In Starfield, you have the thrilling opportunity to embrace the life of a space pirate, stealing and smuggling contraband items across the vast galaxy. However, when the authorities start closing in, you'll need to know how to safely offload your ill-gotten gains. This guide will show you how to smuggle contraband and where to sell it in Starfield.
Starfield, like any good RPG, allows players to carve their unique path across the cosmos. Whether your passion lies in exploring every planet, customizing your ship, or cataloging every plant species, the game encourages you to play as you see fit.
One of the most intriguing playstyles in Starfield lets you live the life of a criminal by boarding ships and pilfering contraband loot. However, once you've acquired these stolen items, you'll need to dispose of them swiftly before the authorities catch up to you.
Here's where to sell contraband in Starfield and how to smuggle it effectively.
Understanding Contraband in Starfield
Contraband in Starfield refers to stolen goods that are unwelcome in patrolled areas. You can identify these items by a small yellow icon, unlike regular stolen loot, which is marked with a red symbol.
The critical distinction between the two is that ships are inspected for contraband before you can land on any planet controlled by the United Colonies or the Freestar Collective. If authorities detect contraband items, you'll have to surrender them or face a confrontation.
How to Smuggle Contraband in Starfield
The most straightforward way to smuggle contraband in Starfield is to equip your ship with a shielded cargo hold. These protective holds shield stolen items from scanners, allowing you to slip past patrols unnoticed.
At the beginning of the game, your ship will have a standard cargo hold with no protection. However, you can upgrade it by visiting a Rare Parts Dealer. You may also receive these shielded cargo holds as quest rewards or take control of another ship that already has one.
Another option for smuggling contraband is by advancing the Deception skill on the Social skill tree to Rank 4, which makes scanners less effective.
Where to Sell Contraband in Starfield
Starfield players can sell contraband at any Trade Authority vendor, typically found on most major planets in the game. Two easily located vendors are Marcel Duris in The Den and Zoe Kaminski on Jemison. These vendors will gladly purchase your contraband items and compensate you for your smuggling efforts.
For players who have cultivated a relationship with the Crimson Fleet, The Key is another option. It has store owners willing to buy contraband goods. Additionally, The Key doesn't scan ships on approach, providing a safe smuggling route if your ship lacks the capability to remain hidden.
For more Starfield information, check our guides below:
Vasco Location In Starfield - How To Get Your First Spaceship In Starfield - Starfield: 5 Skills Every New Player Should Get - How To Bind Your Weapons In Starfield - Starfield Lockpicking Guide - How Many Main Quest Missions Are There? - How To Change Your FOV
