Can You Command a Fleet of Freighters in No Man’s Sky?

The short, direct answer is: no, you cannot own multiple freighters in No Man’s Sky (NMS). Despite the allure of commanding a fleet of massive capital ships, the game limits players to owning one single freighter at any given time. While this may be disappointing for some aspiring admirals, the game compensates with a robust system of managing a large fleet of frigates and expanding your freighter’s capabilities significantly. This article delves into the intricacies of freighter ownership in NMS and answers some crucial questions.

Expanding Your Capital Ship’s Capabilities

While you can’t amass a fleet of freighters, you can invest significantly in your singular capital ship. It serves as a mobile base and a command center for your frigate expeditions. Let’s explore how you can maximize your single freighter experience:

Upgrading Your Freighter’s Inventory

Your freighter’s initial inventory space is limited, but it can be significantly expanded using Cargo Bulkheads. These valuable items can be obtained in various ways:

• Saving Freighters from Pirate Attacks: After you make several jumps through systems, a distress signal may alert you to a freighter under attack. Successfully defending it from pirates often rewards you with a Cargo Bulkhead.
• Derelict Freighters: Exploring Derelict Freighters also can yield Cargo Bulkheads as loot.
• Frigate Expeditions: Certain frigate missions will occasionally reward Cargo Bulkheads.
• Space Station Merchants: Less common but possible; you may find some being sold at Space Stations.

Cargo Bulkheads allow you to increase the slots in your general, tech, or cargo inventory, allowing you to hold more materials and equipment. It’s crucial to invest in expanding your inventory to become more self-sufficient.

Building a Mobile Base

Your freighter isn’t just a storage container; it’s a mobile base that allows you to construct essential facilities. From the Freighter Upgrade Control terminal, you can build:

• Storage Rooms: Increase your storage even further with additional rooms.
• Farming Stations: Grow plants and resources anywhere you travel.
• Specialist Terminals: Hire NPCs with unique skills, like the Overseer, Scientist, Weaponsmith, and Exocraft Technician.
• Fleet Command Room: The central hub for managing and deploying your frigates.
• Teleporter: Gives you access to your entire base remotely from anywhere you’ve been.
• Refiner: Refining resources on the move.

This ability to build and customize your freighter elevates its importance in the game.

Maximizing Your Frigate Fleet

Though you can’t have multiple freighters, you can build a significant frigate fleet. Frigates are smaller support vessels that you can send on missions and expand your reach in the galaxy.

How Many Frigates Can You Own?

A player can own up to 30 frigates. This number represents a substantial force, ready to be deployed on various missions. These missions will gain you more resources, items, and even freighter upgrades.

Managing Frigate Expeditions

You control your frigate fleet from the Fleet Command Room on your freighter’s bridge. Here, you can:

• Select Missions: Send your frigates on expeditions that yield various rewards.
• Monitor Progress: Track the success and duration of each expedition.
• Repair Damaged Frigates: Take care of your frigates after long voyages.
• Purchase Additional Frigates: Look for new frigates in space stations, available for sale.
• Customize Frigate Roles: You have different roles available that are beneficial in combat, industry, science, or exploration.

Mastering frigate expeditions is critical to maximizing your resources and expanding your NMS empire.

Choosing Your Freighter Wisely

The first freighter you are offered is free after completing a distress call. However, it’s generally recommended to decline the first free freighter you encounter because the second free freighter offered to you will always be better. It’s a worthwhile strategy to be patient so you can get a better-quality freighter. When looking for a freighter, consider:

• Class: The S-Class is the highest and rarest class. It has the best stats and most inventory slots but will take time to find.
• Size: Capital freighters have more base storage and inventory than regular system freighters.
• Design: Freighters come in different styles, choose one that suits your preferences. Oculus-class freighters are the largest.
• Price: Purchasing a new freighter can be expensive but will allow you to find exactly what you want.
• Number of Slots: Starting freighter slots range from 15-19 for standard and 24-34 for capital freighters.

Additional Tips for Freighter Ownership

• Transferring Your Base: When you acquire a new freighter, your existing freighter base is automatically transferred and reconstructed to the new ship.
• Resetting Your Layout: You can reset your freighter base layout from the Freighter Upgrade Control terminal.
• Freighter Combat: Freighters can be attacked by pirates. Defending your ship is essential to protect your assets and inventory.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I have more than one freighter in No Man’s Sky?

No, you can only own one freighter at a time.

How do I get more inventory slots on my freighter?

You can increase inventory slots by using Cargo Bulkheads, obtained from saving freighters, exploring derelict freighters, or from frigate expeditions.

What is the best class of freighter in NMS?

The S-Class freighter is the highest and rarest class, offering the best stats.

How do I find a derelict freighter?

Derelict freighters can be located by using an Emergency Broadcast Receiver, purchased at the space station’s Scrap Dealer, or by using pulse drive in a system.

What is the largest freighter in NMS?

The Oculus-class freighter is the largest design available.

How many frigates can I own?

You can own up to 30 frigates that you send out on expeditions.

What happens to my base when I get a new freighter?

Your existing freighter base is automatically transferred and reconstructed to the new freighter.

Do I have to accept the first free freighter?

No, it’s generally recommended to decline the first free freighter because the second one will typically be better.

Can my freighter be attacked?

Yes, freighters can be attacked by pirates.

Is it worth buying a freighter in NMS?

Yes, a freighter is a significant investment, providing a mobile base, storage, and command center for your frigate fleet.

How do I get a free freighter in NMS?

After 5 jumps through systems, you may find a freighter under attack. If you defend it successfully, you will be given an option to acquire it for free.

What is the maximum cargo slot inventory?

The maximum cargo slot inventory is 120.

What is a living freighter?

There are no living freighters. You may be thinking of the living frigates that are accessible after completing a certain quest.

How do I destroy a dreadnought?

Dreadnoughts are very difficult to fully destroy, the goal is to make them flee by dealing sufficient damage. Disable its power warp engines to prevent escape and allow you to land the killing blow.

Can you buy a better freighter after already owning one?

Yes, you can purchase a new freighter at any time, and your existing base will automatically transfer.