As you dive into Starfield's expansive universe, you'll inevitably reach a point where upgrading your starship becomes crucial. Facing multiple adversaries with underpowered ships can lead to defeat. However, some upgrades, including access to better starships and higher-tier equipment, require you to attain a specific Piloting Rank. This rank is associated with the Piloting Skill in the Tech category.
Piloting Skill Ranks
As more explorers venture into the cosmos, the number of certified spacecraft pilots has significantly increased.
- Rank 1: Unlocks ship thrusters (Challenge: Destroy 5 ships).
- Rank 2: Increases ship turning rate and maneuverability (Challenge: Destroy 15 ships).
- Rank 3: Grants the ability to pilot Class B ships (Challenge: Destroy 30 ships).
- Rank 4: Enables you to pilot Class C ships.
Unlocking these Piloting Ranks allows you to command Class B and Class C starships, which are among the most powerful and versatile in the game. Here's a brief overview of each Starship Class:
- Class A Ships: Low firepower but high mobility.
- Class B Ships: Moderate firepower and mobility.
- Class C Ships: High firepower with limited mobility.
Upgrading Your Piloting Skills and More
To reach Rank 4 in the Piloting Skill, you must destroy a total of 30 starships. While we offer helpful strategies for winning starship battles, the real challenge may be finding enough ships to destroy. Often, when exploring a planet's atmosphere, you may find it devoid of roaming ships.
However, we've discovered a quick, efficient, and cost-effective method to expedite your Piloting Skill and other ship-related skills, such as Missile Weapon Systems, Shield Systems, Engine Systems, and Targeting Control Systems.
This method involves unlocking the Piloting Simulator, hidden behind a Faction Quest. Once unlocked, the Piloting Simulator becomes a repeatable activity that helps you farm ship-related skill challenges without worrying about bounties or ship repairs. Plus, you'll use a well-armed, easy-to-maneuver ship.
Unlocking the Piloting Simulator for Fast Skill Gains
- After unlocking The Lodge, head to the MAST building in New Atlantis.
- Register for the Vanguard Faction by speaking with Commander Tuala behind the main desk to your left upon entering the building.
- Proceed to the Vanguard Orientation Hall using the nearby elevator.
- Complete the Vanguard Exam, accessible by walking through the Orientation Hall museum.
- Reach the Piloting Simulator by taking the elevator.
- Enter one of the Piloting Simulators.
- Engage in simulation training by destroying ships through six tiers of difficulty. Completing up to tier three is sufficient to complete the quest.
Once you pass the pilot exam, exit the simulator, and use the elevator to return to Commander Tuala's office in the Lobby. Speak with Commander Tuala to conclude your Piloting Exam and join the Vanguard Faction, earning 28,000 Credits.
You can revisit the Vanguard Pilot Simulator to farm the challenges without worrying about ship maintenance, upgrades, bounties, and more. If you struggle with higher tiers, you can reset the simulator tier by leaving and reentering.
Additionally, at the back of the ship inside the simulator, use the Simulation Controls computer to access Debug Tools, including Shield and Damage Upgrades, and generate allies to assist you. If you have Rank 1 in the Security Skill, you can hack an advanced lock in the Authorized Users Only section for Infinite Upgrades and more powerful allies.
Finding More Ships in Starfield
For those seeking a more authentic space experience, you can find ships to destroy in the game by following these tips:
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In planets' atmospheres with major Cities and Settlements, you'll often find abundant ship activity. However, engaging UC and Freestar Faction ships may lead to all related Faction ships turning hostile. Proceed with caution and combat readiness.
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Early star systems like Alpha Centauri and Toliman provide more opportunities to encounter low-level ships.
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Keep an eye out for orbiting icons around planets or moons that signify "random encounters." Investigate these encounters for potential targets, including UC and Freestar ships. You may also come across battles between UC, Freestar, and Crimson Fleet ships, where you can assist UC and gain combat experience.
By following these strategies and utilizing the Piloting Simulator, you can rapidly advance your Piloting Skill and ship-related abilities in Starfield, ensuring your dominance in the vastness of space.
Be sure to check out some of our other articles on the website:
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
