How to Board Ships in Starfield? A Complete Guide
Updated Sep 07, 2023
Starfield Video Game
Starfield is an eagerly anticipated action role-playing game being developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. Unveiled at Bethesda's E3 presentation in 2018, the game is set in a space-themed environment and marks Bethesda's first entirely new intellectual property in almost three decades.
Scheduled for release on September 6, 2023, for Windows and Xbox Series X/S platforms, the game's early access release has already garnered critical acclaim. Starfield promises an exciting new addition to the gaming landscape, combining Bethesda's renowned RPG expertise with a futuristic space setting to create a captivating gaming experience.
How to Board Ships in Starfield?
It goes beyond just destroying them; looting for valuable items and gaining experience points is a smart strategy. Learn how to perform ship boarding in the game with our guide to enhance your gameplay.
To board and capture ships in Starfield, follow these steps:
Required Skills:
In Starfield, there's a skill called "Targeting Control Systems," and it's a crucial skill to have. You only need the first rank of this skill to unlock its main function, which is targeting and locking onto your enemies. While there are higher ranks that improve your lock-on speed and damage, you can decide if you want to invest in them based on your playstyle and preferences. So, having at least the first rank of this skill will help you with precise targeting in the game.
Image Source: YouTube
Shut Down the Ship's Engines:
In Starfield, to disable a ship's engines and board it, you need to follow these steps:
Release the Hostiles
Once you've disabled a ship's engines and see a button prompt (e.g., X on an Xbox controller), you can dock and board the ship. However, keep in mind that you can only board a ship when there are no other hostile ships remaining in the area.
Once inside the ship, your task is to eliminate all the hostiles. The number of enemy soldiers will vary depending on factors like the ship's level, size, and class. This is an excellent way to earn experience points (XP) for leveling up your character.
Furthermore, mercenary and pirate ships often carry contraband items, which can be sold for a substantial amount of in-game currency. Besides contraband, you can also find loot in containers, the cargo hold, captain's terminal, and on the bodies of your defeated enemies.
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Conquering Enemy Ships in Starfield
In Starfield, once you've taken control of an enemy ship, you have the option to make it your own. You can do this by interacting with the pilot's seat. However, the ship's class determines whether you need to level up your Piloting skill further. Class-A ships usually don't require any additional Piloting skill, but higher-class ships like B and C may demand a higher Piloting skill tier.
Furthermore, if you decide to make the captured ship your own and then fast travel to another star system, it will become your temporary home ship. You can take it to any docking area, such as New Atlantis, and sell it. Keep in mind that there's a registration fee to pay before you can sell the ship, which means the profits will be lower compared to its actual value.
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Starfield Gameplay
In Starfield, players will immerse themselves in an expansive action role-playing experience set in an open-world environment within the Milky Way galaxy. The game offers a seamless transition between first-person and third-person perspectives, allowing players to choose their preferred viewpoint at any time. With a vast universe at their disposal, players can explore over 1,000 planets, numerous moons, and space stations, both fictional and inspired by real-life celestial bodies.
The game's landscapes are primarily procedurally generated, with handcrafted content enhancing the planetary experiences. Players will encounter diverse non-playable characters (NPCs) during their journey, some of whom may become part of the player's crew, aiding in various ways such as combat support, item carrying, and dialogue interactions.
These NPCs may offer insights and comments based on the player's choices, adding depth to the game's narrative. Additionally, some NPCs are available for romantic relationships, enriching the player's social interactions.
Starfield Setting
Starfield is set in the Settled Systems, an area extending about 50 light-years beyond the Solar System. The game's backdrop includes a significant event known as the Colony War, involving the United Colonies and Freestar Collective around 2310.
Twenty years after this conflict, the game's story unfolds, with the major factions existing in a tense post-war peace. Players step into the shoes of a customizable character, part of Constellation, a group of space explorers, as they navigate this intriguing science fiction universe.
How to Board Ships in Starfield - FAQs
To board a ship in Starfield, first, disable its engines by targeting and destroying its shields and engines. Once this is done, you'll see a button prompt to dock, but make sure all other hostile ships in the area are eliminated.
No, you can only board ships that have had their engines disabled and are the last remaining hostile vessel in the area.
After boarding, you'll need to eliminate all hostiles inside the ship, and the number of enemies varies based on the ship's level and size. This is a good way to earn experience points (XP).
Yes, you can interact with the pilot's seat and make the enemy ship your own, but higher-class ships may require a higher Piloting skill level.
If you fast travel to another star system, the captured ship becomes your temporary home ship. You can then sell it at any docking area, but there's a registration fee, so the profits are lower than the ship's actual value.