Do You Lose Your Ship if You Steal One in Starfield? A Comprehensive Guide

The simple answer is no, you do not lose your existing ship when you commandeer another one in Starfield. When you successfully steal a ship, your current vessel remains where you left it, ready for you to return to at any time. This is a fundamental mechanic that allows players to freely explore, experiment with different ships, and engage in space piracy without fear of losing their personal favorite spacecraft.

However, it’s critical to understand that while you don’t permanently lose your ship, you must follow certain procedures to keep both the stolen ship and your original one, especially if you plan on keeping the newly acquired vessel. Let’s delve deeper into the mechanics of ship ownership and commandeering in Starfield.

How Ship Stealing Works in Starfield

The Process of Commandeering a Ship

Stealing ships in Starfield is surprisingly straightforward. When you encounter a landed ship, typically an enemy vessel like those belonging to the Ecliptic or Crimson Fleet, you can board it. Instead of immediately taking off, simply enter the pilot seat. This will give you an option to make the stolen ship your home ship. Once you’ve claimed the stolen ship, the game considers it your vessel.

Returning to Your Original Ship

With your newly acquired vessel registered as your home ship, you can freely exit and return to the location of your previous spacecraft. Simply approach and enter your previous ship’s cockpit and again, the option will appear to make your original ship your home ship. At this point you will have both ships available to you with the one you designated as home ship, being the one that you will be using to travel in the game.

Registering the Stolen Ship

Once you commandeer a ship, it’s crucial to register it at a spaceport. If you don’t register the stolen ship, it’ll become a sort of “ghost ship” that disappears and does not get added to your stable. The registration process, although costing some credits, is necessary to fully integrate it into your collection of usable ships. The registration fee is usually a percentage of the ship’s overall value, which can sometimes make stolen ships more hassle than they’re worth if the ship is of low value.

Navigating Multiple Ships

Starfield allows you to own a fleet of up to ten ships. It’s a good idea to get a diverse collection of ships as each one will have a specific set of modules and features, making them useful for different tasks. Understanding how to manage your ship collection effectively is essential for seamless gameplay.

Potential Pitfalls of Ship Stealing

While stealing ships is generally rewarding, there are a few pitfalls to be aware of.

Bounties

Stealing ships from neutral factions, can lead to you gaining a bounty on your head. To avoid unwanted attention, it’s best to target hostile factions like the Crimson Fleet. However, that is not always avoidable, as some ships will land with civilian captains who you will have to dispatch of if you want to get the ship.

Registration Costs

As mentioned before, stolen ships must be registered before they become a fully usable part of your fleet. The registration fee can be high, potentially making lower-value ships less attractive to steal and keep. Often you are better off selling a stolen ship rather than registering it.

Selling Stolen Ships

When selling a stolen ship, be prepared to pay a registration fee that will come out of the sale price. You will usually only receive a fraction of the ship’s actual value after this deduction. Make sure you offload all cargo first, and then sell the ship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ship Stealing in Starfield

1. Can I steal any ship I see in Starfield?

Generally, yes. If a ship is not marked as “inaccessible” and you have the required rank in piloting, you can usually steal it. This includes ships that have landed randomly or are part of a specific quest.

2. What happens to my old ship when I steal a new one?

Your old ship remains at the landing site where you left it. You can always return to it and make it your home ship again.

3. Do I need to fly the stolen ship to a port before going back to my original one?

No, you do not need to fly the stolen ship. You can make the stolen ship your home ship while in the pilot seat, then leave it, go back to your old ship, and make it your home ship as well.

4. How do I register a stolen ship?

Once you have made a stolen ship your home ship, simply visit a ship technician at any major spaceport and register the ship with them.

5. Is it worth selling stolen ships in Starfield?

Yes, if you don’t plan on using them and you will get a decent return. Make sure to remove all items before selling a ship. Keep in mind that you’ll need to pay a registration fee before you can sell.

6. What are the best ships to steal in Starfield?

Some of the best ships to steal or earn include:

• Starborn Guardian: A free, very powerful ship.
• Crimson Fleet Wraith: A Class C ship that is quite strong and cheap to steal.
• Vanquisher: A very powerful Class C ship.

7. How many ships can I own in Starfield?

You can own up to 10 ships at any given time.

8. Can I steal a Starborn ship?

No, Starborn ships cannot be stolen. They are considered unique to the story and the Starborn characters.

9. Can I sell the items I find on stolen ships?

Yes, you can sell all cargo and items you find on a stolen ship. Be sure to do so before you register or sell the ship itself.

10. Does stealing a ship give me a bounty?

Stealing ships from hostile factions (like the Crimson Fleet) will not give you a bounty, but taking ships from civilians or neutral factions will often get you in trouble with the authorities.

11. What is a home ship in Starfield?

The home ship is the ship you actively travel in and the one that will be displayed in your HUD during missions and exploration. You can swap your home ship at any time.

12. What happens to my ship if I don’t register a stolen vessel?

The stolen ship will disappear if you do not register it. It will not be added to your collection of available ships.

13. Can I lose my home ship in Starfield?

No, your home ship cannot be lost. It will always be available for you at the last landing site or port you were at.

14. Is there a limit to how often I can steal ships?

There is no limit to how often you can steal ships. As long as there are ships to steal and you have enough money and patience to register them, you can continue to acquire new vessels.

15. Can I customize the stolen ship after registration?

Yes, once a ship is registered, you can fully customize it at a ship technician as you would a purchased ship. You can change modules, weapons, and more.

Conclusion

Stealing ships in Starfield is a fun and rewarding experience, adding another layer to the game’s dynamic open world. Now that you know that you will not lose your ship, and how to register and sell your stolen ships, you can explore the depths of space with a clear understanding of the risks and rewards. So go out there, boldly board and steal those ships, and make the vast universe of Starfield your own!