How Many Ships Can You Own in No Man’s Sky? A Comprehensive Guide

The simple answer is: you can own up to 12 ships in No Man’s Sky. This significant increase from the previous limit of 6 ships came as part of a game update, dramatically expanding the possibilities for players to collect and customize their fleets. But owning a dozen ships is just the beginning. Understanding the nuances of ship ownership, acquisition, and management is key to truly mastering the cosmos in No Man’s Sky. Let’s dive deeper into the world of starships, freighters, and everything you need to know to build your dream fleet.

Understanding Ship Ownership in No Man’s Sky

Owning multiple ships in No Man’s Sky isn’t just about collecting; it’s about strategy and specialization. Each ship type excels in different areas, from combat to exploration to hauling resources. The game encourages players to diversify their fleets, equipping themselves for any challenge the universe throws their way.

The Value of a Diverse Fleet

A well-rounded fleet allows you to:

• Maximize efficiency: Use a hauler for transporting large quantities of resources, a fighter for battling pirates, and an explorer for long-distance warping.
• Tackle varied missions: Some missions require specific ship types or technologies. Having a diverse fleet ensures you’re always prepared.
• Express your playstyle: Collect ships that resonate with your personal aesthetic and preferred gameplay loop.

Managing Your 12 Ships

While you can own up to 12 ships, only a limited number can be actively displayed at any given time. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Freighter Hangar: Your freighter hangar can display up to 6 ships.
• Planetary Surface: You can summon up to 6 of your ships onto a planetary surface.
• Swapping Ships: You can swap out ships between your freighter hangar and your active roster using the quick menu. This allows you to always have the right ship for the job.

Acquiring New Ships: A Guide to Expanding Your Fleet

There are several ways to acquire new ships in No Man’s Sky, each with its own advantages and challenges.

Buying Ships from NPCs

The most common way to acquire ships is by purchasing them from NPC pilots at space stations, trading posts, and outposts. The price of a ship depends on its:

• Archetype: Fighter, Hauler, Explorer, Shuttle, Exotic, or Solar.
• Class: C, B, A, or S.
• Inventory Slots: The number of cargo and technology slots available.

Keep an eye out for deals, and don’t be afraid to haggle for a better price.

Claiming Crashed Ships

Another method is to find and claim crashed ships on planetary surfaces. These ships are usually damaged and require repairs, but they can be a cost-effective way to expand your fleet, especially early in the game. Use your scanner to locate distress signals, which often lead to crashed ships.

Completing Missions

Some missions reward you with a free ship. This is a less common method, but it can be a great way to acquire a unique or powerful ship. Pay attention to mission descriptions and rewards to see if a ship is up for grabs.

Trading Ships

You can also trade in your existing ships when purchasing a new one. This can significantly reduce the cost of the new ship. Keep in mind that the trade-in value depends on the ship’s class, inventory, and condition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ship Ownership in No Man’s Sky

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about ship ownership in No Man’s Sky, providing additional insights and tips for aspiring fleet commanders:

1. Can you own a freighter in No Man’s Sky? Yes, you can. A Freighter is a colossal interstellar starship; much like a cross between a traditional ship and a space station. The player may purchase a freighter using units, or gain a free one through a mission, and customise it using the Base building system. Remember, you can only own one freighter at a time.
2. What is the rarest ship in No Man’s Sky? The Squid-shaped ship is widely considered the rarest ship in the game. Finding one can take a considerable amount of time due to its low spawn rate.
3. How many ships can a freighter hold in No Man’s Sky? While you can own 12 ships total, your freighter hangar can only visually display up to 6 ships at a time. You can swap between your owned ships using the quick menu.
4. What is the max ship capacity in No Man’s Sky? The maximum number of cargo and technology slots depends on the ship’s class and type. S-class ships have the highest potential, with various configurations depending on the ship archetype.
5. What is the max cargo slots in No Man’s Sky? Cargo slots cap at 120 except for Fighters (96), Shuttles (110), and Explorers/Solars/Exotics (105).
6. Where can I find S class ships in No Man’s Sky? S-class ships are more likely to spawn in 3-star systems, such as those with descriptors like Opulent or Advanced. Use an economy scanner to determine the wealth of a system.
7. What is the best ship in No Man’s Sky? There is no single “best” ship. Each ship type excels in different areas. Exotic ships are generally considered versatile and powerful, while haulers are ideal for transporting large quantities of resources.
8. How much does an S class ship cost in No Man’s Sky? An S-class ship can range from a few million units to over 100 million units, depending on the ship type, inventory slots, and other factors. Regular Freighter S Class with 19 slots can cost 23M units, and a Capital Freighter Ship, either C, B, A, or S Class, can cost between 26M and 178M units.
9. Can you build Exocraft on a freighter in No Man’s Sky? Yes, you can. By building an Orbital Exocraft Materialiser on your freighter, you can summon your Exocraft to any planet in the system where your freighter is present.
10. What happens if your ship is destroyed in No Man’s Sky? You keep your ship, but some installed tech may become unusable until you repair it. You also drop your ship’s inventory at the location of your death.
11. What is the best early ship in No Man’s Sky? Haulers are often the best option for beginners due to their high storage capacity and durability.
12. Can the free freighter be S class in No Man’s Sky? Yes, the free freighter you’re offered during a rescue mission can be an S-class freighter. It requires patience, as you’ll need to repeatedly trigger the freighter rescue mission and check the class of the freighter each time until you find an S-class.
13. How many floors can a freighter have in NMS? Players can build a mobile base on the freighter, consisting of up to 16 floors of 21 x 21 rooms.
14. How many ships can you have in no mans sky 2023? The number of ships you can own has not changed. You can still own a maximum of twelve starships.
15. What is the best way to learn more about game design and the educational impact of games? For anyone interested in understanding the broader context of games as learning tools, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society and GamesLearningSociety.org. This organization fosters research and collaboration in the field of game-based learning, offering valuable insights into the educational potential of games like No Man’s Sky.