In the universe of Bethesda games, it is customary to adhere to a ban on selling stolen items with unique markings. Starfield introduces a gameplay mechanic related to interacting with contraband. It can be sold through any traders, but reaching them poses certain difficulties. In this overview, we will explore how to find contraband, successfully sell it, and avoid legal troubles.
It is important to note that during law enforcement scans, all stolen goods will be confiscated, and you may face fines or even imprisonment if you lack special cargo holds.
Finding Buyers for Contraband
Traveling through the Starfield universe and exploring abandoned outposts or remote corners of various bases can reveal contraband. It is marked with a special yellow symbol. If you find such an item in your inventory, don't rush to head to major cities.
If you plan to visit such a city but doubt the safety of transporting contraband, it is recommended to get rid of the goods in advance. Selling contraband is most effective in sectors where ships are not scanned. One such place is the "Den" station in the "Wolf" system. At the station, you can find the Trading Management store, where your contraband will be easily accepted. However, the seller may run out of money, and it may not be enough to buy your goods. The seller's account will replenish after in-game days. This is the most comfortable place for contraband realization.
Getting Full Value for Contraband
After obtaining illegal cargo for the first time, you can see its price in the inventory. However, when selling to traders, the price may decrease several times. Traders are reluctant to take illicit goods, leading to a decrease in value, down to 95%.
To maximize profits, it is recommended to develop the "Commerce" skill. Otherwise, opportunities to sell contraband at full value practically do not exist.
Navigating Ship Scans and Preserving Contraband
For safe visits to major cities with contraband on board, it is recommended to have a shielded cargo hold for your ship. These can be purchased from the trader Lona Anderson on the planet Porrima 3 in the Porrima system.
However, in the early stages of the game, it is advisable to refrain from expensive purchases. You can consider options like hijacking a Crimson Fleet ship or joining them. Also, after completing the storyline, you will be provided with a starship with a shielded cargo hold.
To reduce the likelihood of contraband detection, it is wise to use a shielded hold, considering its capacity. The risk of detection can be reduced with an additional scanner jammer.
Additional tools, such as a jammer, are available from Lona Anderson. The "Deception" skill also reduces the likelihood of detection, but leveling it up may be impractical in the early stages of the game.
It is important to avoid having contraband in your inventory. Place it in the shielded hold or cargo hold of the unique Starborn Guardian ship to avoid detection.
Recovering Confiscated Contraband
Even if your contraband has been confiscated, there is an opportunity to recover it. It will be hidden in a box in the prison or security building of the city. Find the container and search it, considering that it may be locked with a complex lock. The "Negotiation" skill can also help when giving bribes.
