In Starfield, players can board and steal ships by utilizing their targeting skill to disable the engine subsystem of the enemy ship, then docking and clearing it of turrets and personnel before claiming it as their own. However, it is important to be cautious of potential threats and costs associated with capturing and selling enemy ships.
In Starfield, if you want to obtain a new ship or steal another ship for profit, you need to have the targeting skill unlocked. This skill allows you to target lock and open a special targeting interface when engaging an enemy ship. To capture a ship, wait for the locking animation to appear and then either fire missiles at it or press ‘R’ to open the targeting interface. In the interface, you can select the engine subsystem and shoot at it until it turns red, indicating that it has been disabled. However, be aware that while the engines are down, the ship can still maneuver and fire, posing a threat to you.
Once the enemy ship is disabled, you can initiate docking by pressing and holding ‘R’. This will allow you to board the enemy ship just as you would with a station. Clear the ship of any turrets and personnel, making sure to thoroughly search each room. After the ship has been cleared, head to the cockpit, sit in the pilot’s chair, and you are ready to claim the ship. Before leaving, it is recommended to check the cargo hold to ensure there are no contraband items that could result in fines when jumping to a starport.
To claim the ship, you need to make one jump in it. After jumping, the ship is officially yours. If you prefer to sell the ship rather than keep it, you will need to register it first. Speak to the spaceship steward or engineer and ask them to modify your ship, changing it back to your old ship as your home ship. Then, return to the captured ship and it will be marked as unregistered. Pay a registration fee (which may be a significant portion of the ship’s value) to officially register the ship before you can sell it. This fee acts as a balance mechanic to prevent excessive profits from ship stealing.
While this method may not always be the most profitable, it can be a useful way to obtain a new ship, especially in the early game. Just be aware of the associated costs and potential dangers while attempting to capture and sell enemy ships. Safe travels and happy ship hunting in the vastness of space!