How Do You Change Ships in Starfield?
Navigating the vast cosmos in *Starfield* offers players an unparalleled sense of exploration and adventure, with ships serving as your trusty vessels across the stars. Whether you’re embarking on daring missions, trading between distant planets, or simply soaking in the breathtaking universe, your ship is more than just transportation—it’s an extension of your identity in this expansive sci-fi world. Naturally, knowing how to change ships in *Starfield* can significantly enhance your gameplay experience, allowing you to adapt to new challenges and customize your journey through space.
Understanding the mechanics behind switching ships opens up a world of possibilities, from upgrading to more powerful vessels to experimenting with different styles and capabilities. This flexibility not only impacts your travel efficiency but also influences combat strategies and exploration tactics. As you traverse the galaxy, the ability to seamlessly change ships ensures you remain prepared for whatever the universe throws your way.
In the following sections, we’ll explore the essentials of changing ships in *Starfield*, shedding light on the options available to players and the benefits of mastering this feature. Whether you’re a seasoned spacefarer or just starting your interstellar adventure, gaining insight into ship management will elevate your gameplay and deepen your connection to the game’s immersive universe.
Accessing and Customizing Your Ship
Once you have acquired a new ship or want to modify your existing one in Starfield, the first step is to access the ship customization interface. This can be done by docking at a space station or landing on a planet with shipyard facilities. Upon entering the shipyard, interact with the ship console or terminal to enter the ship management screen.
Within this interface, you have several options:
- Change Ship Appearance: Modify the hull color, decals, and lighting.
- Upgrade Components: Swap out engines, weapons, shields, and utility modules.
- Manage Crew and Loadout: Assign crew members to various ship roles and adjust the inventory.
- Change Ship Model: If multiple ships are owned, select which one to use as your active ship.
Steps to Change Your Active Ship
To switch between ships you own, follow these steps:
- Dock at a space station or land at a planetary outpost with shipyard capabilities.
- Access the ship console to bring up the ship selection menu.
- Browse through the list of your owned ships.
- Select the ship you want to designate as your active vessel.
- Confirm the change; your new ship will become the default for travel and missions.
This process does not require you to manually transfer items or crew, as the game maintains separate inventories and configurations for each ship.
Understanding Ship Customization Options
Ship customization in Starfield involves various modules and cosmetic changes that impact both aesthetics and performance. Key areas include:
- Hull and Paint: Choose from different hull shapes and paint jobs to personalize your ship.
- Engines: Upgrade for increased speed, fuel efficiency, or maneuverability.
- Weapons: Equip energy weapons, ballistic weapons, or missile systems depending on combat preference.
- Defenses: Enhance shields, armor plating, and countermeasures.
- Utility Systems: Install scanners, stealth modules, or cargo expansions.
Each module affects the ship’s overall stats, such as speed, damage output, shield strength, and cargo capacity.
Comparing Ship Attributes
When selecting or customizing a ship, it is important to consider the following attributes to match your playstyle:
| Attribute | Description | Impact on Gameplay |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Maximum travel velocity and acceleration | Affects how quickly you can traverse star systems and evade combat |
| Armor | Hull durability and resistance to damage | Determines survivability during hostile encounters |
| Weapons | Types and firepower of onboard armaments | Influences combat effectiveness and engagement strategy |
| Cargo Capacity | Maximum storage for goods and resources | Important for trading, exploration, and resource gathering |
| Fuel Efficiency | Rate of fuel consumption during travel | Affects range and frequency of refueling stops |
Tips for Efficient Ship Switching and Customization
To maximize your experience when changing ships in Starfield, consider the following tips:
- Regularly visit shipyards to check for new ship models and upgrade parts.
- Customize ships based on mission requirements; use fast, agile ships for scouting and heavily armed vessels for combat.
- Transfer key items and crew between ships to maintain operational readiness.
- Keep an eye on your ship’s fuel levels before embarking on long journeys.
- Experiment with different loadouts to find the optimal balance between offense, defense, and utility.
By understanding the mechanics of ship changing and customization, you can tailor your fleet to suit any situation encountered in Starfield’s vast universe.
Changing Ships in Starfield
In Starfield, changing your ship involves selecting a different vessel to pilot or acquiring a new one to suit your gameplay style. Ships play a crucial role in exploration, combat, and transportation across the galaxy. Understanding how to switch ships efficiently is essential for optimizing your experience.
Here are the key methods and steps to change ships within the game:
- Docking at a Spaceport: To switch ships, you must first dock your current ship at a spaceport or a station where you have access to other vessels.
- Accessing the Ship Menu: Once docked, open the main menu and navigate to the “Ships” tab. This menu displays all ships you currently own, including purchased and acquired vessels.
- Selecting a Different Ship: Highlight the ship you want to pilot and choose the “Set as Active Ship” option. This action will make the selected ship your primary vessel, and it will be available for launch from the current location.
- Acquiring New Ships: You can also acquire new ships by purchasing them at shipyards or receiving them through missions and rewards. Newly acquired ships automatically appear in your ship inventory.
- Ship Customization: After switching ships, consider customizing your new vessel’s components and appearance to suit your preferences. Customization options include upgrading weapons, engines, shields, and cosmetic details.
Managing Your Ship Inventory
Efficient management of your ship inventory is important for quick switching and ensuring you always have the right ship for your objectives. The in-game interface offers tools to help manage and organize your fleet.
| Feature | Description | How to Access |
|---|---|---|
| Ship List | Displays all ships you own with basic stats and current status. | Main Menu → Ships Tab |
| Set Active Ship | Selects which ship you will pilot next. | Ship List → Select Ship → Set as Active |
| Ship Upgrades | Modify and enhance ship components such as weapons and engines. | Ship Menu → Select Ship → Upgrade |
| Sell or Trade Ships | Dispose of unwanted ships to free up space or gain resources. | Spaceport Shipyard → Sell Option |
Tips for Efficient Ship Switching
To maximize your efficiency when switching ships, consider the following expert tips:
- Plan Ahead: Before traveling to a spaceport, decide which ship suits your upcoming mission to avoid unnecessary backtracking.
- Utilize Quick Access: Familiarize yourself with hotkeys or quick menu options for faster ship switching when available.
- Maintain Multiple Ships: Keep a variety of ships optimized for different purposes such as combat, cargo hauling, or exploration.
- Regularly Upgrade Ships: Upgraded ships perform better and increase survivability, so routinely upgrading your fleet enhances overall gameplay.
- Monitor Ship Storage: Spaceports may have limits on how many ships you can store; manage your inventory to avoid losing valuable vessels.
Switching Ships During Gameplay
While in-flight ship switching is not supported, the game allows you to change your active ship whenever docked at a station or spaceport. This means you must land before switching ships.
Steps to switch ships during gameplay:
- Navigate your current ship to a nearby spaceport or station.
- Land and disembark the ship.
- Access the ship menu via the main interface.
- Select the desired ship and set it as active.
- Board the new ship and launch when ready.
By adhering to this process, you can fluidly adapt your ship choice according to mission requirements and gameplay style without losing progress.