Where to Stash Your Space Booty: A Smuggler’s Guide to Contraband Storage in Starfield

So, you’ve acquired some… unconventional goods in your Starfield travels. Maybe you liberated some Aurora from Neon, or perhaps you “found” a pristine Xenoweapon on a deserted planet. Whatever the source, you’re now faced with a crucial question: where do you store your contraband to avoid the prying eyes of the UC and Freestar Collective authorities? The short answer: in your ship’s shielded cargo hold. This is the key to navigating the galaxy as a successful, albeit morally flexible, entrepreneur.

The Shielded Cargo Hold: Your Smuggling Sanctuary

Your ship’s shielded cargo hold is your primary defense against detection. Unlike regular storage, shielded cargo is designed to mask the signature of contraband items from scanners at planetary ports and space stations. It’s not foolproof, but it dramatically increases your chances of a smooth landing and a profitable sale.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how to effectively manage your illicit inventory:

• The Importance of Shielding: While you can technically store contraband in any container on your ship, doing so without a shielded cargo hold is essentially waving a neon sign at security forces. You will get scanned and you will be caught.
• Capacity Matters: The amount of shielding your cargo hold provides directly impacts your success rate. A higher shielding capacity means a lower chance of detection. Look for shielded cargo modules with the highest shielding rating you can afford.
• Automatic Placement: In Starfield, you cannot directly access shielded cargo. The game automatically allocates contraband items to your shielded hold when they are present in your ship’s cargo. This is important to note because you don’t manually drag and drop items into it.
• Beyond the Hold: It is important to keep your person free from contraband as well. Shielded cargo only works for items in the ship’s cargo hold.

Obtaining and Upgrading Your Shielded Cargo Hold

Acquiring a Shielded Hold

There are three primary ways to get a shielded cargo hold for your ship:

• Buy it: Visit a ship technician capable of installing new cargo modules. Lon Anderssen, located at the Red Mile on Porrima III, is a well-known vendor for these upgrades.
• Commandeer a ship: You can find ships with a shielded cargo hold already installed by engaging in piracy. Be aware that such ships may have other… unpleasant surprises.
• Ship Builder: Add one to your own ship. Use the ship builder menu and choose a cargo module that is shielded.

Shielding Strength: It’s All About the Percentage

A vital mechanic tied to shielded cargo is the percentage chance of your contraband being detected. Even with a shielded cargo hold, there’s always a risk, albeit a calculated one.

The percentage works like this: the higher the shielding percentage, the lower your chances of detection. The chance of success/detection when scanned is influenced by factors such as:

• Shielded Cargo Capacity vs. Contraband Weight: The ratio of your shielded capacity to the weight of your contraband is critical.
• Scan Jammers: Installing a scan jammer on your ship further reduces the chance of detection. These devices actively disrupt scanning systems, making it harder for authorities to identify your illicit cargo.

Scan Jammers: The Extra Layer of Security

While shielded cargo protects your goods, a scan jammer actively interferes with the scanning process itself. These devices are not foolproof but significantly decrease the likelihood of detection. Combining a powerful shielded cargo hold with a high-quality scan jammer provides the best possible chance of slipping through security checkpoints unnoticed.

Where to Fence Your Forbidden Finds: Selling Contraband

Once you’ve successfully transported your contraband, you need a reliable buyer. Here are some top locations for selling your illicit goods:

• The Den (Wolf System): Located in the Wolf system near Alpha Centauri, The Den is a space station where you can land without being scanned. The Trade Authority vendor here will gladly purchase your contraband, no questions asked. This is generally considered the safest place to sell contraband early in the game.
• Trade Authority Kiosks: While Trade Authority vendors will buy contraband, those in civilized systems will scan you. Look for Trade Authority kiosks located in less regulated areas, such as the Key in the Kryx system.
• The Key (Kryx System): The headquarters of the Crimson Fleet. This is generally a bad place to be unless you are aligned with the Crimson Fleet.

Important Considerations:

• Vendor Credits: Be mindful of the vendor’s available credits. Trade Authority vendors have limited funds. If you have a large haul of contraband, you may need to visit multiple vendors or wait for their credits to replenish.
• Faction Allegiances: Selling contraband in certain systems can negatively impact your standing with specific factions. Consider the potential consequences before doing business in a faction-controlled space.

Why Isn’t My Shielded Cargo Working?

It’s a common frustration: you’ve got a shielded cargo hold, but you’re still getting flagged for contraband. Here’s a checklist to troubleshoot the issue:

• Contraband on Your Person: The most common culprit is carrying contraband in your personal inventory. Shielded cargo only protects contraband within the ship’s cargo hold.
• Contraband in Other Containers: Ensure that no contraband is present in other containers on your ship, such as storage boxes or lockers.
• Shielded Cargo Capacity: If you are trying to move 2,000 lbs of contraband in a 10 lb capacity hold, it will not work. Increase the shielded cargo capacity, lower the amount of contraband, or both.
• Bug: Although rare, issues do arise. Try reloading your game to see if the issue goes away.

A Word of Caution: The Risks of Smuggling

While smuggling can be a lucrative career path in Starfield, it’s not without its risks. Getting caught with contraband can lead to fines, ship confiscation, imprisonment, or even a bounty on your head. Therefore, it’s essential to weigh the potential rewards against the inherent dangers before engaging in illicit activities.

Remember, successful smuggling requires careful planning, a well-equipped ship, and a healthy dose of caution. Good luck, and may your profits be plentiful! Also, if you would like to delve into the educational aspects of gaming, consider checking out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What exactly constitutes “contraband” in Starfield?

Contraband items are illegal goods that are prohibited by certain factions or in specific regions of space. Common examples include Aurora, harvested organs, and stolen goods. They are typically marked with a yellow icon in your inventory.

2. Can I sell stolen ships?

Yes, you can sell stolen ships to ship services technicians or at your outpost shipbuilder kiosk. However, be prepared for extra scrutiny. It’s a good idea to clear any contraband from the ship before attempting to sell it. As an aside, you must have more than one ship to sell ships, as you must always have a home ship.

3. Does the size of my ship affect my ability to smuggle contraband?

Not directly. The size of your ship doesn’t influence the effectiveness of shielded cargo. However, a larger ship might allow you to install more shielded cargo modules, increasing your overall shielding capacity.

4. Can I improve my chances of evading scans with skills or perks?

Certain skills in the Security and Tech skill trees can improve your ability to evade scans or even disable enemy ships during encounters. Investing in these skills can be beneficial for a dedicated smuggler build.

5. How do I know if a vendor will scan my ship for contraband?

Vendors located in regulated systems, such as those controlled by the UC or Freestar Collective, will typically scan your ship upon arrival. Trade Authority kiosks often have scanners. The Den in the Wolf system is a notable exception, as it does not scan incoming ships.

6. Can I drop contraband on the floor of my ship to avoid detection?

No. Dropping contraband on the floor of your ship will not prevent it from being detected during a scan. Any contraband present on your ship will be flagged, regardless of its location.

7. Is there any way to completely eliminate the risk of being caught with contraband?

Unfortunately, no. Even with the best shielded cargo hold and scan jammer, there’s always a small chance of detection. The game incorporates an element of risk to keep smuggling challenging and engaging.

8. Can I get caught with contraband if it’s stored in my companion’s inventory?

Yes. Contraband in a companion’s inventory can be detected during a scan. It’s best to keep your companions clean to avoid complications.

9. Are there any faction missions that involve smuggling contraband?

Yes, certain factions, such as the Crimson Fleet, offer missions that involve smuggling contraband. Completing these missions can provide lucrative rewards, but also carries the risk of getting caught.

10. Can I bribe or persuade security personnel to overlook my contraband?

Certain dialogue options and skills may allow you to bribe or persuade security personnel to ignore your contraband. However, this is not always a guaranteed success and may depend on your relationship with the faction.

11. What happens if I get caught with contraband?

If you get caught with contraband, you may face fines, ship confiscation, imprisonment, or a bounty on your head. The severity of the punishment depends on the jurisdiction and the quantity of contraband.

12. Can I use my ship’s weapons to destroy scanning ships?

Yes, you can attack and destroy scanning ships. However, doing so will incur a significant bounty on your head and negatively impact your standing with the faction that controls the system.

13. Are there any unique or rare contraband items that are particularly valuable?

Some contraband items are more valuable than others, depending on their rarity and demand. Experiment with different items to find the most profitable smuggling routes.

14. Can I use mods to improve my smuggling abilities?

Yes, various mods are available that can enhance your smuggling abilities, such as increasing shielded cargo capacity or improving scan jammer effectiveness. However, be aware that using mods may affect your game’s stability or compatibility.

15. What are the ethical implications of smuggling in Starfield?

Smuggling involves engaging in illegal activities and potentially supporting criminal organizations. Consider the ethical implications of your actions and whether they align with your character’s values. For more information on the intersection of gaming and ethics, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.