Much of your time exploring the galaxy in Starfield will have you at the helm of your ship, flying from planet to planet. While in space, you’ll oftentimes run into enemy ships you can engage in dogfights with.
After getting through your shields, incoming damage will begin to go to your ship’s hull. Damage to your hull does not automatically repair itself like your shields, requiring actual repairs to get it back to full health.
Updated On October 9th, 2023 By Joshua Leeds: Ships will always be taking damage as you explore the galaxy and run into the various hostile factions traveling the galaxy. This article has been updated to include additional links to help players keep their ship in tip top shape and ready for any pirate attack.
How To Repair Your Ship
Your ship can be repaired either while flying and in combat or whenever you are in a major city. When in a city, look around the landing pad for a Ship Services technician. This person will sell you new ships, modify your current ones, or repair your damaged ship. Repairing a damaged ship will always cost 1,000 credits, no matter how much hull health you have left.
A quicker way of repairing your ship can be done using ship parts. When flying your ship, press “O” on your keyboard or R3 if you’re playing on controller to use a ship part and begin repairing your ship. This can be done while in combat and will slowly repair your ship over the next few seconds. Ship Parts should usually be saved for in-combat repairs because Ship Parts are more difficult to come by than finding a Ship Services technician.
Where To Find Ship Parts
Ship parts are a bit rarer than you’d think and aren’t found just anywhere. Ship Parts can be requested as a reward for helping patrols battle off pirates. While flying through various systems, you’ll randomly come across a group of pirates attacking the local faction’s ships. Jumping into the fight and helping the faction’s ships will have them hail you after the fight and ask if they can thank you. Requesting Ship Parts will help recover any damage sustained in battle while also preparing you for whatever lies ahead. There’s also a chance that ship parts are dropped when destroying enemy ships, so be sure to loot any remains of a ship when you can.
Where To Buy Ship Parts
Ship parts can be bought at general goods stores throughout the galaxy, but not often through Trade Authority kiosks or Ship Service Technicians. In New Atlantis, the general store is called Jemison Mercantile. This store is located just past the spaceport and to the left of the fountain. It is next to Terrabrew and Viewport, but be sure to bring a companion as Ship Parts are heavy. Other places to buy ship parts include Sheppard’s General Store in Akila City, the UC Exchange store in The Well of New Atlantis, and Newlin’s Goods in Neon.
When To Make Repairs
While using a Ship Services technician can be an expensive fix at 1,000 credits a repair, this should be used as often as possible. As you progress in the game, 1,000 credits will quickly become a small amount, while Ship Parts will always be a necessity. Save your Ship Parts for combat, as you’ll usually be outnumbered and end up taking some hull damage.
For those looking to make fewer repairs, consider investing in a ship or modification that has a more powerful shield. Be sure to have your shield fully powered in battle to ensure none of the received damage makes it to your hull. After a few seconds of not being shot, your shields will begin to regenerate. When your shields do run out, stay out of range of your enemy to recharge your shields before re-engaging.