How to Find Freighter Wrecks in No Man’s Sky: A Comprehensive Guide

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Finding a crashed freighter in No Man’s Sky can be a rewarding experience, offering valuable resources and a sense of discovery. Unlike the larger, functional freighters you might acquire, these wrecks are static, planetary-bound locations. The primary method for locating them involves using a Signal Scanner on a planetary surface. Once activated, the scanner will generate a variety of signals to track down, and one of these could lead you to the wreckage you’re seeking. Additionally, you can occasionally be directed towards them by alien NPCs at space stations during your interactions. Finally, if you’re just cruising around on a planet, your Analysis Visor may pick up their signal if you’re nearby enough. These methods offer a few pathways to uncover these valuable sites.

Locating Crashed Freighters: Step-by-Step

Using the Signal Scanner

The most reliable method for finding crashed freighters involves utilizing the Signal Scanner. This device is a crucial piece of equipment for any traveler in No Man’s Sky. Follow these steps to effectively use it:

Craft a Signal Booster: If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to craft a Signal Booster using basic resources. It’s a portable structure, allowing it to be deployed anywhere.
Place the Signal Booster: Locate a suitable spot on a planet surface, preferably a wide open area for easy navigation, and place your signal booster.
Activate the Signal Booster: Interact with your Signal Booster. The interaction menu allows you to scan for various signals, including “Distress Signals.”
Scan for Distress Signals: Click the scan button for Distress Signals. If a Crashed Freighter is nearby, it is possible one of the signals may direct you to it. If you don’t get one on your first try, try scanning again.
Follow the Signal: Once a freighter distress signal is found, the game will mark a location on your HUD. Follow this marker.

Talking to Aliens in Space Stations

Sometimes, NPCs at space stations can provide you with specific locations, including crashed freighters. Follow these steps to increase your chances of finding one this way:

Visit Space Stations: Routinely visit the various space stations you can find in every system.
Interact with NPCs: Speak to every NPC available in the station. Pay attention to their dialogue and responses.
Look for Specific Requests: Occasionally, an alien might offer information or trade for a small amount of currency, potentially directing you to the location of a crashed freighter.

Using the Analysis Visor

Finally, if you happen to be near a crashed freighter already while exploring a planet’s surface, you may be able to find it simply by using your Analysis Visor. This is the quickest and easiest method if you’re lucky enough to be close to a freighter wreck. Follow these steps:

Explore the Planet: Traverse the surface of a planet, taking in the sights.
Activate the Analysis Visor: While exploring, activate your Analysis Visor.
Look for Icons: If you are in the vicinity of a crashed freighter, the Analysis Visor may pick up its unique icon.
Navigate to the Icon: Follow the icon to reach the wreck.

Looting a Crashed Freighter

Once you’ve located a crashed freighter, the next step is to loot its valuable contents. Here’s how to do it:

Utilize Terrain Manipulators: Use your Terrain Manipulator, Plasma Launcher, or Geology Cannon to excavate the surrounding ground to reveal the hidden storage units.
Access Cargo Pods: The storage units that are exposed will provide you with a variety of items, like Nanite Clusters or Units.
Repair Damaged Components: Each cargo pod also has one, randomly selected damaged component that needs to be repaired. Bring the necessary materials to fix these components to gain access to the valuable contents within.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about freighters in No Man’s Sky that will help you further understand this part of the game:

What are Derelict Freighters?

Derelict freighters are different from crashed freighters. They are static, unresponsive objects found in space. You can enter their interiors by destroying doors, but you cannot exit your ship while in space.

How Do I Find a Tier Freighter?

To find a tier freighter (e.g., S-Class), you need to land on the freighter after a battle, speak to its captain, and select “inspect freighter”. If it’s not the class you want, simply leave without claiming the freighter.

How Do I Find an S-Class Ship?

To find an S-Class ship, use an economy scanner to locate a trading post on a planet. You can then wait for ships to spawn and scan them mid-air to reveal their class. If you don’t see any S-Class ships, simply reload your game at the trading post.

Can You Steal Freighters in No Man’s Sky?

Yes, but it’s a challenge. Stealing a freighter involves a large-scale fight against the current owner and their defensive fleet. This battle requires preparation and strong weapons, but successfully winning will grant you ownership of the freighter.

What is the Rarest Ship in No Man’s Sky?

The Squid-shaped ship is considered the rarest. It’s an exotic ship with unique designs and is often hard to find, even after hours of gameplay.

What is the Largest Freighter in No Man’s Sky?

The Oculus-class freighter is the largest regular freighter. It features a large spherical bow and a large amount of internal space.

How Much is an S-Class Freighter?

Regular freighters cost between 5M and 23M units, while capital freighters range from 26.15M to 178M units for the S-Class. Price varies with the Class and slots available.

What Happens When You Buy a New Freighter?

When you purchase a new freighter, your existing freighter base is automatically transferred. Your old base is deleted and rebuilt on the new ship. You can also reset the freighter base layout at any time.

Is There a Portal on My Freighter?

Yes, you can build a Teleport Chamber on your freighter. It allows you to travel bidirectionally to and from your freighter, but it requires 20Kp of power to function.

Can I Warp From My Freighter?

Yes, you can warp directly from your freighter using the galaxy map on the bridge. You will need warp fuel in your freighter’s inventory to do so. Calling in your freighter does not require fuel.

How Do You Trigger Freighter Battles?

Freighter battles trigger based on a combination of warps and time played. You will typically get a distress call from an under attack freighter after 3 hours of play and 5 warps but it is possible to get it earlier than that as well.

How Many Cargo Pods Does a Crashed Freighter Have?

A crashed freighter typically has 5 cargo pods. Four are located in the middle of the freighter, and one to the left. Most of these pods are located underground, requiring excavation.

What is the Best Multi-Tool in No Man’s Sky?

The Blaze Javelin is considered one of the best, but risky, weapons in No Man’s Sky. Other notable multi-tools are the Scatter Blaster, Neutron Cannon, and Pulse Spitter.

Are All S-Class Ships Exotic?

No, not all S-Class ships are exotic, but all exotic ships are S-Class. Exotic ships typically have higher stats in all categories.

Should I Accept the First Freighter?

While you can accept the first freighter, it’s worth noting that you get a second chance. If you decline it, the next pirate battle after 3 hours and 5 warps will be a free Capital Freighter.