In the vast expanse of Starfield, acquiring and modifying stolen spaceships can be a game-changer. To assist you in this endeavor, we present two distinct methods for acquiring these coveted vessels as you explore the star systems of Starfield.
Investigate Planets for Ship Landing Sites
Sometimes, while freely exploring planets in the open world (excluding cities), you may stumble upon “Ship Landing Sites,” intriguing points of interest. To locate them, utilize your scanner, as they appear randomly. Upon discovery, approach the site, board the parked spaceship, overcome its crew, take the pilot’s seat, and soar into the cosmos. However, ensure that your piloting skill aligns with the ship’s class.
These Ship Landing Sites are randomly generated points of interest. If your luck runs dry, consider exploring another planet, as success here is purely a matter of chance.
It’s worth noting that certain stolen ships can only be docked at the factions they belong to. For example, stolen Crimson Fleet vessels are exclusively welcome at “The Key” (Crimson Fleet Base) if you have allied with their faction, as they are considered hostile in all major cities. Learn more about joining the Crimson Fleet in our guide, “How to Join Crimson Fleet.”
Destroy Engines of Enemy Ships in CombatÂ
Engaging in space battles offers another avenue for acquiring stolen ships. Follow these steps to claim your prize:
Step 1: Start by equipping your ship with the right weapons to target and disable engines effectively. Consult a Ship Service Technician in a major city, like New Atlantis, to install a weapon that deals “Electromagnetic Damage,” denoted as “EM” in the weapon type. Consider the “Spark 750 Suppressor” as a suitable secondary energy weapon for optimal engine damage without risking the ship’s destruction.
Step 2: Hunt for ships in space while avoiding turning friendly forces hostile. Instead of attacking friendly ships guarding city planets, visit Mission Terminals and accept missions that involve tracking down enemy spacecraft. Major cities like System: Cheyenne > Planet: Akila > Landing Site: Akila City or the pub on Sol > Mars > Cydonia offer such missions.
Step 3: Ensure you’re the sole survivor. Destroy all enemy ships except the one you wish to board. The ‘board’ prompt may not appear if other ships remain operational.
Step 4: Focus your firepower on the enemy ship’s engines. Follow these targeting instructions:
- On Xbox: Activate Scanner with LB > Approach the enemy spaceship > Lock on with A > Press X to open the targeting menu > Target the Engine (ENG) with LEFT/RIGHT > Shoot until all engine health bars turn gray.
- On PC: Activate Scanner with F > Approach the enemy spaceship > Lock on with R > Press R to open the targeting menu > Target the Engine (ENG) with A/D > Shoot until all engine health bars turn gray.
Step 5: Crucially, do not destroy the ship. Once the engine is damaged, exit the targeting menu (Xbox: B / PC: ESC) and approach the ship until the ‘board’ prompt appears. Initiate boarding by aiming at the ship with the scanner and pressing Xbox: LB > hold X / PC: F > hold R.
Step 6: Conquer the ship’s crew in combat.
Step 7: Take the pilot’s seat, choose to undock from your previous ship, and ensure your piloting skill matches the new ship’s class. Power up the Grav Drive and warp to the nearest city. If the Grav Drive or Engines sustain damage, simply wait a minute in the Pilot Seat for automatic repairs.
Step 8: Congratulations! The stolen ship is now a part of your collection. To make it fully functional, you must register it at a Ship Service Technician on a city’s Landing Pad by paying a fee. Keep in mind that some stolen ships can only dock at the factions they belong to, such as Crimson Fleet ships, which exclusively dock at “The Key” (Crimson Fleet Base) if you’re aligned with their faction. Learn more about joining the Crimson Fleet in our guide, “How to Join Crimson Fleet.