How to Use the Ship Builder in Starfield
Starfield offers players the opportunity to customize their ships in order to traverse the starfield in style. However, the Ship Builder interface can be quite overwhelming, and the game doesn’t provide much guidance in using it. This guide will walk you through the Ship Builder, explaining all the different pieces and concepts involved in starship design. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to build the ship of your dreams, within your budget.
Accessing the Ship Builder
Most spaceports have a Ship Services Technician located near the landing area. If you’re having trouble finding them, look for a Ship Services counter or shop nearby. Speaking to the technician will allow you to repair your ship, purchase new ships, and access the Ship Builder. To enter the Ship Builder mode, select the “I’d like to view and modify my ships” dialogue option, and then press the X button on Xbox. Additionally, you can build a Landing Pad with Shipbuilder at an outpost. The available modules in the Ship Builder will vary depending on the spaceport.
Ship Builder vs. Upgrade Ship
When you first access the “View and Modify Ships” option, you’ll have the choice to enter either the Ship Builder or Upgrade Ship menu. These two options have similar functions, but different purposes. The Upgrade Ship option allows you to replace parts that are already on your ship, such as weapons, engines, reactor, and grav drive, with different versions that are available at the spaceport. The Ship Builder, on the other hand, allows you to add new components or rearrange existing ones on your ship.
Limitations of the Ship Builder
While the Ship Builder allows for a great deal of customization, there are some limitations to keep in mind. Firstly, you cannot build a ship from scratch. You must start with a ship that you already own or have registered. However, you can delete all components of a ship and start fresh if you wish. Additionally, there are certain restrictions on component orientation. Habs and engines have fixed orientations and cannot be rotated. However, some parts, such as cargo holds and landing bays, can be flipped or mirrored. Another important point is that Starfield doesn’t enforce symmetry or balance in ship design. You can put all your landing gear on one side of the ship, as long as there are enough gear to support the ship’s weight. Finally, you have full freedom to paint any part of your ship in any color.
Ship Module Categories in Starfield
Within the Ship Builder, you have access to various ship modules that can be added, moved, or deleted. These modules are organized into different categories:
- Bay: This category includes landing bays for planetary surface access. Landing bays must be placed on the bottom of the ship.
- Cargo: These modules determine the size of your cargo hold.
- Cockpits: Cockpits are where you pilot your ship from, and they may include crew stations and additional cargo capacity.
- Docker: The docker is an airlock used to dock with other ships and space stations. It should be placed on one of the outer edges of your ship.
- Engines: Engines are responsible for moving your ship in space. They are different from the grav drive and determine your ship’s mobility.
- Fuel tanks: Fuel tanks supply fuel to your grav drive, and larger tanks increase your jump range.
- Landing Gear: These are used for landing and should be on the same plane as your landing bay. The number of landing gear required depends on the weight of your ship.
- Grav Drives: Grav drives enable interstellar travel and require additional thrust as your ship’s mass increases.
- Habs: Habs are walkable parts of your ship and offer various customization options.
- Reactor: The reactor supplies power to your ship and determines its class and available power for weapons, engines, and the grav drive.
- Shields: Shields generate a protective shield around your ship.
- Structural Components: This category includes cosmetic parts, like nosecones and portholes, as well as parts with weapon attachment points.
- Weapons: This category includes cannons, lasers, electromagnetic (EM) weapons, and missile launchers.
The Flight Check
Before delving further into the Ship Builder, it’s important to understand the Flight Check feature. The Flight Check alerts you to any errors or issues with your ship’s layout. To access the Flight Check, press the menu button. The Messages tab displays notifications about unattached modules, missing components, and other warnings. The other tab allows you to assign weapons to buttons, with each ship limited to three types of weapons simultaneously.
Essential Components for Ship Building
While ship design is flexible, there are a few non-negotiable components that every ship must have:
- Cockpit
- Engine(s) (up to a maximum of four)
- Reactor
- Grav drive
- Fuel tank(s)
- Docker
- Bay
- Gear (minimum of two, with no upper limit)
In addition, at least one hab must be added to allow movement between the cockpit, bay, and docker. This is due to the attachment points between these components.
Now that you have a better understanding of the Ship Builder in Starfield, you can embark on your journey to create the perfect starship. Customize your ship to suit your needs and explore the starfield in style!