Where to Sell Contraband in Starfield Without Getting Scanned: Your Smuggler’s Guide

So, you’ve acquired some… special items in your travels across the Settled Systems. Maybe you lifted some Aurora off a Neon street vendor, or perhaps you’ve liberated some Harvested Organs from a less-than-reputable research facility. Now you need to offload your ill-gotten gains, but you want to avoid those pesky UC and Freestar Collective scans. Where do you go?

The definitive answer: The Den, a space station in the Wolf system. This haven for the morally flexible boasts a Trade Authority vendor and, crucially, no ship scans upon arrival.

Why The Den is Your Go-To for Contraband

Let’s break down why The Den is the best option, especially early in your Starfield journey.

• No Ship Scans: This is the big one. Unlike most civilized systems, The Den doesn’t subject incoming ships to contraband scans. You can waltz right in with a hold full of Aurora and nobody bats an eye.
• Convenient Trade Authority Vendor: A Trade Authority shop is readily available, offering a substantial pool of credits to buy your goods. Look for the yellow icon and the familiar faces of Trade Authority employees.
• Accessibility: The Wolf system is relatively close to both Sol (Earth’s system) and Alpha Centauri, making it easily accessible even with a low-tier ship.

Beyond The Den: Alternative Options for the Discerning Smuggler

While The Den is the safest and most reliable option, it’s not the only place to sell your contraband. Here are a few other possibilities to consider as you progress through the game:

• The Red Mile (Porrima System): Some players report success selling contraband to the bartender at the Red Mile, especially if they also sell shielded cargo there. The Red Mile is already a place of questionable morality, so it makes sense.
• The Key (Kryx System – Crimson Fleet HQ): If you’ve thrown your lot in with the Crimson Fleet, The Key is another option. This is the Crimson Fleet’s main base. It is a great place to visit because the security does not mind any contraband.
• Trade Authority Kiosks (With Precautions): While risky, you can use Trade Authority kiosks on planets that perform scans. The trick is to use a shielded cargo hold and a scan jammer on your ship to reduce your chances of detection. This is a more advanced tactic.
• Vendors on Neon: Neon is another good spot. Neon is a place where all things are legal. You can also go to the Trade Authority and sell any contrabrand you have.

Shielded Cargo Holds and Scan Jammers: Your Smuggling Toolkit

For more advanced smuggling, consider investing in shielded cargo holds and scan jammers for your ship.

• Shielded Cargo Holds: These special cargo holds reduce the chance of contraband being detected during scans. The higher the percentage, the better.
• Scan Jammers: These modules temporarily disable or weaken planetary scanners, further decreasing your risk of detection. It is best to have high level scan jammers.
• Finding Shielded Cargo and Jammers: You can acquire these from various vendors. For instance, you can buy these at the Red Mile from Lon Anderssen, or visit the ship services vendor on the Crimson Fleet’s The Key station.

Advanced Smuggling Technique: Hiding in Plain Sight

Here’s a risky, but potentially rewarding, tactic. If you place contraband in a non-cargo hold container in your ship, then exit the ship, you can fast travel to places on secure planets. When you load onto the planet, retrieve your cargo from that container and you’re good to go.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Selling Contraband in Starfield

Here are some frequently asked questions to enhance your knowledge of selling contraband.

1. What items are considered contraband in Starfield?

There are eight contraband items total: Aurora, Black Market Antiquities, Harvested Organs, Mech Components, Sentient AI Adapters, Stolen Artwork, Va’Ruun Heretic Writings, and Xenowarfare Tech.

2. How do I identify contraband in my inventory?

Contraband items are marked with a yellow symbol (a circle containing a stylized star).

3. Will I always get scanned when entering a system?

No. Systems controlled by the UC or Freestar Collective typically scan incoming ships, but systems with less law enforcement presence (like Wolf, Kryx, and Porrima) may not.

4. What happens if I get caught with contraband during a scan?

If caught, you’ll face consequences like fines, imprisonment, or having your contraband confiscated. Sometimes, security might turn hostile, and you’ll have to fight your way out.

5. Can I bribe my way out of a contraband scan?

No, there is no bribery mechanic in Starfield. You must either evade the scan or face the consequences if you’re caught.

6. Do all Trade Authority vendors buy contraband?

Yes, all Trade Authority vendors will purchase contraband, provided you can reach them without getting caught. Even if the system says the item is illegal, they will still take it.

7. Does my ship’s crew affect my chances of getting scanned?

While crew skills don’t directly prevent scans, some crew members have skills that can improve your ship’s systems, indirectly aiding your smuggling efforts. For example, having someone with high Shield Systems skill can give you a stronger shield.

8. Can I sell stolen ships?

Yes! Stealing ships requires the Targeting Control Systems and Piloting skills. Once you’ve captured a ship, register it at a ship services technician and then sell it for a hefty profit.

9. What’s the best way to increase my ship’s shielding?

Upgrade your shield generator and invest in skills like Shield Systems to improve your ship’s shielding capabilities.

10. Does the size of my cargo hold affect scan detection?

Not directly. A larger cargo hold allows you to carry more contraband, but it doesn’t increase or decrease your chances of getting scanned. What does affect scans is if your ship has any shielded cargo or not.

11. Is there a “Smuggling” skill in Starfield?

No, there isn’t a dedicated “Smuggling” skill. The skills that indirectly help with smuggling include Piloting, Shield Systems, and ship engineering skills.

12. Are there any missions related to smuggling?

Yes! Joining the Crimson Fleet faction will unlock numerous missions that revolve around smuggling and illicit activities.

13. Can I build my own shielded cargo hold?

No. Shielded cargo holds can only be bought or found as loot, not crafted.

14. Are there any companions who disapprove of smuggling?

Yes! Some companions, particularly those with strong moral principles, will disapprove of your involvement in smuggling and other illegal activities. This can affect your relationship with them. Be sure to check the personalities of each companion.

15. Where can I learn more about Starfield’s mechanics and design?

For a deeper understanding of the game’s systems and how they contribute to the overall experience, explore resources from organizations like the Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org, which are dedicated to the study of games and their impact on learning and society.