Is Buying Ships Worth It in Starfield? A Comprehensive Guide
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The short answer? Absolutely. Buying a ship in Starfield is a significant investment that pays dividends in terms of gameplay experience, capability, and overall enjoyment. While you can get by with free ships and some clever customization, purchasing a new vessel early on can dramatically enhance your spacefaring life and provide a massive leap in your capabilities. Here’s a deeper look into why acquiring a ship is a worthwhile endeavor in Starfield.
The Immediate Benefits of Buying a Ship
Enhanced Combat Capabilities
One of the most immediate advantages of purchasing a ship is the upgrade in combat capabilities. While the free starter ship, the Frontier, does the job, it is quickly outmatched by enemy vessels. Ships for sale at various ports often come with superior weaponry, shields, and hull strength. Investing in a ship like the Aegis or Abyss Trekker will allow you to confidently take on more challenging foes and tackle lucrative bounty missions. This enhanced combat prowess is not just about survival; it opens up new gameplay loops, making the game much more engaging.
Increased Cargo Capacity
Another critical factor is cargo capacity. Starting with a modest hold, it won’t take long for you to find yourself constantly juggling resources. Purchased ships often have much larger cargo holds, letting you hoard resources for crafting and base building, sell valuable items, and transport all the loot you find during your adventures. This is especially useful when you delve into manufacturing and outpost management, which will require transporting large quantities of materials.
Improved Travel and Exploration
While the core mechanics of the game remain the same, purchasing a ship can improve the travel experience. Some ships are better suited for longer jump distances or have higher mobility. This translates to a smoother and faster travel experience in and around star systems. A better ship means more exploration in a shorter amount of time, making your journey across the Settled Systems more enjoyable.
Access to Specialized Features
Some higher-end ships come with specialized modules that you might not be able to obtain through free ships or customization alone. For example, the Narwhal boasts an unmatched reactor level, opening up potential ship configurations and combat advantages. While you can build your own ship, purchased ones come ready to go and designed with a specific purpose in mind. These pre-made ships can be more efficient for specific tasks compared to a cobbled-together custom vessel.
Comparing Buying vs. Building
Building Your Own
Building your own ship allows for an unparalleled level of customization. You can tailor your ship to your specific playstyle, meticulously selecting each module and weapon. This approach also familiarizes you with the various components of ship construction. However, it requires significant time investment and can be more costly than buying a pre-made ship. You need to collect the necessary resources and spend credits on modules, which can be a significant undertaking.
Buying a Pre-Built
Purchasing a pre-built ship gets you flying quickly with a professionally constructed vessel designed for specific purposes. While you miss out on the intimate customizability, you save time and the headaches involved in figuring out which ship part works best with others. Often, a purchased ship is more optimal for specific tasks compared to an early-game custom-built one.
No Real Difference Aside From That
Ultimately, it makes little difference whether you build, buy, or steal a ship. The performance of each vessel depends solely on the quality of its components, not its origin. Both routes are viable, and it ultimately depends on the player’s preference.
When Should You Buy a Ship?
The game makes it clear that buying a ship early is very important. Faction missions are a great way to earn money in the early hours, and you can also get paid for completing almost any task if you are willing to ask nicely. Using your initial funds, purchase a more powerful vessel as soon as you have enough credits. This will make the early game much more manageable and enjoyable. The Razorleaf can be obtained for free very early on, making it a good starting point until you are ready to invest in a purchase.
The Best Ships to Consider Buying
Narwhal
The Narwhal is a significant investment due to its high price tag, but it also boasts the highest reactor level in the game. If you can afford it, it’s one of the best ships you can own.
Aegis
The Aegis provides a significant step up in firepower, making it a great option if you can handle its high piloting skill requirement.
Abyss Trekker
The Abyss Trekker is powerful and capable despite missing some features. It’s a good choice if you want a reliable combat ship.
Starborn Guardian
This ship is powerful and can’t be modified. It’s available in New Game+, and each time you enter the New Game Plus cycle, the ship will get upgrades.
Ships To Avoid
The Dagger is a small Class A ship with high speed, but it is sub-optimal because of its poor hull, shields, weapons, fuel allowance and cargo capacity.
Conclusion
In summary, buying a ship in Starfield is definitely worth it. It provides enhanced combat, cargo, travel, and access to unique features and ship customization. While building your ship is appealing, it takes significant time and resources. Consider purchasing a vessel early on to have better access to exploration, resources, and combat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens to my old ship when I buy a new one?
When you acquire a new ship in Starfield, your old ship disappears without any fanfare. When you steal a ship, you will see your old ship just fly off into space.
2. Can you sell ships in Starfield?
Yes, you can sell ships at any ship services technician or your outpost shipbuilder kiosk. You need more than one ship to sell one, since one has to always be your home ship.
3. Where can I find a ship technician to sell my ship?
One of the easiest ship technicians to find is on the landing ramp in New Atlantis on Jemison in the Alpha Centauri System.
4. Is it better to build or buy a ship in Starfield?
Building a ship allows you to fully customize it, while buying saves time and gives you a pre-built ship. There is no difference in how well the ship performs, only on the quality of the components it has.
5. What is the best free ship in Starfield?
The Starborn Guardian is considered one of the best free ships in the game, available after completing the main story and entering New Game+. Other free options include the Razorleaf, Star Eagle, and UC Prison Shuttle.
6. Can you upgrade the Starborn ship in Starfield?
Yes, the Starborn Guardian receives upgraded stats every time you start a New Game+ cycle, up to a maximum of six cycles.
7. Can you steal Starborn ships?
No, you cannot steal Starborn ships.
8. How can I get money fast in Starfield?
Selling stolen items and contraband is a good way to make money in Starfield. Look for contraband in the ship’s cargo holds.
9. Can I get into Hank’s ship in Starfield?
No, you cannot enter Hank’s ship.
10. Should I buy the Narwhal ship in Starfield?
The Narwhal is one of the best ships in Starfield. It has the highest reactor level, and it is a worthwhile purchase if you can afford it.
11. What is the most fun character build in Starfield?
The Silent Assassin build, which focuses on maxing out Stealth and Concealment skills, is a popular choice for a fun build in the game.
12. Which companions can you romance in Starfield?
You can romance Sarah Morgan, Barrett, Sam Coe, and Andreja in Starfield.
13. Can you marry in Starfield?
Yes, you can marry certain companions in Starfield by choosing the commitment dialogue option.
14. Can you divorce in Starfield?
Yes, you can divorce your spouse by talking to them and selecting the dialogue option that indicates the marriage isn’t working.
15. Can you sleep with companions in Starfield?
Yes, after committing to a companion, you can sleep with them to gain the ‘Emotional Security’ buff.