Does Every Ship Have an S Class in No Man’s Sky?
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Yes, definitively, every ship model in No Man’s Sky (NMS) has the potential to exist as an S-Class variant. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll stumble upon an S-Class version of every ship you see. The reality is a bit more nuanced and involves understanding the game’s procedural generation and ship spawning mechanics. While every ship can spawn as S-Class, some ships, particularly Exotics, only spawn as S-Class. This distinction is crucial to grasp when hunting for that perfect ship.
Understanding Ship Classes and Rarity
In NMS, ships are categorized into classes, each representing their potential capabilities and general rarity. These classes are:
- C-Class: The most common and generally least powerful.
- B-Class: A step up from C-Class, offering slightly better stats and inventory.
- A-Class: A significant improvement over B-Class, with increased stats and more inventory space.
- S-Class: The pinnacle of ship classes, boasting the best possible stats and maximum inventory within their respective tier.
- Exotic: A unique category of ships that only spawn as S-Class. They are distinct in their design and are incredibly rare, with only one spawning per system.
The likelihood of finding an S-Class ship depends largely on the wealth level of the system you’re in.
System Wealth and S-Class Spawn Rates
- 1-Star Wealth Systems: These systems are the poorest and only generate Exotic ships as S-Class. All other ship types will never spawn as S-Class.
- 2-Star Wealth Systems: In these systems, any ship can have a 1% chance of spawning as S-Class.
- 3-Star Wealth Systems: In the wealthiest systems, any ship can have a 2% chance of spawning as S-Class.
This means that even though every ship can technically be an S-Class, your odds of encountering one vary significantly based on the system’s economic status. In poorer systems, you’re better off focusing your hunt on Exotic ships, while wealthier systems provide a chance at S-Class versions of other ship types.
How to Find S-Class Ships
Here’s a breakdown of the common methods for finding S-Class ships:
Using Trading Posts
The most common method is to visit a Trading Post on a planet. Here’s the process:
- Equip an Economy Scanner: Make sure your ship has an Economy Scanner installed, allowing you to identify wealthy systems on the galaxy map.
- Find a 3-Star System: Travel to a 3-star wealth system to maximize your chances of S-Class spawns.
- Locate a Trading Post: Land at a Trading Post on a planet within the selected system.
- Wait and Scan: Observe the ships that land at the Trading Post. Use your ship’s scanner while they’re in the air to check their class.
- Reload if Needed: If no S-Class ships appear, simply reload your restore point (autosave) and try again. The ship spawns are randomized, so reloading will change the selection.
Hunting for Exotics
As mentioned, Exotic ships only spawn as S-Class. These ships are limited to one per solar system, meaning they are quite rare. They are visually distinct from other ships, often with unique and eye-catching designs. If you see an Exotic, it will be S-Class, so you don’t need to bother scanning them.
Crashed Ships
While most crashed ships are of lower classes, you can occasionally find crashed S-Class ships. The method involves:
- Locate a Transmission Tower: These towers can be found randomly on planets.
- Solve the Puzzle: Complete the puzzle within the tower to activate a distress beacon.
- Follow the Beacon: This will lead you to a nearby crashed ship or freighter.
Be aware, S-Class crashed ships are exceedingly rare and might take significant searching to find.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the intricacies of S-Class ships in No Man’s Sky:
1. Are S-Class Ships the Best in the Game?
Yes, S-Class ships are the best version of their respective ship types, offering the highest possible stats and inventory within that model. However, the “best” ship is subjective based on your playstyle.
2. How Many S-Class Ships Are There?
Technically, there are potentially infinite S-Class ships, as any ship model can be an S-Class. However, Exotic ships are uniquely defined and limited in number.
3. Can I Upgrade a C, B, or A-Class Ship to an S-Class?
No. You cannot upgrade the base class of a ship. You can only upgrade the ship’s modules, inventory slots, and cosmetic appearances. If you want an S-Class version of a ship you own, you must find and purchase it or find it as a crashed ship.
4. Is There Only One S-Class Ship Per System?
No. There can be multiple S-Class variants in a system. The system’s wealth determines how likely it is for any ship to be S-Class, not whether there is only one S-Class. There is only one Exotic ship per system.
5. Can You Find Crashed S-Class Ships?
Yes, but they are exceedingly rare. Transmission Towers can lead you to crashed ships, and if you are lucky, it can be S-Class.
6. What Are Exotic Ships?
Exotic ships are special, unique ship models that only spawn as S-Class. They are visually striking and very rare, limited to one per system.
7. What is the Rarest Ship in No Man’s Sky?
The Gold GUPPY with Cowled Rear Thruster is considered the rarest ship in No Man’s Sky.
8. What is the Biggest Ship Type in No Man’s Sky?
The Hauler ship class is the largest, offering the most inventory space and a shield absorb class bonus.
9. What is the Best Multi-Tool in No Man’s Sky?
The Blaze Javelin is considered by many to be the best multi-tool due to its high damage output.
10. How Does Ship Spawn Work?
Ships are generated using procedural algorithms, with the class and variant being determined upon spawning. This system ensures high variety.
11. Can I Steal Ships in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, you can use a Bypass Chip to hack a landing pad console and steal a ship docked there.
12. Is No Man’s Sky Infinitely Generated?
Yes, the universe in No Man’s Sky is procedurally generated, making it effectively infinite in size.
13. How Long Would It Take to Explore All of No Man’s Sky?
It would take billions of years to explore the entire universe in No Man’s Sky, making it practically impossible.
14. What is the Purpose of the Shuttle Ship?
Shuttles are basic and balanced ships, ideal for beginners. They do not have any unique bonuses but are inexpensive and come with cheaper upgrades.
15. How Can I Get a Free Freighter?
You can get a free freighter by saving a freighter that is under attack by pirates. After you defeat the pirates you are able to board and claim the freighter.
Conclusion
While not every single ship you encounter will be an S-Class, the possibility exists for every ship to spawn as one. The key to finding that coveted S-Class is to understand system wealth, utilize Trading Posts effectively, and be persistent. Don’t forget about the unique Exotic ships, which are guaranteed to be S-Class and add a special flair to your fleet. Happy hunting, Traveler!