Should You Take the Freighter or the Payment in No Man’s Sky? A Comprehensive Guide
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Navigating the vast universe of No Man’s Sky can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, especially for new players. One of the early crucial decisions you’ll face involves rescuing a freighter from pirates. After defeating the attackers, you’re given a choice: accept the freighter as a reward or request payment instead. So, the burning question remains: Should you take the freighter or the payment?
The short, and most often recommended answer for your first freighter rescue, is to request payment. Here’s why:
The first freighter you encounter in this scenario will always be a common system freighter, with a standard 19-slot capacity. This initial freighter is not the best you can get, and more importantly, the game ensures you’ll be offered a better freighter for free after this initial rescue, provided you decline the first offer. Declining the first freighter is a strategic move that will ultimately give you a much higher value freighter for free, later in the game.
Understanding the Freighter System in No Man’s Sky
Freighters aren’t just large cargo ships; they serve as mobile bases, offering substantial inventory space, and allowing for the construction of base-related functions, such as farming and teleporters. This makes them invaluable for your long journey in the game.
The First Freighter Dilemma
As previously stated, your first rescued freighter will be a 19-slot system freighter. While a free freighter might seem appealing initially, the game has a system in place that rewards patience. This is because the very next time you rescue a freighter after the initial one and decline, it will be a Capital freighter with better stats.
The Second Freighter Advantage
The second freighter you save after declining the first is guaranteed to be a free, Capital Freighter. These Capital Freighters are significantly better than the standard 19-slot type, offering 24-34 slots and often coming in a better class too. This substantial improvement makes it highly advantageous to decline the first freighter.
Why Decline the First Freighter?
- Guaranteed Upgrade: The game is designed to give you a better freighter on your second rescue. Why settle for a 19-slot when you can easily obtain a 24-34 slot capital ship later, and still be free?
- No penalty: By rejecting the first offer, you won’t lose any chance of getting a free freighter. You will be given another chance quickly.
- Strategic Long Term Benefit: By holding out, you unlock a far more valuable freighter early on, saving you resources and money later in your playthrough.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Freighters in No Man’s Sky
Here are some common questions to help you better understand the complexities and nuances of freighters in No Man’s Sky:
1. How do I trigger the freighter rescue event?
The freighter rescue event occurs after approximately 3 hours of playtime and 5 warps to different systems. The game will randomly spawn the event when these requirements are met.
2. What are the different classes of freighters?
Freighters, like starships, come in different classes: C, B, A, and S. The S-Class is the highest and rarest, with the best stats.
3. What are the odds of finding an S-Class freighter?
The chance of finding an S-Class freighter varies by system. In pirate-controlled systems, the rate is about 5%, compared to 2% in 3-star regular systems.
4. How do freighter sizes vary?
Freighters come in two primary sizes: System Freighters (like the first offer) and Capital Freighters, the latter being larger and having more slots.
5. How much does a good freighter cost?
Capital Freighters range in price from 26.15 million to 178 million units, depending on their class and number of slots. However, you can get one for free, by holding out.
6. Can you lose frigates in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, frigates (smaller ships sent on missions by the freighter) can be damaged or lost if the team rating is lower than the expedition difficulty.
7. Can you upgrade your freighter’s storage?
Yes, while you cannot change the class of the freighter itself, you can expand the freighter’s cargo and technology space using upgrade modules purchased at the space station.
8. What happens to my base when I switch freighters?
When you swap freighters, you’ll lose any items in the general inventory and tech slots, but everything in your freighter base will transfer to the new freighter.
9. Can other players see my freighter?
Yes, but only one person’s freighter can be summoned and visible in a system at a time. If playing with friends, you need to dismiss yours for them to use theirs.
10. What is the rarest type of freighter in NMS?
The S-Class Capital Freighter is the rarest and most sought after. Finding one might require a lot of space travel and patience.
11. Can you have a living freighter in NMS?
No, not currently. There are no “living freighters” in No Man’s Sky. The “living ship” is a distinct feature separate from freighters.
12. How many frigates can you own?
A player can own up to 30 frigates, including traditional and special reward frigates.
13. Can you travel on other players’ freighters?
Yes, you can travel on other players’ freighters, assuming their freighter is present in your instance. However, the freighter owner has to summon it.
14. Can I steal ships in No Man’s Sky?
No, you cannot steal ships in No Man’s Sky. You can, however, find crashed and damaged ships that can be claimed, and you can sometimes barter ships for a reduced rate.
15. What is the biggest freighter in NMS?
The Oculus-class is considered the largest regular freighter, distinguishable by its spherical design and extra engine unit. However, the size does not directly correlate to performance or storage capacity.
Conclusion
In the end, the choice between accepting a freighter or payment in No Man’s Sky comes down to strategic gameplay and long-term thinking. For the first freighter rescue event, the overwhelming advice is to decline the freighter and request payment instead. This decision sets you up for obtaining a much better free Capital Freighter on your next rescue encounter, a significant leap in your early progress. By understanding the game mechanics and making the right choices, you can optimize your progression and fully enjoy everything No Man’s Sky has to offer. Happy exploring, Traveler!