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Cracking the Code: What to Loot in Starfield for Maximum Profit and Gameplay

In the vast expanse of Starfield, the temptation to grab everything that isn’t nailed down is strong. However, inventory space is limited, and not all loot is created equal. The key to successful scavenging lies in knowing what to prioritize, what to sell, and what to leave behind. Forget aimless hoarding; we’re here to equip you with the knowledge to become a discerning and profitable looter in the Settled Systems. So, what exactly should you be looting in Starfield?

Prioritize valuable resources, high-quality weapons and armor, ancient Earth relics, and items essential for crafting and outpost development. Efficient looting means focusing on items that contribute significantly to your character’s progression, economic stability, and overall enjoyment of the game. Discard common resources and food items to lighten your inventory and earn credits in Starfield.

Decoding the Loot: A Comprehensive Guide

High-Quality Weapons and Armor: The Foundation of Survival

Weapons: Forget the rusty pipe pistol. Always be on the lookout for weapons with higher damage output, useful modifications, or unique traits. Pay close attention to weapon stats beyond just the damage number. Some weapons may offer unique advantages like faster fire rate, improved accuracy, or special ammo types. Also, don’t sell unique weapons, spacesuits, and ships in Starfield – they hold sentimental value and are rare finds that enhance the player’s journey.
Armor: Armor plays a crucial role in your survivability. Focus on spacesuits, helmets, and packs with high damage resistance stats and beneficial perks. Consider environmental protection ratings as well, particularly when exploring planets with harsh climates.

Resources: Fueling Crafting and Outpost Construction

Essential Resources: Aluminum is perhaps the most crucial resource, vital for crafting and outpost construction. Iron is another cornerstone, needed for building numerous outpost structures. Gather resources like Copper, Nickel, Silver, and Gold, used in crafting various components for outposts and more. Efficiently manage your resource storage for optimal outpost resource production.
Organic Resources: Hunt alien creatures for organic resources and sell them to Noel for a profit. It’s a lucrative venture across the galaxy.

Ancient Earth Relics: Treasures from a Lost World

High-Value Collectibles: Ancient Earth relics, such as Flip Lighters, Soccer Balls, Baseballs, Basketballs, and Hockey Sticks, are incredibly valuable. These relics often fetch thousands of Credits per item.

Credits and Contraband: Risky But Rewarding

Credits: The most straightforward form of wealth. Always grab loose credits and Credit Sticks.
Contraband: Stolen goods and illegal substances can be sold at Trade Authority vendors for a hefty profit, but beware of security scans when entering settlements.

Miscellaneous Items

Ammo: Always stock up on ammunition. Running out mid-fight can be a death sentence.
Med Packs: Essential for healing injuries during combat.

What to Avoid: The Junk You Can Ignore

Food Items: Most food items are not worth picking up due to their low value and limited use in gameplay.
Workshop Junk: Workshop items, such as random tools and rolls of duct tape, are only used as junk items. Vacuum tape is also a junk item. If you’ve gathered a large quantity, you’re better off selling it to the nearest vendor for some side credits.
Common Resources: Sell common resources and materials to lighten your inventory and earn credits. They don’t offer much value and take up space.

Maximizing Your Looting Efficiency: Pro Tips

Increase Carry Capacity: Invest skill points into the Weight Lifting skill to increase your maximum carry weight.
Utilize Companions: Companions can carry a significant amount of gear. Offload excess weight to them.
Ship Storage: Your ship’s cargo hold is a valuable storage resource. Use it to store resources and items you plan to sell or use later.
Outpost Storage: Build storage containers at your outposts to stockpile resources.
Regularly Sell Loot: Don’t let your inventory become bloated. Regularly visit vendors to sell unwanted items and clear up space.
Prioritize: When faced with a full inventory, make tough choices. Ask yourself which items will benefit you the most in the long run.
Follow Up With Activities: Follow Up With Activities to gain valuable loot and rewards.

Where to Sell Your Loot: Finding the Best Prices

Trade Authority: Trade Authority has branches throughout the galaxy, from New Atlantis to Neon. They are the best place to sell hidden contraband. The best Trade Authority shop in the entire game can be found on The Den, a huge space station in the Wolf system. By far the best place to sell items in New Atlantis is the Trade Authority main building, since the vendor there accepts contraband and has nearly 11,000 credits in reserve to pay you for your junk. If players want to sell stolen items or contraband, they’ll instead need to visit a Trade Authority, which can be found in most major settlements.
General Merchants: Jemison Mercantile in New Atlantis is a good option for selling common items.
Specialized Vendors: Certain vendors specialize in specific types of items, such as weapons, armor, or medical supplies. Sell your loot to the vendor who will offer the best price. Marcel Duris is located at the Den, & is also a Trade Authority trader.

Making the Most of Your Inventory: Skills and Strategies

Mastering looting in Starfield is more than just picking up everything you see. It’s about resource management, strategic decision-making, and understanding the game’s economy. By focusing on high-value items, efficient storage, and smart selling, you can transform from a struggling scavenger into a wealthy and powerful explorer. Remember to check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for insights into the educational and cognitive aspects of gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if I get caught with contraband?

If you get caught with contraband during a security scan, you’ll be arrested and fined. You may also lose your contraband.

2. Can I sell stolen ships?

Yes, you can sell stolen ships to certain vendors, but you’ll need to register them first. This requires credits and may alert authorities.

3. Is it worth investing in the Commerce skill?

Yes, the Commerce skill increases the prices you get when selling items and decreases the prices you pay when buying items.

4. How can I increase my ship’s cargo capacity?

You can increase your ship’s cargo capacity by purchasing and installing cargo modules at ship services technicians.

5. Where can I find ancient Earth relics?

Ancient Earth relics can be found in various locations, including abandoned buildings, museums, and even on certain NPCs.

6. Should I join a faction for better loot?

Joining a faction in Starfield grants access to a variety of new missions with valuable loot and rewards.

7. Is crafting important in Starfield?

Yes, crafting is essential for upgrading weapons and armor, creating consumables, and building outposts.

8. What are the best planets for resource farming?

Eridani II, Zamka, and Jemison are among the best planets for building outposts and finding valuable resources in the settled systems.

9. How do I remove a bounty on my head?

Remove a bounty by paying credits at a Trackers Alliance terminal. These are often found in major cities.

10. What should I do with survey slates?

Survey slates contain valuable information about planets and can be sold to interested parties.

11. Where can I find the Trade Authority?

The Trade Authority has branches in most major settlements. Look for their logo on the map. The best Trade Authority shop in the entire game can be found on The Den, a huge space station in the Wolf system.

12. What is the purpose of Apparel in Starfield?

Apparel items can provide small stat bonuses or be sold for credits.

13. What not to do in Starfield?

Don’t Ignore Weapon And Armor Stats. Players should read the weapons and armor that they find, as they might be ignoring some pretty neat and unique loot. Some items are better than others, even if their damage number is low. Don’t miss out on these important tips to enhance your journey in the settled systems.

14. Is gold important in Starfield?

Gold is a valuable resource in Starfield, and it’s not always easy to find. It’s used in crafting, which can save you valuable credits when building components for outposts and more. Crafting can quickly deplete your stores of resources, making it vital to collect more.

15. What are the best early-game money-making tips?

Loot everything and pickpocket everyone. Hunt alien creatures for organic resources and sell them to Noel for a profit. Start Smuggling Contraband Early to earn big bucks quickly.

What should I loot in Starfield?