The Starfield Insurance Scam: What Happens When You Buy That Warranty?
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The short, definitive answer is: nothing good happens when you purchase a ship warranty or insurance plan in Starfield. In fact, it’s a complete scam. These “assurance plans” do not provide any benefits to your ship whatsoever. Once you transfer the credits to the suspicious Unknown UC ship offering the warranty, the ship simply disappears, taking your money with it, never to be seen again. It’s a frustrating interaction for many new players who might expect some form of protection or repair service. The best course of action when encountering these warranty vessels is to simply ignore them or tell them to leave. There is no legitimate purpose to these encounters.
Understanding the Ship Insurance Scam in Starfield
This deceptive encounter is a consistent, recurring event within Starfield. It plays on the familiar trope of extended warranties, a tactic that even exists in our world. You’ll often encounter a ship that hails you, using an automated message or a shady individual offering a variety of “assurance plans” for your starship.
These plans, like the supposedly popular “Platinum Elite Plan” that supposedly covers everything except thruster bells but includes air conditioning, sound ridiculously beneficial on the surface. However, they’re entirely fictional, designed to trick players into handing over credits for literally nothing in return. This interaction is not intended to provide any in-game benefit; it is simply a way to relieve you of your hard-earned money.
The Deception in Detail
Upon agreeing to purchase a plan, you will be prompted to transfer a set amount of credits to the Unknown UC ship. The moment you confirm the transaction, the warranty ship will promptly vanish. There are no repair credits, no added perks, and no future services. The money is gone, and you’re left with nothing but the knowledge that you’ve been scammed by an NPC. The core purpose of this interaction is to simulate a common real-world scam, reminding players of the necessity of caution even within a fictional environment.
Why is the Scam in the Game?
Bethesda likely included this interaction as a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the prevalence of scams, even in the far reaches of space. It serves as a small, but perhaps important, moment where players are not immediately rewarded for their actions. It’s a subtle lesson about being wary and critical of what seems to be too good to be true in the game.
This deliberate inclusion of a blatant scam does not improve the gameplay experience directly. But it serves as a unique point of interaction that encourages players to learn the rules of the game and develop a more analytical approach. Essentially, it’s Bethesda’s way of saying, “Not everyone is your friend, and not everything is what it seems.”
What to Do When You Encounter the Warranty Ship
The best strategy for dealing with the warranty ship is a simple one: ignore it entirely. Don’t engage in conversation and don’t hail them. If they manage to hail you, simply refuse their offer. There’s nothing to be gained by talking to them or seeing what their ‘plans’ entail. Any interaction will result in the loss of credits if you proceed to purchase the insurance.
There’s no hidden benefit or storyline tied to this interaction. This is a straight-up rip-off designed to catch players off-guard. So, resist the temptation to play along with the scam, even out of curiosity. Protect your hard-earned credits and continue your journey through the Settled Systems, using these funds on something that has a positive impact on your game progress.
Starfield FAQs: Related Questions & Answers
To give a comprehensive overview on Starfield ships and related mechanics, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. What is the best ship in Starfield?
While opinions vary, several ships stand out. The Razorleaf is considered a great choice for all players, especially early on. The Aegis offers improved weapons, requiring better piloting skills. For a powerful option, the Abyss Trekker is strong. However, its lacks some of the features of other ships in its class. The best ships are often a matter of personal preference.
2. Where can you buy Class B ships in Starfield?
Class B ships can be purchased at various locations. A popular spot is Deimos Staryard, orbiting Mars. You can find the ship vendor, Nikau Henderson, there, typically offering Class B ships for around 196,700 credits. Remember that you’ll need the required Piloting skill to fly ships of classes higher than A.
3. What is the best free ship in Starfield?
There are several free ships that can be acquired. Some notable free ships include the Razorleaf, the UC Prison Shuttle, the Wanderwell, the Star Eagle, The Datura, the Kepler R, and the Starborn Guardian. The Starborn Guardian is considered one of the best, as it upgrades with each New Game Plus run.
4. How do you get free ships in Starfield?
Free ships can be obtained in several ways. Sometimes, completing quests, such as the Mantis Quest for the Razorleaf, will earn you a free ship. Other times, you will be able to steal ships by disabling their engines and boarding them. The free ship you start with in the game is also considered a free ship.
5. Can you romance in Starfield?
Yes, you can romance certain companions in Starfield. This includes Sarah Morgan, Andreja, Barrett, and Sam Coe. Romancing these characters often leads to gifts, new quests, and XP bonuses.
6. What are the secret ships in Starfield?
The most common “secret” ships are those that are obtained through special events, missions, or circumstances, rather than being purchased. The free ships mentioned earlier are often considered ‘secret’ ships due to their acquisition method being tied to completing specific tasks. These ships include: the Frontier, the Kepler R, the Razorleaf, the Star Eagle, UC Prison Shuttle, Wanderwell, and the Starborn Guardian.
7. Can you steal a Starborn ship in Starfield?
Unfortunately, you cannot steal Starborn Ships or their armor, despite their unique and powerful designs. They are exclusive to the Starborn characters and not meant to be obtainable in that way.
8. Who is the Mysterious Captain in Starfield?
The Mysterious Captain is a character you will encounter in the game, who later reveals herself to be a Starborn, who has gathered all the Artifacts and passed through the Unity in a prior game.
9. Where is the haunted ship in Starfield?
The haunted ship, known as The Colander, can be found in orbit around Schrodinger III in the Schrodinger system. It is identifiable by its unique appearance and the fact that it cannot be hailed.
10. How many ships can you own in Starfield?
Players can own a maximum of ten ships at any given time. If you attempt to acquire an eleventh ship, you will be prompted to sell one of your existing ships.
11. Can you steal the Scow in Starfield?
No, you cannot steal The Scow. The inability to do so makes it a significant disappointment for players who would like to take the unique vessel.
12. Does the Starborn Guardian ship get better?
Yes, the Starborn Guardian ship gets stronger with each New Game Plus cycle. Its weapons, cargo capacity, and jump drive receive upgraded stats up to a maximum of six NG+ cycles, making it increasingly powerful in each subsequent playthrough.
13. Can you join the Crimson Fleet in Starfield?
Yes, you can join the Crimson Fleet. You can do so by getting caught stealing or by getting busted for doing illegal activities within UC space. This opens an entirely different set of story arcs and gameplay.
14. Is the Kepler R any good in Starfield?
Yes, the Kepler R is considered a good free ship to acquire, offering a strong base for customization. It provides a good balance of performance and adaptability, making it a useful ship to acquire.
15. What happens to your old ship in Starfield?
When you acquire a new ship, your old ship essentially disappears. There is no trade-in or sale process, nor is the ship stored. It simply vanishes, leaving no way to reclaim it after acquiring a new vessel.
Final Thoughts
The ship insurance scam in Starfield is a quirky reminder to be cautious, even in the vast expanse of space. It’s a moment of levity and a subtle commentary on human nature, reminding players that not every interaction in the game is designed to be beneficial. By avoiding these fraudulent encounters and utilizing the wealth of available information, players can make smarter decisions and enjoy a more rewarding gameplay experience in Starfield.