Starfield players often treat the ship as a second home. While space remains the main stage, the vessel deserves careful attention. The base game offers core options, but unlocking the game’s full potential means exploring the advanced features. On a ship, players can place workbenches, laboratories, and even infirmaries, turning the craft into a mobile workshop and shelter. This guide explains how to upgrade and customize ships so they serve not just as transportation, but as practical hubs that deliver real advantages.
Starfield Guides
Where to find a merchant to upgrade your ship
When landing in a major city, seek out a local technician who can repair or adjust your ship. Choosing the right dialogue option opens a window where a player can select and upgrade one of their ships. Each ship has six main parameters:
- W0, W1, W2 — Weapons. Higher values increase weapon damage.
- NL — Engine. This governs speed and acceleration; heavier ships require stronger engines.
- S.H.D — Energy shield. Determines how much damage a ship can absorb safely.
- GRV — Gravity drive. A higher value allows faster hyper jumps, aiding escapes and saving fuel during interstellar travel.
In the opened window, players can inspect each parameter separately and upgrade equipment as needed. Each faction offers its own parts, so buying the priciest gear in one place isn’t always the best choice.
How to work in the ship designer
To access fine-tuning, press B to open the designer.
Here, the ship can be disassembled and reassembled in real time. To add new items, press G. While designing, players should watch the error count and can press OF to investigate problems in more detail.
As the game progresses, new modules unlock, allowing greater personalization and fewer unnecessary attachments. Early on, combat power can be modestly increased by placing a few extra weapons in available slots. Here are practical tips to avoid common issues:
- If a ship has multiple levels, use R or F to adjust the selected part up or down.
- Group weapons by pressing OF, then go to the Weapon tab and assign W0, W1, or W2. The weapon model should be consistent.
- Interior customization is limited, but ready-made modules with the desired content can be chosen.
- Use Ctrl+Z to undo the last operation, repeatedly if needed.
- Companions do not require separate cabins; extra staterooms are mainly for NPC transport.
- Crew size is constrained by ship size and the player’s skills.
- Ships have finite size limits; expansion is not unlimited.
If the ideal ship is assembled but upgrades are desired without opening the designer, a part can be compared with the dealer’s range. This allows selling the old part and installing a new one quickly, saving time.
How to add a workbench to a ship
Many modules show small dashes under their names. Use the arrows to switch between module variants. A ship can include an infirmary, a workshop, or a captain’s cabin. Each module carries its own basic content. For example, the “Workplace” module contains workbenches for crafting and upgrading weapons, plus a bench for upgrading a suit. Early in the game, it may be wiser to keep the module at the research station to study new designs.
How to get more parts for the ship
Parts can be bought at ship launch pads on various planets. To unlock and install unique components, the player needs the Starship Design skill at a high level. If a player plans to build the best ship possible, this skill should be prioritized early in the game.
One notable option comes from the Crimson Fleet faction. Engaging with them requires completing a series of quests. More about this faction appears in a separate guide.
How to create an invulnerable ship that cannot be destroyed
In space, artificial intelligence tends to rely on a few variables. Regardless of size, many battles target the ship’s center. A common strategy is to move the ship in a way that makes enemy shots miss. This can be achieved by adding defensive modules at the top-left of the ship. Aesthetics aside, such additions can make battles feel safer and give a sense of mastery in space combat. Decorative, lightweight parts can be attached almost anywhere to extend the ship’s survivability.
However, the starter ship may not support stacking multiple modules. Even so, the added defenses can noticeably reduce enemy accuracy.
Upgrade and customize Starborn Guardian
After completing the main missions, players can start New Game+ and gain benefits and a unique ship, the Starborn Guardian. While further adjustments to this ship aren’t possible, its attributes can be increased by replaying the story and restarting the universe, collecting artifacts along the way. Each reset grants a new prefix and improved starting stats.
Where to find and buy the best ships in Starfield
If assembling a custom ship isn’t appealing, a wide range of ready-made ships becomes an attractive alternative. Despite the vast galaxy, there are relatively few reliable places to purchase a strong vessel.
Kryx system
This location hosts the Crimson Fleet faction, where a warship can be acquired. Befriend them first, or the ship could be lost on arrival. The price tag is high, and early in the game this destination is out of reach.
Cheyenne System. Planet Aquila
Visiting this planet reveals a small selection of freighters with limited space combat capability and modest maneuverability.
Valo system. Planet Polvo
Ships here are highly maneuverable with strong shields. They enable safe and swift exploration, but their cargo space means you’ll pass on carrying unnecessary items.
Solar System (Sol). The planet Mars
Arriving on Mars provides enough space experience to gauge which ship suits the journey. A solid option can be found that supports a player’s adventures.
Solar System (Sol). Moon of Saturn (Titan)
On Titan, an expensive shop awaits late-game vessels. While powerful, these ships are less distinctive in feature.
Volii system. Planet Volius Alpha
On this planet, balanced, compact ships stand out. If a castle-like ship feels excessive, this is a good place to visit.
Porrima system. Planet Porrima II
The area houses only four ships, but every option is an improved and updated take on ships players may have seen before.
Other guides
Source: VG Times