As a grizzled Starfield veteran who has constructed over 50 custom starships across multiple playthroughs, I live for those moments when a new vessel glides out the shipyard doors bearing my creative signature across its frame.
The sheer depth of the ship building system allows for near-infinite unique designs – it‘s almost an art form unto itself! Which is why I had to create the ultimate guide for new players on realizing their interstellar starship dreams.
Below you‘ll find my compilation of tips, tricks, recommendations and processes for constructing awe-inspiring ships ready to traverse the Settled Systems in style. So check your internal oxygen levels and let‘s get started!
Step 1: Scrap That First Ship and Prepare for Construction
We all have to start somewhere on our shipbuilding journey! For most folks that first step is completing enough early game missions to purchase an existing crustbucket from the local ship vendor rather than fabricating their own.
Trust me though, that first clunker is just taking up space in the shipyard. What you really want is to scrap it for parts and put those credits towards a sexy new custom build bearing your own maker‘s mark!
So how do we quickly grab that first ship? Here‘s my favorite trick that I employ every new playthrough…
Rather than grind repeat courier contracts, take on some freelance "discouragement" missions targeting troublesome pirates in the system. Disable their engines first with some surgically precise coil gun shots. Then match velocity, board them, and wipe out the crew – but try to leave their ship intact.
With the pirates "humanely reassigned to the afterlife", their former vessel is now ownerless spaceflotsam ready for the taking! Call for a tug, drag it back to the shipyard, and claim it as abandoned property. Search its smuggling caches for Contraband you can sell to fund your new ship construction.
This little pro strat will net you a free ship hull while avoiding tedious early game grinding. You‘re welcome!
Okay, with a ship in hand, next we need to find a suitable shipyard. I personally recommend Garden City over in the Core Systems cluster – they have phenomenal bio-engineered hab modules you won‘t find elsewhere.
But excellent alternative options include the sprawling industrial shipyards in The Red Mile, or for more flamboyant designer parts try Paradiso in the seas of Wolf IV.
Wherever you end up settling, just ensure they have a Ship Service Technician on-staff, as we‘ll need them to formally register a title for your new vessel before modifications are authorized. That legal paperwork out the way, now the real fun begins!
A Comparison of Major Starfield Styles
With our scrappy first ship registered, it‘s time to pick an aesthetic style reflecting the soul of our steed among the stars. Your customization options here cover the full sci-fi spectrum.
While personal preference rules the day, the table below offers a quick high-level comparison of major design schools to consider as you envision your ship‘s look.
| Style | Description | Strengths | Weaknesses | Ideal Roles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NASA Punk | Retro sci-fi inspirations with exposed infrastructure | Nostalgic flair, interior access | Vulnerable components | Freighters, transports |
| HopeTech | Smooth and contoured with blue holographics | Aerodynamic shaping | Lacks character | Interceptors, racers |
| Damo | Heavy armor plates and reinforced hulls | Resilience and intimidation | Reduced maneuverability | Gunships, defenders |
| Avestaer | Bio-mechanical with fungal blooms and tendrils | Unique organic asthetic | Not to everyones taste | Science, exploration |
| Akila | Sleek lines with vibrant red machinery accents | High-tech apperance | Polarizing aesthetics | Multipurpose designs |
I‘m personally a die-hard fan of the rugged NASA punk style – it reminds me of 50s cover art with exposed tubes and launching sparks when you boost the throttle. But contemporary options like HopeTech‘s graceful contours have their perks too if you prefer polished over scrappy.
Ultimately I‘d say mix and match elements from multiple schools to really make your baby unique. The different silhouettes and textures tend to blend nicely into something cohesive.
Oh and remember where you choose to build will impact available parts too. Some gorgeous tailored wings styled after Avian feathers might set you back a shiny 9,000 credits in paradise, whereas in the Red Mile‘s scrapyards you could fashion some scrap metal into a neat spoiler for just 90 bucks.
So scout around, take inspiration from ships you see docked, and talk shop with other builders. This is the fun part!
Step 2: Optimizing Internal Components for Peak Performance
Alright, with our slick outer spaceframe complete, now we need to optimize internal components to balance key ship metrics like jump distance, speed, cargo capacity and more to match our intended usage profile.
This puzzle piece phase is critical – without a balanced allocation you‘ll end up with either an extra-sluggish freighter trying to wield way too many guns, or a ultra-deadly interceptor that runs out of juice after one 30-light year jump!
So first step is always clearly defining your ship‘s role to guide build decisions. Will it be a tramp freighter hauling valuable minerals? A pugnacious gunship offering "escort services"? A sleek smuggler favored in distant systems?
Identifying core purpose early helps inform what modules deserve priority. For example, a bulk hauler would emphasize economizing interior space and maximizing cargo capacity. Meanwhile an interceptor chasing down bounties needs to stress engine output and weaponry over storage room.
When outfitting internals, I‘d rank defense and control capabilities as first priority regardless of specialization. No one likes being stranded in deep space when a single lucky shot takes out critical systems!
So invest first in quality shield generators – not just for raw stopping power measured in megajoules, but pay close attention to recharge rates too so they restart regenerating rapidly after impacts. Then build up main power cores driving everything, and efficient backups too like fusion plants or batteries.
With resilient defenses ensured, next focus on the fun stuff! Weapons, hyperdrive class, sub-light thrusters and so on.
Here‘s a handy reference chart I keep pinned by my captain‘s chair covering weapons specifics:
| Weapon Type | Pros | Cons | Ideal Targets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kinetic (Coil/Rail guns) | Shield piercing. Disables systems | Slow projectiles. Ammo reliance | Large or evasive ships |
| Energy (Lasers/Plasma) | Instant beam impact. Unlimited ammo | High power consumption | Unshielded opponents |
| Electromagnetic (Rail guns) | High damage and range | Slows target briefly | Armored or shielded ships |
| Missiles | High damage over large areas | Limited ammunition | Groups of small ships |
Don‘t go overboard min-maxing for just DPS or stopping power though. Having options and flexibility is key so enemies can‘t exploit a single vulnerability. I try to incorporate a mix – some coil guns to shred shields, rapid-fire lasers draining power reserves, a missile pod launcher for swarms, and a rail gun slowing down anyone trying to flee.
Now missile ammunition you will burn through fast, so consider swapping to 3 fixed guns and just one turret. Better sustained damage, and you manually aim the big guns while the AI mans the turret.
Okay, with solid defenses and weapons schematics drafted, next focus on yourhyperdrive rating for intra-system jump ranges. Higher rated drives mean more efficient lightyear jumps, but again consider trade-offs. Hyperdrive mass affects sub-light acceleration – more cargo hauled means sluggish maneuvering and lower top speeds during cruising or combat.
Here‘s a snapshot from my freighter optimizations illustrating the inverse relationship at play:
As the chart shows, maximizing cargo capacity tanks acceleration. So make thoughtful choices – maybe downgrade hyperdrive class and use the tonnage savings for more agile engines if dogfighting is likely. Or lean into pure hauling power if operating safer routes.
Speaking of cargo, module selection here depends on your smuggling tolerance too! Will you strictly transport legitimate goods between systems, or are contraband, narcotics and banned weaponry also on the manifest?
If you want that plausible deniability, invest in shielded containers obscuring scans, and maybe some concealed compartments if you expect boarding inspections! Just don‘t forget where you tucked that Orbital Hashish if the local constabulary comes knocking…
And while optimizing all these critical ship systems, never neglect creature comforts either! Having a clean hab pod room for the crew to rest and a well-stocked armory keeps morale up during long voyages. Even invest in compact hydroponic gardens providing fresh veggies, an auto-barista for morning coffee, arcade cabinets fighting boredom – every little luxury counts years from the nearest starport.
This ain‘t the Navy – we run relaxed ships out here in the black!
Step 3: Efficiency Tactics for Rapid Construction
Right, now that we‘ve covered structural considerations in choosing ship styles and balancing internals, I want to share some hot pro tips to seriously accelerate the construction process once you‘re digging into the actual build.
After placing the first module or component, get familiar with the duplication key used for convenient copying and flipping of parts around barriers or intersecting sections. Just hover the mouse over any object and a context icon appears – click your scroll wheel to bring up duplication options.
This trick saves SO much time compared to endlessly rummaging through component menus! Quickly iterate layout experiments as needed.
Speaking of iterating, you can directly cycle between module ratings and variants in-situ now too. For example, say we have a K Oval Mk3 shield generator equipped, but need just a bit more overall stopping power without increasing footprint. Rather than remove it completely and hunt for alternatives, simply select the placed generator and press R to rotate through Mk4, Mk5 etc options from Oval‘s product line until stats match our needs. Massive clicks saved!
Oh and while optimizing all these internals, don‘t forget aesthetics too! Custom coloring objects is free, and even just small metal or paint texture variations completely transform the look and feel of rooms and corridors. Use some sleek monochrome panels in the bridge, exposed utilities in engineering, vibrant oranges and teals for crew quarters. Makes previously repetitive spaces far more distinctive.
I do find going too wild with clashing loud hues tends to feel visually cluttered though, so try to exercise some restraint unless deliberately aiming for that chaotic Jawa sandcrawler vibe!
Now those are my best tips for rapidly experimenting during construction. In terms of issues, the most common oversights I still run into even after many playthroughs are forgetting to check all docking ports are showing up properly under the interactions tab – I‘ve pulled out the shipyard more times than I can count only to then realize a key airlock or umbilical was missing!
And don‘t forget physical specifications either – if a generator feels underpowered, mouse over and expand stats view, maybe peak draw is too close to rated output.
Finally, two easily skipped steps once construction finishes – assign crew members to man various ship systems, otherwise many installed modules like guns won‘t actually function! And take her out on a test flight to fix any teething issues! Nothing worse than realizing your fuel lines were misconnected jumping into a heated combat zone…
My Favorite Custom Ships So Far
I couldn‘t cover everything (we‘d be here for days!), but I hope this guide has illuminated the incredible depth Starfield offers intrepid ship builders.
To wrap up, I just wanted to showcase two of my favorite custom vessels I‘ve crafted across many playthroughs. Meet the USS Providence and the Celeste!
USS Providence – Exploration Science Vessel
I designed the Providence as my flagship pathfinder craft during my hardcore survival playthrough. Her seamless HopeTech hull shape and exposed NASA punk internal infrastructure let me spend months traversing undiscovered systems in comfort and safety.
Some key stats:
- Role: Long-range exploration and analysis
- Manufacturer Style: HopeTech contouring with NASA punk internals
- Hyperdrive Rating: A-Class for 300LY jumps
- Top Speed: 112 GIG
- Research Labs: Xenology bay, hydroponics and a secret bar…
Odyssey might get the history books mentioning first contact with the Aellinsar, but it was the Providence‘s scanners that detected their comm buoys out in Pherkad Beta! Good girl.
Celeste – Smuggler Interceptor
When I feel the need for speed, it‘s the sleek Celeste I turn to! Built for outpacing security ships and evading interdiction with her ultra-light frame and overcharged Damo engines, she‘ll run Olympic Freight in half the standard time with the right pilot.
Spec summary:
- Role: Interception and blockade running
- Style: Damo Dynamics smooth contours
- Top Speed: 173 GIG (don‘t tell security!)
- Jump Range: Moderate
- Concealed Storage: You don‘t want to know…
With all-Damo components she handles like a dream – just point, boost and enjoy the spectacle blur! Beautiful yet vicious, the Tollan Cartel paints their hulls jet black after too many run-ins with her…
In Conclusion…
I hope this guide has illuminated the incredible creative breadth Starfield offers prospective ship builders. It‘s honestly almost a game within a game! Feel free to hit me up with any other questions in the comments section – I live for talking spaceships!
Maybe I‘ll catch you flying out in the black someday – just hail the Providence or watch your radar for Celeste‘s black dart on commission days… we can race to the nearest Lagrange bar!
Clear skies, captains!