Starfield allows players to play however they like. Whether you want to join factions, follow the main story, or become a Space Pirate — you can do it. One of the most fun activities in the game is boarding enemy ships and stealing their cargo. Welcome to the definitive piracy guide, as it will walk you through how to board ships and steal cargo to become the ultimate Space Pirate.
How to Board Ships and Steal Cargo in Starfield
To board ships in Starfield, you must first destroy its engines without destroying the ship. The best way to do this is to unlock the Targeting Control System perk in the Tech section of the skill tree, which will allow you to lock onto engines and shoot directly toward them. This system is similar to the VATS system from the Fallout games, where time will slow down to make aiming easier.
Once you destroy the engines, you will want to get within 500 meters of the ship. When you reach the mandatory distance, the option to dock the ship will become available (A for Xbox and E for PC). Once you are docked, board the ship and be prepared to fight everyone inside.
Related: Where to Buy Ship Parts in Starfield
Once inside, enemies will be hostile, so you’ll have to take everyone out in a gunfight. After killing everyone on board, you can steal their cargo by heading to the Cargo Hold, which is typically near the ship’s cockpit. Also, if you want to steal the ship as your own, sit in the pilot’s chair and bring it to the nearest Spaceport. Doing so will automatically add the ship to your inventory for future use.
I recommend stealing all ships you plan on robbing, considering you can sell ships for a hefty price at any Ship Technician. It’s one of the most efficient ways to quickly get a bunch of credits. You’ll first need to register the ship at the Ship Technician, which will cost some credits but not too much.
