Embarking on a Galactic Shopping Spree: Your Guide to Freighters in No Man’s Sky
You are traveling through space in No Man’s Sky. You feel small in this vast universe. You want a command center that feels powerful, not shabby. You need a freighter. Consider it your huge mobile base. These giants offer storage that can hold galaxies. They can deploy your own fleet into the vast unknown.
1. Freighter Acquisition: From Wallet-Busting to Wallet-Free
Let us explore how to acquire one of these metal giants. There are two main ways: pay with units or embark on a daring adventure.
Buying Your Way to the Top (of the Cargo Chain)
If you have the units, buy a freighter. This is simple but costly. Freighters appear in systems often, usually battling pirates. Defeat these enemies first. The captain might provide you with a deal. Freighters fall into two categories:
- Regular Freighters: These are basic models for beginners. They have 15 to 19 inventory slots. Prices range from 5 million units for C-class models to 23 million for S-class models. They are functional and get the job done.
- Capital Freighters: These ships are larger. They come with 24 to 34 slots for your treasures. They also vary in price, from 26.15 million for C-class to 178 million for S-class models. Why build a planetary base when your freighter can be your base?
The Sweet Siren Song of the Free Freighter
Free things in space? Yes indeed. The game is generous with giving away large starships. After a few hours of gameplay, you’ll find a freighter under pirate attack when you warp into a new system. Defeat the pirates, and the thankful captain offers you their ship. It feels like winning the lottery.
Here’s a tip for you: decline your first free freighter. Yes, that’s correct. The game has levels of generosity, but it doesn’t tell you this. The second free freighter offered is always better than the first. Be patient, young player. Waiting for that second offer could lead to a much better freighter.
If you are discerning, you might seek a free S-Class Capital Freighter. It’s possible to get one without spending any units. Just decline the initial offer and warp strategically to find that treasure. It’s space economics at its best – or its cheapest.
Sentinel Freighters: The Forbidden Fruit (You Can’t Buy)
You may have seen the impressive Sentinel freighters in certain systems and thought, “I want one!” Here is the bad news: You cannot buy or obtain a Sentinel freighter. These powerful ships belong to the Sentinel faction. They do not sell to travelers like you.
However, if you wish to see these ships, warp to systems with Sentinel freighters. These systems lead to corrupted planets and Sentinel fleets. Just don’t expect to take one home; they are for observing only.
2. Decoding the Freighter Family Tree: A Type for Every Taste
- Regular Freighters: These everyday freighters are the basics. Think of them as reliable pickup trucks meant for hauling. They usually have 15 to 19 slots.
- Capital Freighters: These are larger and provide 24 to 34 slots, offering much more storage. They have distinct styles:
- Venator Freighters: Sleek and elongated, they resemble iconic ships from famous sci-fi worlds.
- Resurgent Freighters: Bulkier and industrial-looking, they prioritize function over aesthetics.
- Sentinel Freighters: You cannot own these, but they come in various sizes, ending with the imposing Dreadnought. This massive ship is a sight to see, even if you must admire it from afar.
- Pirate Freighters: Outlaws of the freighter world, these ships are different to acquire. You gain them by completing challenging quests often involving morally ambiguous choices.
- Derelict Freighters: Haunted and filled with loot, these ships don’t join your fleet. They serve as replayable missions where you can gather resources and uncover ghost stories about what happened there.
- Living Frigates (Organic Frigates): These are alive, technically not freighters but vital in this discussion. Living Frigates are unique bio-ships acquired through special means involving Whalesong Broadcasting and Anomaly Detectors.
3. Freighter Feng Shui: Factors to Mull Over Before You Commit
Choosing a freighter is about more than just looks (though aesthetics matter). Practical factors should dictate your decision. Here are points to consider:
- Size and Cargo Capacity: Larger freighters often mean more storage. Bigger ships allow more hoarding opportunities and save time selling resources. If you collect resources, consider size.
- Aesthetics: You will see your freighter often, so choose one that pleases your eye. Venator or Resurgent? Sleek or bulky? Make sure it matches your style.
- It’s pretty!
- Class: Freighters come in C, B, A, and S classes. A-class and S-class freighters possess superior stats and cargo capacity. They cost more or require luck to find. Aim for A or S class to secure your freighter for the future.
- Location, Location, Location: Freighters are in almost every system. If you want a specific type or class, system economy and pirate activity affect your chances. Rich economies have slightly higher chances of S-class freighters. System hopping can pay off.
- Upgrades: Customization is key! Upgrade freighters with modules that enhance cargo capacity, hyperdrive range, and more. Think of it as adding flair to your space mansion. Consider upgrade potential, especially for long voyages.
4. Freighter Finder’s Guide: Tips and Tricks for a Stellar Score
So, you want to find the ultimate freighter? Great! Here are methods to boost your chances of spotting your dream freighter:
- Explore Different Systems: The universe is huge and procedurally generated. Freighter spawns are random. The more systems explored, the more battles you encounter, leading to chances of finding your ideal capital ship. Warp away!
- Check the NMS Coordinates Exchange: The No Man’s Sky community is supportive. Websites like NMS Coordinates Exchange offer player-discovered gems, including coordinates for various freighter types, classes, and colors. Someone else’s find might be yours!
- Save Before Warp (The Freighter Hunter’s Mantra): Important! Before warping to a new system, create a restore point. If the spawned freighter does not meet your standards, reload your save and try a different system. Keep repeating until your freighter shines.
- Join a Friend’s Game (Teamwork Makes the Dream Work): If a friend discovers a freighter they love, join their game! Use their freighter’s teleporter and teleport to where their dream freighter appeared. Freighter hunting with friends is fun!
5. Freighter Functionality: More Than Just a Pretty (Space) Face
Okay, freighters look great, but what can they actually do? Turns out, quite a bit. They are more than just large storage units; they serve as mobile bases, fleet command centers, and helpful tools for space exploration.
- Building a Base Within Your Freighter: Game-changer! You can build a full base inside your freighter. Include farms, storage units, crafting stations, all on the move. Need to relocate? Just warp your freighter! Mobile farming and storage made easy.
- Expansive Storage (Because You Can Never Have Enough): Besides base building, freighters have large dedicated storage. This helps during long expeditions and resource gathering. No more inventory Tetris; enjoy valuable storage options.
- Commanding Frigates and Launching Expeditions: Freighters shine here. With ownership, create a fleet of frigates and send them on automatic missions. These expeditions bring resources, units, and rare items. Building a frigate fleet helps grow your galactic presence.
- Upgrading Freighter Modules (Power Up Your Palace): Like your exosuit and starship, upgrade your freighter. Install modules for increased cargo capacity and hyperdrive range. Upgrades help maximize your capital ship’s efficiency for your playstyle.
6. Freighter Rarity: The Allure of the Uncommon
In No Man’s Sky, some freighters are rarer than others. If you collect or enjoy bragging rights, knowing about freighter rarity is essential:
- S-Class Spawn Rate (The Elusive S): S-class freighters are the rare gems. They have low spawn rates in normal systems. Finding an S-class, especially a Capital Freighter, takes time, effort, and some luck.
- Economy Type (Where to Hunt for S-Classes): Your chances improve in certain system economies. Pirate-controlled systems have a 5% chance while affluent economies present a 2% chance. It’s still a gamble, but those odds beat regular economy rates.
- Capital vs. System Freighters (Size Matters, But So Does Rarity): Capital Freighters are larger with more slots, making them more sought after than System Freighters. However, finding an S-class System Freighter is also notable. Rarity can present in various forms.
- Specific Styles/Colors (The Collector’s Obsession): Beyond class, some freighter styles and colors are rarer. Collectors hunt for specific visual types. It’s space fashion on a grand scale.
- Supercharged Freighters (The Power Within): With supercharged slots, some consider freighters with these features as rare and valuable. It’s about more than the freighter itself, but the potential created through supercharged bonuses.
Your guide to navigating freighters in No Man’s Sky is ready! From obtaining your first capital ship to turning it into a mobile home, freighters enhance the No Man’s Sky experience. Now go explore the universe and secure the freighter that will be your starry refuge. Just remember to skip that first free one… trust me.
