Starfield: How to Swap Ships Without Losing Cargo or Crew

Swapping ships in Starfield can be tricky, especially if you want to avoid losing cargo or crew. The game doesn’t have a built-in "swap" function, so you’ll need to manually transfer your inventory and passengers between vessels. Here’s how to do it smoothly, along with common pitfalls and smarter alternatives.

Why You Can’t Just "Swap" Ships in Starfield

Unlike some space sims, Starfield doesn’t have a dedicated ship-swapping feature. This means you’ll need to manually transfer your cargo, passengers, and sometimes even crew members to your new vessel. The process is straightforward but can be time-consuming if you’re not careful.

Step-by-Step Guide to Swapping Ships

1. Dock both ships at a station or shipyard with enough space. If you’re in a tight spot, use a landing pad or a nearby planet.

2. Transfer cargo from your old ship to the new one. Open the inventory of both ships and drag items over one by one. If you have a large amount of cargo, consider using a cargo container or selling unnecessary items first.

3. Move passengers (if any) by boarding the new ship and selecting "Transfer Passengers." This will move all NPCs from your old ship to the new one.

4. Check for crew. If you have crew members assigned to your old ship, you’ll need to manually reassign them to your new vessel. This can be done in the ship’s management menu.

5. Sell or scrap the old ship once everything is transferred. If you’re keeping it, make sure it’s docked safely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many players make the mistake of trying to transfer everything at once, which can lead to errors or missed items. Instead, transfer cargo in batches and double-check your inventory. Another common issue is forgetting to move passengers or crew, which can leave them stranded on your old ship.

Smarter Alternatives

If you frequently need to swap ships, consider these tips:

Use cargo containers to store excess items instead of carrying them between ships.
Keep a backup ship in case your primary vessel gets damaged or stolen.
Plan ahead by selling unnecessary cargo before swapping ships.

Final Thoughts

Swapping ships in Starfield is a manual process, but with a little planning, you can do it efficiently. Avoid common mistakes like rushing the transfer or forgetting passengers, and you’ll save time and frustration in the long run.

A sleek spaceship docked at a futuristic spaceport, with a smaller vessel in the background, symbolizing the process of swapping ships in Starfield.

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