how to make money in starfield

3 min read 19-01-2025

Meta Description: Starfield's vast galaxy offers countless ways to amass credits. This comprehensive guide reveals the best methods for making money fast, from early-game strategies to lucrative late-game exploits. Learn how to maximize your profits through trading, exploration, bounties, and more! Discover the secrets to building a vast fortune and achieving financial freedom in your Starfield adventure.

Early Game Strategies: Building Your Financial Foundation

Starting out in Starfield can feel financially restrictive. Focus on these methods to quickly accumulate credits early on:

1. Loot Everything:

Scavenging is key: Every container, crate, and fallen enemy holds potential riches. Don't overlook anything. Even seemingly worthless items can be sold for a few credits. This method works throughout the game.
Prioritize valuable items: Focus on selling electronics, medicine, and rare resources first. These usually fetch higher prices.

2. Complete Main and Side Quests:

Rewards are plentiful: Quests reward you not only with experience but also with credits and valuable items. Don't hesitate to take on every quest you encounter.
Choose wisely: Some quests offer better financial rewards than others. Pay attention to quest descriptions.

3. Sell Unwanted Gear:

Regularly check your inventory: Your inventory fills up fast. Regularly sell unwanted weapons, armor, and mods.
Upgrade wisely: Don't hoard everything. Focus on upgrading your best equipment.

4. Early Trading:

Identify high-demand goods: Observe what merchants are buying and selling. Identify items in short supply but high demand to make a profit by buying low and selling high.
Start small: Begin by trading small batches of goods to get a feel for market dynamics.

Mid-Game Money Making: Expanding Your Horizons

As you progress, more lucrative money-making opportunities become available:

1. Bounty Hunting:

Track down criminals: Accepting bounties from various factions is a reliable source of income. Many quests lead to further bounty opportunities.
Gear up: Invest in better weapons and armor to efficiently hunt down targets and survive challenging encounters.

2. Resource Exploitation:

Mining and Refining: Invest in mining lasers and refining equipment. Sell mined resources like valuable minerals or refined materials. This becomes incredibly profitable later.
Location is key: Discover resource-rich planets and systems, making efficient use of your time.

3. Advanced Trading:

Utilize your ship: Larger ships allow you to haul more cargo, increasing your profits. Invest in cargo upgrades early on.
Master trade routes: Learn profitable trade routes between systems and planets to maximize your profits.

4. Outpost Building:

Passive income: Build and manage outposts to generate passive income from resource extraction. This is a long-term investment.
Automate processes: Use automated systems to minimize manual labor and maximize efficiency.

Late-Game Wealth Strategies: Becoming a Galactic Tycoon

Once you've established yourself, consider these high-level strategies:

1. High-Value Item Trading:

Identify rare items: Explore and discover unique, valuable items that command high prices.
Trade strategically: Find merchants willing to pay top dollar for these rare finds.

2. Ship Combat and Salvaging:

Piracy (with caution!): Engaging in space combat with pirate ships offers opportunities for lucrative salvage.
Risk vs. reward: Understand the risks involved. Prepare for combat and consider your ship's capabilities before engaging in piracy.

3. Unlocking Advanced Skills:

Invest in relevant skills: Skills like “Commerce,” “Persuasion,” and “Engineering” can significantly improve your income potential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the easiest way to make money early in the game?

A: Loot everything, complete quests, and sell unwanted gear. Focus on selling electronics and medicine.

Q: What are the best items to trade?

A: Rare resources, high-tech components, and unique items usually command high prices.

Q: How can I increase my cargo capacity?

A: Upgrade your ship with larger cargo holds or purchase a larger ship altogether.

Q: Is piracy a viable way to make money?

A: Yes, but it's risky. Be prepared for combat and potential consequences.

Conclusion

Making money in Starfield is a dynamic process. Adapt your strategies as you progress through the game. By combining different techniques, you can amass a significant fortune and achieve financial success in your interstellar journey. Remember to always balance risk and reward, and enjoy the process of building your galactic empire!