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How to Dock and Board the Space Station in Starfield

Key Takeaways

  • Docking at space stations in Starfield requires targeting the station, getting within 500m, and following the on-screen prompts
  • Boarding allows you to explore stations, complete missions, trade, and more
  • Proper power allocation and using the right weapons is key for disabling enemy ships before docking

As an experienced gamer and writer who has extensively covered upcoming titles like Starfield, I’m excited to provide this comprehensive guide on how to dock and board space stations in Bethesda’s highly anticipated space RPG.

Docking and boarding space stations will be a core gameplay mechanic in Starfield. Not only will it allow you to explore these massive orbital structures, but it’s also a requirement for progressing through certain missions and quests. Some stations act as major hubs for trading resources, upgrading your ship, and more.

The process seems simple enough at first glance, but there are some nuances to understand, especially when it comes to docking with hostile stations or ships. This guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step, with tips on making it go smoothly.

Docking at a Friendly Space Station

For docking at a friendly, inhabited space station like Starfield’s Almagest or The Eye, follow these steps:

  1. Approach the Station: Use your ship’s controls to fly towards the station until you’re around 500m away. Don’t get too close or you risk crashing into it.
  2. Target the Station: Once in range, press the specified button (E on PC, A on Xbox controller) to cycle through targets until the station is highlighted.
  3. Hail the Station (Optional): Some stations may require you to first hail them by holding down the hail button (same input as targeting). This allows you to request docking permission.
  4. Initiate Docking Sequence: With the station targeted, you should see an on-screen prompt to dock, usually by holding down a button like X on Xbox or R on PC. Follow the prompt.
  5. Board the Station: After the docking cutscene, you’ll be given options to board the station, remain on your ship, or undock. Select the board option to finally set foot on the station.

It’s a straightforward process, but make sure to pay attention to any prompts or instructions from the station itself. Some may require additional steps like passing a persuasion check before allowing you to dock.

Docking with Hostile Ships/Stations

The process gets trickier when you want to board a ship or station run by hostile forces like pirates or alien marauders. In these cases, you’ll need to disable the ship’s engines first to force it be motionless for docking.

  1. Unlock Targeting Systems Skill: On the Tech skill tree, unlock the Targeting Control Systems ability, which allows you to target specific subsystems like engines during combat.
  2. Enter Ship-to-Ship Combat: Engage the hostile ship you want to board and take down its shields, ideally using high-damage laser weapons.
  3. Target the Engines: With the Targeting skill unlocked, use your ship’s targeting system (default X on Xbox, cycle with d-pad) to switch target from shields to engines.
  4. Disable the Engines: Keep firing at the engine subsystem until you see an “ENG” status effect, indicating the engines are disabled and the ship is immobile.
  5. Get in Docking Range: Quickly close the distance until you’re within the 500m docking range of the disabled ship.
  6. Initiate Docking Sequence: Just like a space station, you’ll get a prompt to dock with the ship once in range. Follow it to dock successfully.
  7. Board and Clear Out Hostiles: Now you can board the ship, but be prepared for heavy resistance as you’ll have to fight your way through and eliminate any remaining hostile crew.

One key thing to keep in mind is that you cannot dock with a ship if other hostile ships are still engaged with you in combat. Take them out first or they may interrupt your docking attempt.

Tips and Tricks

To make docking and boarding go smoothly, keep these additional tips in mind:

  • Use Power Allocation Wisely: Always prioritize power to your shields when expecting combat near stations. But for docking, shift power to engines for a speed boost when needed.
  • Bring the Right Weapons: Laser weapons are great for taking down shields/hull quickly, while ballistic and missile weapons excel at disabling subystems like engines.
  • Watch Your Speed: Don’t approach stations too fast or you’ll crash. Use boosts carefully when trying to get in docking range of a disabled ship.
  • Bring Companions: Your AI companions can be invaluable for supporting you if combat breaks out when boarding hostile areas.
  • Mind Your Reputation: Certain factions may deny you docking privileges or become hostile if you have a poor reputation with them.

With this knowledge in hand, you’ll be an expert at docking and boarding any space station or ship Starfield throws your way. It opens up incredible opportunities for exploration, combat, trade, and mission progress in Bethesda’s sci-fi RPG opus.

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