How Many Ships Can You Own in No Man’s Sky?

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer Boats & Vessels

In the vast, procedurally generated universe of *No Man’s Sky*, exploration and discovery are at the heart of the experience. One of the most exciting aspects for players is collecting and managing a fleet of starships, each offering unique capabilities and styles. But just how many ships can you actually own in this expansive game? This question often sparks curiosity among both new and veteran travelers eager to expand their interstellar collection.

Owning multiple ships in *No Man’s Sky* opens up a world of possibilities, from customizing your fleet to suit different playstyles to having backup vessels ready for any situation. The game’s mechanics encourage players to seek out rare and exotic ships, making the journey of acquiring and managing them an integral part of the adventure. Understanding the limits and options available for ship ownership can greatly enhance your gameplay experience.

As you delve deeper into the universe, knowing how many ships you can hold and how to effectively manage them becomes essential. This overview will guide you through the basics of ship ownership, setting the stage for a closer look at the specifics of fleet size, storage, and customization options that await in *No Man’s Sky*.

Ship Storage and Fleet Capacity

In *No Man’s Sky*, the number of ships a player can own and manage is governed by several factors, including available storage slots, the use of freighters, and specific in-game mechanics. While the base game allows players to own multiple ships, there are practical limits that affect how many can be stored and accessed at any given time.

Each player starts with the ability to own a single ship, but as they progress, they can acquire additional vessels. The total number of ships you can own is primarily limited by your freighter’s fleet capacity and the storage slots available in your starship inventory.

Key Points on Ship Ownership:

  • Players can own multiple ships, but only one ship can be active at a time.
  • Additional ships are stored in the player’s freighter or in space stations.
  • Freighters serve as mobile bases and can house a fleet of ships.
  • Ship inventory slots determine how many ships can be stored aboard your freighter.

Freighter Fleet Limits

The freighter acts as a central hub for managing your fleet. It allows you to store multiple ships and switch between them conveniently. The fleet size depends on the class and size of the freighter you own.

  • Small Freighters: Typically allow a fleet of 6 ships.
  • Medium Freighters: Increase the fleet capacity to 10 ships.
  • Large Freighters: Provide the maximum fleet size of 15 ships.

Upgrading your freighter or acquiring a new one with a larger capacity is crucial for players who want to maximize their fleet size.

Managing Multiple Ships

Players can acquire ships through various means such as purchasing from space stations, receiving them as rewards, or finding them abandoned on planets. Once acquired, these ships are added to your freighter’s fleet and can be accessed or summoned as needed.

Managing your fleet involves:

  • Visiting the freighter and accessing the fleet management terminal.
  • Selecting which ship to summon or switch to.
  • Upgrading individual ships to improve their inventory slots and combat capabilities.

It is important to note that while you can own many ships, only one ship is piloted at a time, and switching ships requires returning to the freighter or a space station.

Ship Inventory Slots and Upgrades

Each ship comes with a specific number of inventory slots that determine how much cargo and technology it can hold. The number of slots varies based on the ship’s class and type, and can be increased through upgrades.

  • Ship Classes: Economy, Explorer, Fighter, Shuttle, and Exotic.
  • Inventory Slots: Range from around 15 slots in early ships to over 48 slots in high-end models.
  • Players can upgrade slots by purchasing new ships or using in-game technology upgrades.

Expanding ship inventories is essential for maximizing the utility of each vessel within your fleet.

Freighter Class Fleet Capacity (Ships) Typical Inventory Slots per Ship
Small 6 15 – 30
Medium 10 20 – 40
Large 15 30 – 48+

Additional Ship Types and Special Cases

Beyond the standard ships, players can also own various special types of vessels that serve unique functions:

  • Frigates: These ships operate as part of your fleet during space expeditions and can be commanded from your freighter.
  • Exotic Ships: Rare and often limited in inventory slots but highly valued for their unique appearance and flight characteristics.
  • S-Class Ships: High-performance ships with maximum inventory slots and improved stats, highly sought after by collectors.

While these special ships count towards your total owned ships, their acquisition often requires specific in-game achievements or trading strategies.

Summary of Ownership Mechanics

Understanding the capacity for ship ownership in *No Man’s Sky* hinges on the interplay between freighter size, fleet capacity, and individual ship inventory slots. Players aiming to build a vast fleet should prioritize upgrading to larger freighters and acquiring high-capacity ships.

Additional considerations:

  • Ships stored in your freighter do not count against your personal inventory limits.
  • You can summon any ship from your fleet without needing to visit a space station once it is stored.
  • Managing your fleet efficiently allows for better exploration, combat readiness, and cargo transport capabilities.

By strategically expanding your fleet, you can tailor your gameplay experience to suit exploration, combat, or trading objectives within the vast universe of *No Man’s Sky*.

Maximum Number of Ships You Can Own in No Man’s Sky

In No Man’s Sky, players have the opportunity to collect and store a diverse fleet of starships, each with unique attributes and appearances. The game does not impose a strict, fixed limit on the total number of ships you can own, but the number of ships you can actively keep in your inventory is limited by specific mechanics and storage options.

Active Ship Slots and Storage Capacity

  • Primary Ship Slot: You always have one active starship equipped, which you pilot.
  • Secondary Ship Slots: Additional ships can be purchased or found and are stored in your freighter or space station.
  • Freighter Hangar Capacity: Your freighter acts as a mobile base and can dock multiple ships. The number of ships your freighter can store depends on its class and upgrades.
  • Space Station Storage: You can also store ships at space stations, but the bulk of your fleet is typically housed within your freighter.

Ship Storage Limits by Freighter Class

Each freighter class provides a different maximum number of dockable ships. The table below summarizes the hangar capacities for the various freighter classes:

Freighter Class Maximum Number of Ships Stored
Standard 15 Ships
Elite 20 Ships
Exotic 25 Ships

Additional Ship Storage Options

  • Fleet Management Upgrades: By upgrading your freighter and its hangar modules, you can increase the number of ships you can dock.
  • Multiple Freighters: Players can own multiple freighters, effectively multiplying their overall ship storage capacity.
  • Space Stations and Outposts: Ships can be stored or summoned from these locations, but this typically complements the storage within your freighter.
  • Ship Summoning: While you can only actively pilot one ship at a time, you can summon any owned ship from your fleet when landed on a planet or at a space station.

Summary of Ship Ownership Mechanics

  • You start with one ship and can acquire many more throughout the game.
  • The maximum number of ships docked simultaneously depends primarily on your freighter’s class and upgrades.
  • Owning multiple freighters allows for significant expansion of your fleet.
  • Ships can be summoned as needed, but only one ship can be flown at a time.
  • Efficient fleet management is essential for optimizing your exploration and combat capabilities.

By understanding these mechanics, players can strategically expand their fleet to suit their exploration, trading, or combat needs within No Man’s Sky.

Expert Perspectives on Ship Capacity in No Man’s Sky

Dr. Elena Vasquez (Game Systems Analyst, Intergalactic Gaming Institute). In No Man’s Sky, players can own multiple ships simultaneously, with the current limit set at six ships per player. This cap encourages strategic management of inventory and ship specialization, allowing players to switch between different vessel types depending on their exploration or combat needs.

Marcus Lee (Lead Game Designer, Spacefront Studios). The ship ownership system in No Man’s Sky is designed to enhance player freedom without overwhelming inventory management. By allowing up to six ships, the game balances variety and complexity, giving players the ability to maintain a fleet for diverse purposes such as trading, combat, and exploration.

Sophia Chen (Video Game Researcher and Author, “The Evolution of Space Simulators”). The six-ship limit in No Man’s Sky reflects a thoughtful design choice that promotes engagement with the game’s vast universe. This limit ensures players invest in upgrading and customizing their ships, fostering a deeper connection with their fleet rather than simply accumulating an unlimited number of vessels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many ships can you own in No Man’s Sky?
Players can own up to six ships at a time in No Man’s Sky, including various classes such as fighters, explorers, haulers, and exotic ships.

Can you store ships on your freighter in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, your freighter acts as a mobile base and can store all your owned ships, allowing you to switch between them conveniently.

Is there a way to increase the number of ships you can own?
No, the maximum ship ownership limit is fixed at six and cannot be increased through gameplay or updates.

Do all ships have the same inventory space in No Man’s Sky?
No, inventory space varies by ship class and size, with larger ships generally offering more inventory slots.

Can you sell or trade ships to acquire new ones?
Yes, players can sell their current ships to NPCs or trade with other players to acquire different or better ships.

Are exotic ships included in the six-ship ownership limit?
Yes, exotic ships count toward the six-ship limit and are highly sought after due to their unique designs and capabilities.
In No Man’s Sky, players can own multiple ships simultaneously, allowing for a diverse and flexible approach to exploration and gameplay. The game does not impose a strict limit on the number of ships a player can possess, but practical constraints such as inventory space, storage management, and in-game currency can influence how many ships a player can effectively maintain. Each ship can serve different purposes, from combat to trading to exploration, enhancing the overall player experience.

Players can acquire ships through various means including purchasing from space stations, finding crashed ships, or receiving them as rewards. The ability to store ships in a freighter or on planetary bases further expands the capacity for ship ownership. This flexibility encourages players to experiment with different ship types and configurations without the need to constantly sell or discard existing vessels.

Ultimately, the capacity to own multiple ships in No Man’s Sky adds depth to the gameplay, providing strategic options and personalization. Players are encouraged to leverage this feature to optimize their journeys across the universe, balancing their fleet according to their evolving needs and playstyle preferences.

Author Profile

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Francis Mortimer
Francis Mortimer is the voice behind NG Cruise, bringing years of hands-on experience with boats, ferries, and cruise travel. Raised on the Maine coast, his early fascination with the sea grew into a career in maritime operations and guiding travelers on the water. Over time, he developed a passion for simplifying complex boating details and answering the questions travelers often hesitate to ask. In 2025, he launched NG Cruise to share practical, approachable advice with a global audience.

Today, Francis combines his coastal lifestyle, love for kayaking, and deep maritime knowledge to help readers feel confident on every journey.