Controlling the ship in Starfield - one of the main game mechanics that you will have to deal with on an ongoing basis. The interface of the spacecraft looks extremely unclear and contains many elements. In addition, flights are complicated by ship systems, fuel limitations and many other aspects.
In the article we will tell you how to control a ship, how to fight in space, how to refuel space ships, and also mention how to dock with ships and stations in Starfield.
How to control a ship in Starfield
You will have to fly in space in Starfield often, so it is worth understanding in advance how all the ship control mechanics work in this game.
How the ship interface works
First of all, it’s worth talking about the starship interface:
- In the lower left corner are located ship systems. In this section you can see how many units of energy are used by a particular module, as well as redistribute power consumption.
- In the lower right corner is shield strength indicator. It will be possible to see how much HP the starship's defense system has.
- At the bottom of the circular bar in the center of the screen you can see speed slider, located on the left, and acceleration marginlocated on the right. There are also buttons responsible for movement.
- At the top of the same there is weapon. You will be able to see which buttons are assigned to each type of weapon, as well as how many units of ammunition are left for each gun.
How to fly on PC
To fly on PC, you need to use the following keys:
- Space – switching flight modes. Hold to engage steering.
- R - actions on the ship.
- Left Shift – acceleration.
- E - Target selection.
- Left mouse button - firearms 1.
- Right mouse button - firearms 2.
- G - firearms 3.
- Mouse – camera control.
- O – repair of the ship (including the shield).
- F – scan mode.
- ESC – cancel.
- Wheel up/down to change view: first and third person.
The capacity redistribution system deserves special attention. It has a significant impact on movement and combat. At the bottom of the you can see how many units of energy are currently not used, at the top - the power distribution. You can control it in two ways:
- Arrows: Left and right to select the module, up and down to increase or decrease the power consumption of a specific module.
- ALT + W/A/S/D: Same as the previous option. W and A to increase or decrease power consumption, S and D to select a module.
How to fly on Xbox
To control the Xbox you must use the following buttons:
- RS - ship control.
- LS forward to speed up, LS back to slow down.
- LS left or right to turn.
- Clicking on LS – acceleration.
- Button "View» to switch perspective.
- Left and right on D-Pad – selection of the subsystem of the ship.
- Up and down on D-Pad – increase or decrease in subsystem power.
- B – leave the pilot’s seat.
- Y – undocking.
- Hold Y - take off into orbit.
- A - Target selection.
- RT – weapon 1.
- LT – weapon 2.
- Y – weapon 3.
- RS - ship repair.
- LB – scanning.
How to fight in space on a ship
Space combat in Starfield is an integral part of the gameplay, which one way or another you will have to face.
How to assign a ship's weapon
On a purchased ship weapon assigned by default, however, if they carried out any manipulations with the starship: they rebuilt it in the designer, or build a ship from scratch, the assignment will be reset.
The only way, how to assign a weapon group in Starfield - find Ship maintenance equipment [Ship Services Technician]. To do this, go to the spaceport of any major city, for example, New Atlantis. Talk to him and select the line “I'd like to view and modify my ships”. Further:
- Click "B" to go to the ship designer.
- Click "C» to check the flight.
- Click "T" to open the weapons section.
In the menu that opens there will be three weapons that can be assigned to three slots. Click on the desired line to open the list of guns.
Ship maintenance technicians can be found in almost every city and space station. You can find out more about this in a separate manual for merchants in Starfield.
Distribute energy
As stated earlier, the ship's systems have a significant impact. While during flights through a patrolled area the pilot can easily turn up all the power to the engine, during a battle it is better not to do this. When you start a battle with opponents, reduce the energy spent on the engine to direct it to shields and weapons. Otherwise, the ship will quickly begin to lose HP, and enemies will not receive as much damage as they could.
Balance your weapons
Weapon modules are aimed at performing different purposes. Some fire automatically, others simply disable the ship without causing damage, while others attack most effectively and knock down shields. When improving your ship, try to maintain a balance between various indicators: damage, rate of fire and range.
You can read more about the best weapon modules in a separate section. ship building guide.
Board the ships
A great way to get a new ship or collect a lot of loot and credits is to board ships. If there is only one enemy left, do not rush to blow it up. Destroy the starship's engines and get closer. Board the ship, knocking down all its shields. After this, you can clear the deck and hijack the starship.
How to refuel a ship
Fuel for the ship is necessary for gravitational jumps between different systems in outer space. If there is a lack of fuel, the jump will not be possible. However, refueling the ship in Starfield is not only unnecessary, but simply impossible. The fuel supply is automatically replenished after a completed hyperjump.
How to improve your fuel tank
To improve the fuel tank you will need to visit Ship maintenance equipment, go to the ship designer section, and then replace the existing tank with a module with a larger volume.
How to repair a ship in Starfield
There are two ways to repair a ship:
- Visit Vessel Maintenance Technician, then select the very first replica "My ship needs repairs". Pay 1000 credits to restore the starship.
- Buy spare parts for ship repairs. This can be done at traders in the Cheyenne system [Cheyenne system], on Neon, on Ki and on other planets.
How to dock at a station in Starfield
During the flight through the systems, it is possible to dock with the space station. You must first aim the sight at the station, and then approach up to 500 meters. Having linked the sight to an object, you need to press "R" on PC, or "X" on Xbox. Once docked, you can get up and go to the station through the gateway. Docking to the station closes the possibility of fast travel.
How to dock with a ship
Docking ships works on the same principle. First you need to get closer to the starship, after which a button will appear next to its hillbar "Docking": X on Xbox and R on PC. After a short cut-scene you will be able to walk around the attached ship.
We hope that our guide helped you understand how to control the ship in Starfield, how to dock with ships and stations. If you have any questions, ask them at commentswe will definitely answer. Read site section.