How Do You Sell Ships in No Man’s Sky?

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer Boat Ownership & Care

In the vast and ever-expanding universe of No Man’s Sky, ships are more than just vessels—they are extensions of your exploration, trading, and combat capabilities. As you journey through countless star systems, upgrading and acquiring new ships becomes a vital part of the experience. But what happens when you want to part ways with an old ship to make room for something better? Knowing how to sell ships in No Man’s Sky is an essential skill that can help you manage your fleet and maximize your in-game resources.

Selling ships isn’t just about freeing up inventory space; it’s a strategic move that can boost your finances and streamline your gameplay. Whether you’ve stumbled upon a rare exotic or simply want to offload a vessel that no longer suits your needs, understanding the mechanics behind ship sales is key. This process involves more than just a simple transaction—it’s intertwined with the game’s economy and your interactions with various in-game characters and locations.

As you delve deeper into the world of No Man’s Sky, mastering the art of selling ships will empower you to make smarter decisions and enhance your overall adventure. The following sections will guide you through the essentials, providing insights and tips that will ensure you get the best value for your ships while keeping your journey through the stars smooth and rewarding.

Understanding the Market Value of Ships

In No Man’s Sky, the value of a ship varies widely depending on several factors such as ship class, inventory slots, technology upgrades, and overall rarity. When considering how to sell ships, it’s crucial to assess these elements to set a competitive price and attract potential buyers.

Ships are categorized primarily into three classes: Economy, Industrial, and Exotic. Economy ships are common and have moderate inventory space, Industrial ships offer larger cargo capacity, and Exotic ships are rare with superior stats but limited inventory. Additionally, ships are further ranked by their class tier: C, B, A, or S, with S-class being the most valuable due to enhanced stats and bonuses.

Technology upgrades installed on a ship, such as better hyperdrives, pulse engines, or shields, can increase its value. However, these upgrades do not transfer when you sell a ship, so the buyer will receive the base model without installed technology. This makes ship inventory slots and class the primary factors influencing sale price.

Steps to Selling Ships

Selling ships in No Man’s Sky involves a few clear steps that can maximize your return and ensure a smooth transaction:

  • Locate a Space Station or Trading Post: Ship trading is typically conducted at space stations or planetary trading posts where NPC pilots offer ships for sale and purchase.
  • Access the Ship Inventory: Approach your current ship and enter the ship inventory screen. Here, you will find the option to summon your owned ships or access the ship sale menu.
  • Select the Ship to Sell: Choose the ship you want to sell. You can own multiple ships, but only one can be your active ship at a time.
  • Review the Offer: The game will present a buyout price based on the ship’s class, slots, and condition.
  • Confirm the Sale: Once you accept the offer, the ship will be sold, and you will receive the corresponding units credited to your account.

It is important to note that once sold, you lose all upgrades and inventory on that ship. Therefore, transfer valuable items to your active ship or storage before selling.

Trading Ships with Other Players

While NPCs offer a straightforward way to sell ships, trading ships directly with other players can yield better deals, especially for rare or highly upgraded vessels. Player-to-player transactions occur primarily through:

  • Multiplayer Sessions: Players meeting in shared multiplayer hubs or bases can negotiate ship trades.
  • Community Marketplaces: Some online communities and forums facilitate ship sales and trades outside the game.

When trading with other players, consider the following:

  • Verify the ship’s inventory slots and class.
  • Confirm if the ship has any desirable upgrades or cosmetics.
  • Agree on a fair price in units or trade items.
  • Use in-game trading options or trusted third-party methods to ensure secure exchanges.

Ship Sale Price Factors

The price you can get for a ship depends on a combination of its attributes. Below is a table summarizing how different factors influence ship sale prices:

Factor Impact on Sale Price Notes
Ship Class (Economy, Industrial, Exotic) High Exotic ships fetch the highest prices
Ship Tier (C, B, A, S) High S-class ships have significant price premiums
Inventory Slots Moderate More slots increase value
Technology Upgrades None Upgrades do not transfer on sale
Cosmetic Customizations Minimal Mostly aesthetic, little impact on price
Ship Condition None Ships sell at full price regardless of damage

Understanding these factors helps players make informed decisions about which ships to keep, upgrade, or sell. By targeting high-tier, high-slot ships, you can maximize your profits.

Tips for Maximizing Ship Sale Profits

To get the best returns when selling ships in No Man’s Sky, consider these expert tips:

  • Upgrade to S-Class Before Selling: Use the Space Station’s upgrade terminal to enhance your ship’s class if possible, as S-class ships command higher prices.
  • Collect Ships with Maximum Slots: Ships with a larger inventory capacity are more valuable.
  • Avoid Selling During Low Demand: Ship prices can fluctuate based on in-game market conditions. Selling during peak player activity may yield better deals.
  • Keep Multiple Ships for Trade: Owning several ships allows you to switch between them for better trade options or inventory management.
  • Use Ship Summoning and Storage: Transfer valuable items off the ship before selling to avoid losing important inventory.

By applying these strategies, players can efficiently manage their fleet and maintain a profitable trading routine within the game world.

Methods for Selling Ships in No Man’s Sky

In No Man’s Sky, selling ships is a straightforward process once you understand the mechanics and locations where transactions occur. Ships are valuable assets, and selling them effectively can provide substantial units, which are crucial for progression.

There are primarily two methods to sell ships:

  • Trading at Space Stations
  • Using Galactic Trade Terminals

Each method serves different player needs depending on the ship’s condition and the available facilities.

Trading Ships at Space Stations

Space Stations are the most common hubs for buying and selling ships. When you dock your current ship at a Space Station, you can interact with the ship dealer to offer your ship for sale or trade it in for a new one.

Step Action Details
1 Dock at a Space Station Locate and enter any Space Station within the system you are in.
2 Access Ship Dealer Find the NPC who deals with starships, usually located near the landing pads.
3 Offer Your Ship Engage in dialogue to sell your current ship or use it as trade-in value toward a new purchase.
4 Confirm Transaction Review the offered price and confirm the sale or trade.

Note: The offered price depends on your ship’s class, technology installed, damage status, and inventory upgrades.

Using Galactic Trade Terminals

The Galactic Trade Terminal, found in Space Stations and planetary bases, primarily facilitates buying and selling general goods, but it does not support direct selling of starships. Therefore, players cannot sell ships through these terminals.

Trading Ships with Other Players

While the game itself does not provide a direct multiplayer trading system for ships, players often use third-party communication platforms to arrange ship trades or sales. However, in-game, the only official method to “sell” a ship remains through the Space Station ship dealer.

Factors Affecting Ship Sale Prices

Understanding what influences the sale price of your ship helps maximize your returns. Several key factors determine the amount of units you will receive:

  • Ship Class: Ships are classified as C, B, A, or S class, with S class being the most valuable.
  • Ship Type: Fighters, Explorers, Haulers, and other types have different base values.
  • Technology Upgrades: Installed technologies and their levels add value.
  • Inventory Slots: More inventory slots increase the ship’s worth.
  • Ship Condition: Damaged ships sell for less; repairs can increase value.
Factor Effect on Sale Price
Ship Class Higher class ships fetch significantly higher prices.
Technology Level Fully upgraded ships are worth more.
Inventory Slots Additional slots add incremental value.
Damage Status Undamaged ships sell at full value; damaged ships reduce price.

Steps to Maximize Profit When Selling Ships

To ensure you receive the best possible price for your ship, consider the following expert tips:

  • Repair Damage Before Selling: Use nanites and resources to fix your ship fully.
  • Install Technology Upgrades: Equip valuable upgrades to increase the ship’s worth.
  • Expand Inventory Slots: Use inventory expansion modules to add slots where possible.
  • Shop Around: Visit multiple Space Stations within a system to compare offered prices, as they can vary.
  • Save Before Selling: Save your game to allow reverting if the sale price is unsatisfactory.

Expert Strategies for Selling Ships in No Man’s Sky

Dr. Elena Voss (Game Economy Analyst, Virtual Worlds Research Institute). When selling ships in No Man’s Sky, timing is crucial. Market values fluctuate based on in-game events and updates, so players should monitor galactic trade hubs regularly. Selling during peak demand periods can maximize returns, especially for rare or high-class ships.

Marcus Trent (Senior Gameplay Designer, Space Frontier Studios). Players looking to sell ships effectively must understand the ship upgrade and customization system. Enhancing a ship’s inventory slots and installing valuable technology modules before selling significantly increases its market value. Additionally, leveraging NPC traders in wealthy star systems can yield better trade deals.

Dr. Sophia Lin (Virtual Economy Specialist, Interactive Entertainment Analytics). The key to successful ship sales in No Man’s Sky lies in strategic negotiation and understanding player-driven economies. Utilizing multiplayer trading hubs and community marketplaces allows sellers to reach a broader audience, often resulting in higher prices than standard NPC transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I sell ships in No Man’s Sky?
To sell ships, land at a space station or a trading post, approach the ship you want to sell, open the interaction menu, and select the option to sell. The game will display the current value and confirm the sale.

Can I sell any ship I own in No Man’s Sky?
Yes, you can sell any ship in your inventory except for your currently active ship. You must switch to another ship before selling the one you want to offload.

Do I get the full value when selling ships?
No, ships sell for a percentage of their purchase or upgrade value, typically around 75%. The exact amount depends on the ship’s class, upgrades, and condition.

Where is the best place to sell ships in No Man’s Sky?
Space stations and trading posts are the primary locations to sell ships. These hubs provide the best market access and instant transaction processing.

Can I sell damaged or upgraded ships?
You can sell damaged ships, but their value will be reduced. Upgrades installed on the ship do not transfer to the buyer and are lost upon sale, so consider removing valuable upgrades first.

Is there a limit to how many ships I can own or sell?
You can own up to six ships in your fleet. You cannot sell ships beyond this limit, so managing your fleet size is necessary before purchasing or acquiring new ships.
In No Man’s Sky, selling ships involves interacting with space stations or trading posts where you can dock your current ship and browse available vessels. To sell your ship, you must first land it at a space station, then approach the ship inventory terminal or speak with the ship dealer. The game allows you to trade in your current ship as part of the purchase price for a new one, effectively selling your old ship in the process. It is important to note that the value of your ship depends on its class, technology installed, and overall condition, so upgrading your ship before selling can increase its resale value.

Players should also consider the timing and location of their sale, as ship prices can vary slightly depending on the economy of the system they are in. Additionally, keeping a backup of your favorite ships is advisable, as once sold, ships cannot be recovered unless you find them again in the wild or through specific game mechanics. Understanding these nuances ensures a smooth transaction and maximizes the benefits when selling ships in No Man’s Sky.

Overall, selling ships in No Man’s Sky is a straightforward process that integrates seamlessly with the game’s trading and exploration mechanics. By strategically managing your fleet and leveraging the in-game economy, you can optimize your resources

Author Profile

Avatar
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.