Starfield’s Ultimate Cargo Hauler: Finding the Best Ship for Storage

So, you’re a space trucker in the making, hauling resources and contraband across the galaxy in Starfield? You’re going to need a ship with some serious cargo capacity. While there’s no single “best” ship for everyone (playstyle and resources vary!), if sheer, unadulterated storage space is your primary goal, the Silent Runner is a strong contender. This Class C ship can be purchased and boasts a remarkable 6060 cargo mass. However, consider the trade-offs – maneuverability, combat capabilities, and initial cost all play a role in the ultimate decision. The Silent Runner might not be the best choice for an early game player, but it is an excellent choice for those in the mid-late game with enough credits to spend on an effective cargo hauler.

Understanding Cargo Capacity in Starfield

Before diving deeper, let’s clarify what impacts your cargo capacity in Starfield. It’s not just about the ship itself; several factors contribute to how much you can haul:

• Ship Cargo Modules: These modules are the primary determinant of your ship’s cargo capacity. You can add more cargo modules at ship technicians in major settlements.

• Skills: The Payloads skill in the Tech tree directly increases your ship’s cargo capacity. Investing skill points here is crucial for any aspiring space merchant.

• Crew: Certain crew members have skills that can boost your ship’s cargo capacity. Assigning them to your ship is an easy way to enhance your hauling capabilities.

• Ship Class: Class C ships generally have the highest potential cargo capacity due to their larger size and reactor power, which allows for more powerful engines and better cargo modules.

Comparing Top Cargo Ship Contenders

While the Silent Runner currently sits at the top of the cargo charts, it’s important to consider other alternatives and their advantages:

• Custom-Built Ships: The ship builder in Starfield allows for near-limitless customization. A well-designed custom ship can potentially surpass the Silent Runner in cargo capacity, but it requires significant investment of both time and credits. This is where skills in ship engineering really start to pay off.

• Narwhal: While not primarily a cargo ship, the Narwhal is a powerful and versatile Class C ship that can be outfitted with significant cargo capacity. It’s a good balance of firepower and utility.

• Abyss Trekker: Another solid Class C option, the Abyss Trekker offers a decent base cargo capacity and can be further upgraded.

• Stronghold: The Stronghold is a good class C option, perfect for combat and has decent cargo space.

The key takeaway is that the “best” ship depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize sheer cargo volume above all else, the Silent Runner is a strong choice. However, if you need a balanced ship with both cargo capacity and combat capabilities, the Narwhal or a custom-built vessel might be more suitable.

Optimizing Your Ship for Maximum Cargo

Once you’ve chosen your ship, here’s how to maximize its cargo capacity:

1. Invest in Cargo Modules: Visit a ship technician and add as many cargo modules as your ship’s reactor can support. Consider the weight and power requirements of each module.
2. Prioritize Efficient Cargo Holds: Some cargo holds offer more cargo space per mass unit. Research and choose the most efficient options.
3. Upgrade Your Reactor: A higher-class reactor allows you to install more powerful engines and heavier cargo modules without sacrificing mobility.
4. Train Your Skills: Invest points in the Payloads skill to directly increase your ship’s cargo capacity.
5. Hire the Right Crew: Look for crew members with skills that boost cargo capacity.
6. Manage Your Inventory: Regularly sell excess items and resources to avoid over-encumbering your ship. Consider setting up outposts with storage containers to offload resources.

Cargo Tips

The Silent Runner is a great cargo ship if you want to focus on being a space trucker. Alternatively, you can use one of the other ships in the game and modify it for maximum cargo potential. You may want to use one of the other ships if you plan on doing combat. Always make sure that your cargo is not over the limit, as it will impede your ship’s performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about cargo and ships in Starfield:

1. What’s the most efficient cargo hold in Starfield?

Several cargo holds are very close in efficiency. The da Gama 1000, 100CM Ballast, and StorMax 30 are all excellent options, offering a good balance of cargo space and weight.

2. How do I increase my ship’s cargo capacity?

You can increase your ship’s cargo capacity by adding more cargo modules, investing in the Payloads skill, and assigning crew members with cargo-boosting skills to your ship.

3. Where can I buy ship parts and cargo modules?

Ship parts and cargo modules can be purchased from ship technicians at major settlements and spaceports. Stroud-Eklund and Deimos are known for having a good selection of parts.

4. What happens when my cargo hold is full?

When your cargo hold is full, you’ll be over-encumbered and unable to add more items until you sell or transfer some of your cargo. This will also negatively affect your ship’s performance.

5. Why is my cargo hold suddenly full of miscellaneous items?

Modifying your ship in the ship builder will often send all loose items on your ship into the cargo hold. This can quickly fill up your cargo hold with unexpected items.

6. Can I share cargo between ships?

One theory is that it is a stationary ship cargo which is shared across all ships in the fleet with the cargo capacity instead acting as a limiting factor regarding how many items you can deposit into it with a given ship.

7. What are the best skills for a cargo-focused build?

The Payloads skill is essential for increasing cargo capacity. Other useful skills include Piloting, Commerce, and skills that improve your ship’s combat capabilities.

8. Is there unlimited storage in Starfield?

No, there is no unlimited storage capacity in Starfield. You are limited by your ship’s cargo capacity and the storage containers available at outposts.

9. How do I make money fast to buy better ships and cargo modules?

You can make money fast by completing faction missions, looting and selling items, unlocking safes, and selling survey data to Vladimir. Selling stolen items and contraband can also be lucrative.

10. What’s the best Class C ship to buy?

The Narwhal is often considered one of the best Class C ships due to its balance of firepower and utility. However, the “best” ship depends on your specific needs and playstyle. The Silent Runner is a good choice if you don’t plan on any combat.

11. What is the best fuel tank in Starfield?

The 900T He3 Tank is arguably the best Fuel Tank in Starfield, offering a large fuel capacity for long-distance travel.

12. Can I steal ships and use them for cargo?

Yes, you can steal ships from enemies and use them for cargo. However, stolen ships may have lower cargo capacity and require repairs.

13. What is the best beginner ship in Starfield?

The Razorleaf is a good ship that you can get for free early in the game.

14. Can I upgrade my ship’s reactor to support more cargo modules?

Yes, upgrading your ship’s reactor is essential for supporting more powerful engines and heavier cargo modules.

15. Where can I find more information about Starfield?

You can find more information about Starfield on the official Bethesda website and community forums.

More Than Just Gaming: Learning Through Play

The strategic decision-making involved in optimizing your ship for cargo hauling, managing resources, and navigating the economic landscape of Starfield highlights the potential for learning through gaming. Concepts like resource management, efficiency, and optimization are not just abstract ideas but become tangible and engaging experiences within the game world. This aligns with the principles championed by the Games Learning Society, which explores the intersection of games and education. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about how games can be used to foster learning and development.

Ultimately, the best ship for storage in Starfield is the one that best suits your playstyle and needs. With a little research and customization, you can create the ultimate cargo hauler and become a true space trucking magnate. Now get out there and explore the galaxy and fill that cargo hold!