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Master the Starfield Outpost Network: A Comprehensive Guide to Linking Outposts

Linking outposts in Starfield is a critical skill for any aspiring resource tycoon or galactic explorer. The process involves building Cargo Links at your outposts and then using them to establish a connection for automated resource transfer. In essence, you designate an outpost as a sender and another as a receiver. Resources extracted or stored at the sending outpost are automatically shipped to the receiving outpost via the Cargo Link system.

Step-by-Step Guide to Linking Outposts in Starfield

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to effectively link your outposts in Starfield:

Choose Your Outpost Locations: Select planets and locations suitable for resource extraction and processing. Consider factors like the availability of desired resources, terrain, and proximity to other valuable locations. Jemison in the Alpha Centauri system is an excellent starting point due to its favorable conditions.
Establish the Outposts: Travel to your chosen locations and deploy an Outpost Beacon. This establishes your claim to the territory and allows you to begin building.
Build Cargo Links: At each outpost you want to connect, construct a Cargo Link. You’ll find this under the “Miscellaneous” tab in the build menu. There are two types of Cargo Links:
- Cargo Link: Used for transferring resources between outposts within the same star system.
- Cargo Link – Inter System: Required for transferring resources between outposts in different star systems. You’ll need to research “Manufacturing 1” in the Research Lab to unlock this advanced Cargo Link.
Power Up the Cargo Links: Cargo Links require power to operate. Ensure you have sufficient power generation at each outpost, utilizing Solar Arrays, Wind Turbines, or Fusion Reactors, depending on the available resources and environmental conditions.
Establish Output Links at the Sending Outpost:
- Identify the extractors or storage containers holding the resources you want to transfer.
- Enter Outpost Build Mode and hover over the extractor or container.
- Look for the “Create Output Link” prompt. Activate it.
- A red dashed line will appear. Drag this line to the “Outgoing” container of the Cargo Link at the sending outpost.
- Confirm the link.
Configure the Cargo Link:
- Approach the Cargo Link at the sending outpost.
- Use the control panel located on top of the structure.
- A screen will appear displaying a list of your available outposts that are equipped with Cargo Links.
- Select the outpost you want to send resources to.
Initiate the Transfer: Once the link is established and the Cargo Link is powered, the resource transfer will begin automatically. You’ll see a ship arriving and departing between the two outposts.
Monitor and Maintain: Regularly check your outposts to ensure the Cargo Links are functioning correctly and that power supplies are stable. Make adjustments as needed to optimize resource flow. A Transfer Container is essential for you to build to transfer any resources farmed from your Outpost directly into your ship’s cargo.

Advanced Tips for Outpost Linking

Prioritize Helium-3: Helium-3 is the fuel required for inter-system Cargo Links. Establishing a reliable source of Helium-3 is essential for expanding your outpost network across the galaxy.
Optimize Storage: Use a combination of storage containers and transfer containers to manage your resources effectively. Transfer containers allow for quick loading and unloading of resources to your ship.
Resource Consolidation: Designate a central “hub” outpost for processing and crafting. Ship raw materials to this hub for manufacturing advanced components and then distribute them to other outposts as needed.
Habitation and Crew: Consider building hab modules at your outposts to provide living space for crew members. Crew members can provide valuable bonuses to resource production and outpost defense.
Defensive Measures: Outposts can be attacked by hostile creatures and pirates. Invest in defensive structures like turrets to protect your valuable assets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Outpost Linking in Starfield

1. How do I connect two outposts in Starfield in the same system?

You connect outposts in the same system by building a standard Cargo Link at each outpost. Then, use the control panel on the sending outpost’s Cargo Link to select the receiving outpost from the list of available destinations. You must create an Output Link from the extractor or container with the resources to the Outgoing container of the Cargo Link.

2. How do I connect outposts in different star systems?

To connect outposts in different star systems, you need the Cargo Link – Inter System. This requires researching “Manufacturing 1” at the Research Lab. The process of linking is the same as with the standard Cargo Link, but the Inter System version consumes Helium-3 as fuel.

3. Can you link outpost storage containers directly to each other?

Yes, you can directly link storage containers. In Outpost Build Mode, hover over the container you want to send resources from, see the ‘Create Output Link’ prompt, and drag the red line to the container you want to receive the resources. Confirm to set up the link.

4. How do I automatically transfer resources from my outpost to my ship?

Build a Transfer Container at your outpost. Link your storage containers to the Transfer Container using Output Links. When your ship is close enough, access the Transfer Container. Go to ‘Data Menu’, select ‘Ship’, select ‘CARGO HOLD (F)’, now you can transfer resources directly between the Transfer Container and your ship’s cargo hold.

5. What is the maximum number of outposts I can build?

Initially, you’re limited to eight outposts. However, you can increase this limit by investing in the “Planetary Habitation” skill in the Science skill tree.

6. Can I move my outpost to a different location?

Yes, you can move your outpost. Pick up the Outpost Beacon and move it to the desired location. Moving the beacon directly will not recenter the outpost circle on it, but putting the beacon on the top of a hab, then moving the hab will cause the beacon to travel with it, and this will set the new build area around the beacon’s new position.

7. What is the best location for my first outpost?

Jemison in the Alpha Centauri system is an excellent choice for your first outpost. It offers a relatively safe environment, moderate weather, and access to several basic resources.

8. What resources are essential for outpost building and linking?

Essential resources include Iron, Aluminum, Copper, and Helium-3. Iron and Aluminum are used for building structures, Copper is important for electrical components, and Helium-3 is crucial for powering inter-system Cargo Links.

9. How do I generate power for my outposts?

Power can be generated using Solar Arrays, Wind Turbines, or Fusion Reactors. The best option depends on the environmental conditions of the planet. Solar Arrays are effective on planets with abundant sunlight, while Wind Turbines are suitable for planets with consistent wind. Fusion Reactors provide a more reliable and powerful energy source but require Helium-3 as fuel.

10. Why are my Cargo Links not working?

Common reasons for malfunctioning Cargo Links include: * Insufficient Power: Ensure both Cargo Links have sufficient power. * Incorrect Linking: Verify that the Output Links are correctly connected from the extractors/storage to the Cargo Link’s outgoing container. * Blocked Cargo Link: Ensure the receiving outpost has available storage space. * Damaged Cargo Link: Check if the Cargo Link has sustained damage from an attack.

11. How do I defend my outposts from attacks?

Build turrets and assign crew members with defensive skills to your outposts. Position the turrets strategically to cover vulnerable areas. You can also construct defensive walls and barriers.

12. Can I build more than one Cargo Link at an outpost?

Yes, you can build multiple Cargo Links at a single outpost. This allows you to send and receive resources from multiple locations simultaneously.

13. How do I increase my storage capacity at my outposts?

Construct additional storage containers. There are various types of storage containers available, including solid, liquid, and gas containers. Choose the appropriate containers based on the types of resources you’re storing.

14. Can I sell resources directly from my outpost?

While you can’t directly sell resources from your outpost, you can use the Transfer Container to load resources onto your ship and then sell them at a commercial vendor in a city or space station.

15. What skills are beneficial for outpost building and linking?

Beneficial skills include: * Planetary Habitation: Increases the number of outposts you can build. * Geology: Improves resource extraction rates. * Botany: Improves plant-based resource extraction rates. * Outpost Engineering: Unlocks advanced outpost modules and structures. * Research Methods: Allows you to craft better items and to improve your base

By mastering the art of outpost linking, you can create a powerful and efficient resource network that will fuel your adventures across the Starfield galaxy. Happy exploring!

The Games Learning Society supports research and innovation in educational gaming; you can find out more at GamesLearningSociety.org. This article is purely for informational purposes and does not endorse or represent the views of the Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/).

How do you link outposts in Starfield?