Where to Snag Free Starships in Starfield: A Comprehensive Guide

Want to expand your fleet without draining your precious credits? Starfield offers a surprising number of opportunities to acquire free starships through various in-game activities. From completing questlines to choosing specific traits, here’s your guide to obtaining free ships and bolstering your interstellar journey.

Getting Your First Free Ship: The Frontier

Your journey in Starfield begins with the Frontier, gifted to you after completing the initial tutorial mission and meeting Barrett. This starter ship is a reliable vessel that will serve you well for your first few hours. Don’t underestimate it – the Frontier is a solid foundation as you begin your interstellar exploration.

Free Ships From Questlines

Several rewarding questlines in Starfield will provide you with unique, often powerful, starships. Here are the key free ships you can earn from quest completion:

The Razorleaf: Mantis Questline

One of the most popular free ships, the Razorleaf, is acquired by completing the Mantis questline. This quest begins at the Secret Outpost on Denebola I-b. It’s one of the best side quests in the game and rewards you with powerful armor alongside this fantastic class A ship. Ideal for lower-level players, the Razorleaf is a significant upgrade early on and a versatile ship.

UC Prison Shuttle: Crimson Fleet/Sysdef Questline

During your involvement with either the Crimson Fleet or Sysdef factions, you’ll eventually earn the UC Prison Shuttle. This ship is obtained through the storyline missions related to these groups. While not as flashy as other free options, the Prison Shuttle is a useful addition to your fleet for specific purposes.

Star Eagle: Freestar Rangers Questline

If you choose to join the Freestar Rangers, completing their questline will award you the Star Eagle. This ship is a testament to your service as a Freestar Ranger Deputy, and it’s a great mid-game ship with solid all-around capabilities.

Kepler R: “Overdesigned” Questline

Completing Walter Stroud’s questline, “Overdesigned”, will reward you with the Kepler R. This ship is another substantial upgrade and makes a solid base for customization. The Kepler R has good cargo capacity and is a great ship for general use.

Other Ways to Get Free Ships

In addition to quest rewards, there are other methods to acquire free ships:

Wanderwell: Trait Reward

When creating your character, if you select the “Kid Stuff” Trait, you are rewarded with the Wanderwell. This ship is tied to the ongoing support you provide to your parents through the game. It’s a good starter ship if you don’t like Frontier, but at the cost of weekly credit deductions.

Starborn Guardian: New Game+

The Starborn Guardian is a truly unique ship given to you when you start a New Game+ playthrough. It’s the only ship that will transfer with you into a New Game Plus. It’s an impressive vessel with an otherworldly aesthetic and excellent stats, making it an ideal reward for persevering through the main story.

The Dagger: Found in Vulture’s Roost

The Dagger can be found in Vulture’s Roost on the planet Jaffa IV in the Jaffa star system. It’s a small Class A ship with a focus on speed and mobility.

Free Ships: A Summary

Here’s a quick recap of all the free ships mentioned:

• Frontier: Starting ship given after the tutorial.
• Razorleaf: Earned from the Mantis questline.
• UC Prison Shuttle: Earned during the Crimson Fleet/Sysdef questline.
• Star Eagle: Earned from the Freestar Rangers questline.
• Kepler R: Earned from the “Overdesigned” questline.
• Wanderwell: Given as a reward for the “Kid Stuff” trait.
• Starborn Guardian: Reward for starting New Game+.
• The Dagger: Found in Vulture’s Roost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best free ship in Starfield?

While this is subjective, the Razorleaf and the Starborn Guardian are frequently cited as the best free ships. The Razorleaf is an excellent early-game ship, while the Starborn Guardian is a powerful, unique end-game ship.

2. Can I steal ships in Starfield?

Yes, you can forcibly take ships from enemies or NPCs, but this method can have consequences. It’s also important to note that you can’t steal Starborn ships.

3. How many ships can I own in Starfield?

You can own up to ten ships at once. If you reach this limit, you’ll need to sell a ship before acquiring another.

4. What is the cheapest ship to buy in Starfield?

Several ships are considered relatively cheap, such as the Galileo III, the Mule II, the Razorleaf (if not obtained for free), and the War Horse. The prices will vary depending on your in-game standing and location.

5. How do I customize my ship in Starfield?

You can customize your ship by visiting any Ship Technician found at landing pads in populated areas. Technicians can modify existing ships and even build entirely new ones from parts.

6. What is the most powerful ship in Starfield?

While not free, the Silent Runner is known for its powerful shields and grav drive, making it a strong contender for one of the best ships. However, “best” can depend on your playstyle.

7. Can I fly my ship in Starfield?

Yes, you can directly fly your ship. Though it may appear complex at first, the UI and ship controls are relatively straightforward once you understand their functionality.

8. Is the Kepler R a good ship?

Yes, the Kepler R is a great free ship. It offers a good balance of cargo capacity, customization potential, and combat abilities.

9. What about the “Kid Stuff” trait? Is the Wanderwell worth it?

The Wanderwell is a decent free ship, but the “Kid Stuff” trait does come with a weekly credit deduction. Whether it’s worth it depends on your preference for this kind of role-playing.

10. What are some secret ships in Starfield?

Some of the free ships, like the Razorleaf and Star Eagle, can be considered “secret” due to their acquisition through specific questlines. The Dagger in Vulture’s Roost is also considered a hidden free ship.

11. Can I romance characters in Starfield, and does it offer ship-related rewards?

Yes, you can romance certain companions, such as Sarah Morgan, Barrett, Sam Coe, and Andreja. However, there are no ship rewards linked to romance. Romancing a character will affect the affinity towards you, and unlock additional dialogue and quests with them.

12. Is the Narwhal the best ship in Starfield?

The Narwhal is considered one of the best ships in the game, but it’s not free. It offers excellent stats but costs a significant amount of credits.

13. Can I get into Hank’s ship?

You cannot enter Hank’s ship. He is a NPC in the game.

14. What is the “Best” ship for me in Starfield?

The “best” ship depends on your play style. The Razorleaf is a solid all-around early choice, while the Starborn Guardian excels in late-game scenarios. You may prefer other free ships like the Kepler R for more cargo space, or The Dagger for its speed.

15. Are there any unique Starfield ship rewards for New Game+?

The Starborn Guardian is the only ship that carries over into New Game+. No other ships or customizations transfer over. This ship is awarded when you complete the main story and begin a new playthrough.

By utilizing these strategies, you can amass a decent fleet of free starships in Starfield, giving you a diverse range of options for your travels and saving your precious credits for other upgrades and necessities. Happy exploring!