on crashed freighters (7.5% drop chance)
• Completing certain missions in The Nexus (4% drop chance)
• Completing certain mission board jobs (2-4% drop chance)
• Pirate missions (2% drop chance)
• Looting crates aboard Derelict Freighters (2.5% drop chance).

13. Can You Grow Plants on Your Freighter in NMS?

Yes, you can grow plants on your freighter by constructing Hydroponic Trays on the second floor or higher. Blueprints for crops can be bought from the Construction Research Station in the Nexus for 3 Salvaged Data each.

14. Can You Put a Portal in Your Freighter?

Yes, you can build a Teleport Chamber in your freighter, enabling bidirectional travel to and from your base. This requires power to function.

15. Can My Freighter Be Attacked in No Man’s Sky?

Yes, freighters can be attacked by pirates, and they will need to be defended. In specific instances like the Sentinel Dreadnought battles, defending your freighter is critical for survival. You will also sometimes need to battle pirates to save a freighter.

Conclusion

While you cannot directly upgrade the class of your freighter, you can drastically improve its functionality through various upgrades obtained from the Upgrade Control terminal. By farming Salvaged Frigate Modules, building storage rooms, and expanding your base inside, you can convert your freighter into a powerful, personalized mobile headquarters. This thorough guide aims to help you understand the intricacies of freighter improvements so that you can maximize your No Man’s Sky experience. Remember to prioritize finding an S-Class if that is what you’re after, but don’t neglect the upgrade potential of your mobile base!