Where are the Rarest Ships in No Man’s Sky?
The vast, procedurally generated universe of No Man’s Sky is teeming with countless starships, each with its unique aesthetic and performance characteristics. However, some ships are far more elusive than others, sparking a hunt among dedicated players. So, where exactly can you find these prized, rare spacecraft?
The most accurate answer is that rare ships are not tied to specific locations but to specific types and classes of systems and economies. The most sought-after rare ships, like the elusive Squid-shaped Exotics, can appear at any space station or trading post across the galaxy, though certain strategies can significantly improve your chances. It’s not about one singular location, but more about exploiting game mechanics and patience.
Unlike other games that often place unique items in fixed locations, No Man’s Sky encourages exploration and understanding of its procedural systems. So, you won’t find a ‘rare ship store’, but you can increase your chances of a rare spawn using proven methods.
Understanding Ship Rarity in No Man’s Sky
Before diving into search strategies, let’s clarify what makes a ship “rare” in No Man’s Sky. Generally, the rarity of a ship is determined by two main factors: Type and Class.
- Ship Type: The game features several ship types: Shuttles, Fighters, Haulers, Explorers, and Exotics. While all types can have desirable characteristics, Exotic ships are inherently rarer than the others. Within Exotics, the Squid-shaped ships are the most elusive and coveted.
- Ship Class: Each ship also has a class: C, B, A, or S. S-class ships are the highest tier and possess the best stats. An S-class ship of any type is already rarer than its lower-class counterparts, but an S-class Exotic is the pinnacle of ship rarity.
Therefore, when players speak of “rare ships” in No Man’s Sky, they are most often referring to S-class Exotic variants, especially the distinctive Squid-shaped Exotics.
How to Increase Your Chances of Finding Rare Ships
While the core gameplay of No Man’s Sky is centered on exploration, there are strategies to greatly improve the odds of finding the ship you desire. Here are some methods that players commonly use:
Space Stations and Trading Posts: The Primary Hunting Grounds
- Trading Posts: Planetary trading posts are often preferred for ship hunting due to the more frequent ship landings and the ability to reload the game after a couple of waves to refresh the incoming ships. This technique allows you to quickly sift through many ships and see what each arrival brings, making trading posts a hotspot for ship hunters.
- Space Stations: Space stations are also viable locations, offering a different flow of incoming ships. However, ships in space stations need to land before they can be analyzed, unlike trading posts, where ships hover for a brief period before landing. Regardless, patience is key in either location.
The Economy of Your Search
- Economy Level: The economy of a star system plays a significant role. Wealthy systems (Tier 3 economies), like those labeled “Opulent,” “Advanced,” “High-Supply,” and “Booming,” have a higher chance of spawning S-class ships compared to poorer economies. So focusing your search in wealthy systems can be very effective.
- System Type: While Exotic ships can appear in any star system, systems with three-star economies and more than one planet (to generate more ship traffic) are considered most effective.
Active Searching Techniques
- Reloading: Whether in a space station or trading post, save your game and reload it every couple of ship waves. This process will reshuffle the arriving ships, increasing the chance for something rare to spawn. This is probably the single most important action.
- Visual Inspection: Don’t just wait. Actively observe the ships as they land. The color and layout are important. You are looking for something that will be distinctive.
- Time Commitment: Finding rare ships often takes time. Sometimes, several hours might be needed. Patience is absolutely essential for any hunter. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t appear right away. The elusive nature of these ships is part of what makes finding one so rewarding.
Beyond Traditional Locations
While space stations and trading posts are where the majority of rare ship hunting takes place, here are a few other things to remember:
- Crashed Ships: While crashed ships are not typically of the Exotic variety, you can find all types of ships this way. Crashed ships can be used to generate nanites or salvaged for materials. You will need to use a Transmission Tower to ping their location.
- Freighter Battles: When you warp into a freighter battle, take note of the number of enemy fighters. A higher number can indicate a richer economy. After defending the freighter, you can then land inside it.
- Living Ships: Living ships are a special class that are acquired via a specific quest and have many unique features. They do not spawn in the same way other ships do, but can be a desirable addition to any collection.
FAQs: Dive Deeper into Rare Ship Hunting
1. What is the absolute rarest ship in No Man’s Sky?
The Squid-shaped Exotic ship is generally regarded as the rarest ship in the game due to its low spawn rate.
2. Are all Exotic ships S-class?
Yes, all Exotic ships are S-class and will have top-tier bonus values.
3. Can I find S-class ships of other types?
Yes, Fighters, Haulers, Explorers, and Shuttles can all be found in S-class, though they are rarer than their lower-class counterparts.
4. What is the best starship for general use?
Explorer-type starships are often considered the jack-of-all-trades, excelling in exploration, combat, and storage.
5. Where can I find crashed ships?
You can find crashed ships using Transmission Towers located randomly on planets.
6. Is there a best planet to find crashed ships?
Planets with water in relatively rich systems (economically speaking) are the best places to search for crashed ships.
7. What is the largest ownable ship?
Hauler-type ships are the largest starships (excluding freighters), with high inventory space.
8. How many ships can I own in No Man’s Sky?
You can own up to 12 ships at a time.
9. Is it worth buying a freighter?
Yes, freighters are very valuable for various reasons, including the ability to command fleets, expand your base, and increase profit margins.
10. Can Sentinel capital ships be destroyed?
Yes, you can destroy Sentinel capital ships, which may lead to finding downed interceptors.
11. How do I find an Interceptor ship?
Interceptors can be located by destroying a Sentinel capital ship, completing a story encounter, or discovering new abandoned encampments.
12. What is the most hostile planet in No Man’s Sky?
Planets with large quantities of predators, such as Compakask-Mepp Major, are among the most hostile.
13. Can I find “dead planets” in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, dead planets are relatively rare but are found in various systems. Yellow stars in Empty galaxies have an increased chance of hosting dead planets.
14. Are Capital freighters better than standard freighters?
Yes, Capital freighters are generally better, offering more features and better stats.
15. How can I find the best S-Class ship at a Space Station?
The method is simple: wait for ships to land, save, and reload, repeating until you find one with the desired specs. S-Class ships are more likely to spawn in 3-star economy systems.
Finding the rarest ships in No Man’s Sky requires knowledge, patience, and often a healthy dose of luck. However, by understanding the game’s mechanics and employing effective search strategies, you can dramatically increase your chances of finding the spacecraft of your dreams. Happy hunting, interloper!