In this guide, I’ll walk you through what ship parts do, how to get them, and the best ways to use them for repairs, upgrades, and custom builds. Whether you’re new to the game or deep into New Game+, knowing how to handle your ship parts is a must.
What Are Ship Parts in Starfield?
Ship parts are repair kits used to fix your ship’s hull during or after combat. Think of them as medkits – but for your spaceship. They instantly restore a chunk of your ship’s health, and you can use them right from the cockpit when things get rough.
Each ship can carry a limited number of parts, depending on its cargo and reactor type. Some ships even come with built-in storage just for repairs.
How to Get Starfield Ship Parts
There are several reliable ways to collect ship parts, and once you know where to look, you’ll rarely run out again.
| Source | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Space Combat | Destroy enemy ships and loot the wreckage. | One of the fastest ways to farm ship parts early on. |
| Vendors | Buy them from ship service technicians or general traders. | Usually cost around 1,000-2,000 credits each. |
| Mission Rewards | Completing bounty or delivery missions sometimes gives them as a bonus. | Great way to stockpile parts without spending credits. |
| Crafting | With the right skills and materials, you can craft your own ship parts. | Requires Ship Design and Outpost Engineering perks. |
| Looting Outposts | Sometimes found in storage crates or engineering bays. | Check abandoned facilities – you’ll often find a few lying around. |
How to Use Ship Parts
When your ship’s hull takes damage, you’ll see a red warning on your HUD. At that moment, press the designated repair key (default is O on PC) to use a ship part. It instantly repairs part of the hull, usually about 20-30% depending on your ship type.
You can also repair between fights by docking at space stations, but ship parts let you survive longer without retreating.
How to Increase Ship Part Capacity
Running out of ship parts mid-combat sucks, but you can carry more by improving your ship’s cargo space or investing in certain perks.
| Upgrade Option | Effect | Where to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Modules | Increases overall capacity, letting you store more ship parts. | Modify at any ship services terminal. |
| Engineering Bay Upgrade | Adds special cargo slots dedicated to maintenance supplies. | Unlocked via Ship Design skill tree. |
| Pilot Skills | Boosts repair efficiency, so you need fewer ship parts per fight. | Level up the Piloting and Starship Design skills. |
| Crew Bonuses | Certain companions can improve ship durability or repair speed. | Hire engineers like Barrett or Sam Coe. |
Tips for Managing Ship Parts
- Always keep at least 10 ship parts before heading into high-level zones.
- Check vendors on every planet – prices vary, and some sell in bulk.
- Upgrade your cargo hold early; it’s worth the investment.
- Don’t waste ship parts on small scratches – save them for serious damage.
Upgrading vs. Repairing
Repairing keeps your ship flying, but upgrading keeps it alive longer. As you level up, start investing in better shields, hull plating, and weapon systems. Stronger ships take less damage and use fewer parts overall.
If you love customizing, you’ll spend hours tweaking your layout. And that’s part of the fun – your ship in Starfield isn’t just transport; it’s home.
Common Mistakes Players Make
- Ignoring damage warnings: Don’t wait too long to repair; one missile can finish you off.
- Not checking storage: You might have ship parts but no cargo space left to hold them.
- Overbuying early: Save credits for key upgrades first – you’ll find plenty of ship parts naturally.
Best Vendors for Ship Parts
Some merchants restock ship parts faster than others. Here are reliable ones you should visit regularly:
- New Atlantis – Jemison Mercantile: Always has 5-10 parts in stock.
- Cydonia – UC Exchange: Great mid-game vendor, restocks daily.
- Akila City – Shepherd’s General Store: Cheap prices and decent quantities.
- Neon – Trade Authority: Pricey but almost always available.
Final Thoughts
At first, ship repairs in Starfield might feel overwhelming, but once you get used to managing starfield ship parts, it becomes second nature. Keep your cargo stocked, upgrade smartly, and never underestimate how fast space fights can turn deadly.
The next time your hull starts smoking, you’ll know exactly what to do – repair, reload, and keep flying.
