starfield how to make money
by Samuel James in
Guides

Welcome to the limitless cosmos of Starfield, the latest epic from Bethesda that lets you carve your own space odyssey. From celestial explorations to intense space combat, this game has it all. But there’s a catch—your dreams are only as good as your credit balance. Yep, you’ll need money, and lots of it, to buy those shiny new spaceships, top-tier weapons, and even planetary outposts.

So, how do you get rich in a universe full of opportunity and peril? Worry not, intrepid astronaut! This article has got you covered with the top 4 proven ways to make money in Starfield. Whether you’re a law-abiding citizen or a daredevil with a knack for bending the rules, there’s something for everyone.

What’s Coming Up

  • Make Money with Faction Missions
  • Selling Loot to Make Money
  • Ship Cargo: A Risky but Rewarding Method
  • Exploiting the Starfield Money Glitch

Ready to fill those pockets with cosmic credits? Let’s dive in!

The Ease of Making Money in Starfield: No Boss Fights, Just Strategy

Let’s get one thing straight: Earning credits in Starfield is far easier than grinding for Runes in Elden Ring. You won’t need to go toe-to-toe with behemoth bosses or trek through uncharted cosmic territories. The game isn’t out to break your spirit, but it does demand some savvy strategizing if you aim to be a cosmic millionaire.

Starfield vs. Other Games: A Quick Look

GameDifficulty in Earning MoneyStrategy Needed
StarfieldEasyModerate
Elden RingHardHigh
Cyberpunk 2077ModerateModerate

Strategy is King

You can’t just float around space, expecting your credit balance to inflate magically. No, you’ve got to have a game plan, especially if you’re gunning for that millionaire status before hitting New Atlantis. Whether it’s aligning with factions, looting ancient ruins, or even a bit of cosmic piracy, your approach will dictate your earning speed.

Make Money with Faction Missions: Cash and Camaraderie in the Cosmos

One of the most straightforward ways to earn some honest-to-goodness credits is by taking on faction missions. While the main storyline offers its share of financial gains, these side hustles are where the real money lies.

Choose Your Faction, Choose Your Fate

In Starfield, you can pledge your allegiance to any of the four factions, each opening up a unique set of questlines. Think of it as choosing your own cosmic career path. And the pay? Oh, it’s more than just credits; you’ll also score valuable traits, powerful weapons, and armor sets.

FactionRewardsLegalityRisk Level
Crimson FleetHigh cash, weaponsIllegalHigh
PeacekeepersModerate cash, traitsLegalLow
Explorers’ GuildLow cash, unique itemsLegalModerate
Merchants’ UnionHigh cash, trade benefitsLegalLow

The Crimson Fleet: A Lucrative but Risky Business

Let’s talk about the Crimson Fleet. These are space pirates, and they don’t mess around. Their missions pay exceptionally well, but you’ll be bending a few laws—or breaking them outright. To get in on this high-risk, high-reward action, you’ll need to get arrested and agree to join their raucous ranks.

The Rewards and Risks

Completing faction missions offers a great way to rack up credits, but it’s essential to weigh the risks. While some factions offer safer, more legal routes to wealth, others—like the Crimson Fleet—can put you in some morally (and legally) grey areas.

So, whether you decide to be a law-abiding citizen or a daring rule-bender, faction missions offer a lucrative way to fill your coffers.

Selling Loot to Make Money: Your Cosmic Treasure Hunt

Bethesda has a reputation for creating worlds brimming with lootable treasures, and Starfield is no exception. From vanquished foes to hidden chests and even random desks, the universe is your proverbial oyster. But looting isn’t just about grabbing whatever catches your eye; it’s an art that requires strategy.

Skills to Pay the Bills

Before you go on a looting spree, invest your skill points wisely. Consider leveling up in Weight Lifting to increase your carrying capacity. Also, don’t overlook the Commerce skill, which lets you haggle for better prices when selling your loot.

SkillBenefit
Weight LiftingIncreases carrying capacity
CommerceGet better prices for your items

Choose Your Loot Wisely

Your inventory has its limits, so pick your loot with care. Prioritize high-value items like spacesuits, weapons, and Antique Earth relics. These fetch a pretty penny but can also fill up your inventory fast.

Suit Up for More Space

Did you know that your spacesuit can also affect your carrying capacity? Mechanized suits, for example, offer a +40 boost to your inventory limit. That extra space can mean the difference between leaving valuable loot behind and cashing in big time.

The Final Step: Selling

Once your pockets are bursting, head to the nearest vendor. With your Commerce skill, you’ll get top dollar for your cosmic collectibles. Turn those treasures into credits, and you’re one step closer to becoming a Starfield millionaire.

Ship Cargo: A Risky but Rewarding Method—Loot, Board, Profit!

If the thought of plundering enemy ships gets your thrusters going, then this method is for you. Ship cargo looting offers an adrenaline-pumping alternative to ground-based scavenging. But remember, in space, no one can hear you scheme.

How to Loot a Ship: The Steps

  1. Target the Engine: Focus your firepower on the enemy ship’s engine to immobilize it.
  2. Board the Ship: Once the ship is stationary, board it to take on any remaining crew.
  3. Transfer Cargo: Loot the ship and transfer the goods to your own vessel.

Shielded Cargo Storage: A Must-Have

The universe has its own version of customs officers—planetary scanners that will flag your stolen goods. To avoid this, invest in shielded cargo storage. It’s like having a cosmic contraband compartment.

Cargo TypeValueRisk LevelDetection Likelihood
Standard CargoLowLowLow
High-Value GoodsHighHighModerate
Stolen GoodsVariesVery HighHigh (without shielding)

The Risks and Rewards

Engaging in a bit of space piracy isn’t for the faint of heart. You’re putting your ship and crew at risk. But the rewards? Let’s just say they can be astronomical. With shielded cargo storage, you’ll be able to slip through planetary scanners and make a killing in the black market.

So, if you’re up for the challenge and can handle the heat, ship cargo looting offers a high-risk, high-reward path to affluence in Starfield.

Exploiting the Starfield Money Glitch: A Controversial Shortcut to Wealth

Who doesn’t love a good glitch, especially when it can make you filthy rich? In Starfield, a particular money glitch allows you to access hidden vendor chests and clean them out. Before you start judging, know that it’s a game mechanic—at least for now. Bethesda will likely patch this in future updates, but as of this writing, it’s a golden opportunity.

Finding the Hidden Chests: A How-To

  1. Locate the Vendor: Pick a shop, like Shepherd’s General Store in Akila City.
  2. Find the Spot: Position yourself in a specific spot near the shop.
  3. Crouch and Search: Crouch down and find the hidden chest.
  4. Loot and Profit: Empty the chest, taking the vendor’s inventory and credits.

The Pros and Cons

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Quick and Easy MoneyLikely to be Patched
No Legal ConsequencesMay Feel Like Cheating
RepeatableLimited to Vendor Locations

Reset and Repeat

After you’ve looted a chest, simply rest for 24 hours twice to reset the vendor’s inventory. Rinse and repeat for as much cash as you desire. You can even hit multiple chests in succession and then rest to replenish them all at once.

Ethical Considerations

While this method is effective, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Some players might consider it an exploit, while others see it as making the most of the game’s mechanics. Either way, it’s a powerful strategy for accumulating credits quickly—if you’re comfortable with it.

Console Commands: The Cheat Method—When All Else Fails, Code It!

So you’ve tried every method in the book, but you’re still falling short of that millionaire mark? Fear not! As a last resort, you can always turn to console commands. It’s the nuclear option—effective, but use with caution. You’re basically rewriting the cosmic laws here.

The Command to Rule Them All

To generate instant wealth, bring up the console menu by pressing the ~ key on your keyboard. Enter the following command:

Player.additem 0000000F 1000000

Press enter, and voila, you’ve got a cool million credits to your name.

The Good, the Bad, and the Cheaty

ProsCons
Instant MoneyDisables Achievements
Works on Any AmountOnly Available on PC
Easy to UseMay Diminish Gameplay Experience

The Achievement Dilemma

One significant caveat is that using console commands disables Starfield achievements. But if you’re not one to chase digital badges of honor, this might not be a deal-breaker for you. And if you really can’t resist those achievements, mods can help you reactivate them.

A Word of Caution

While console commands offer a quick fix, they can also alter the game’s balance and diminish your sense of achievement. It’s a shortcut that comes with its own set of cosmic compromises.

Conclusion: Navigating the Cosmic Highway to Wealth in Starfield

Starfield offers an unparalleled space adventure teeming with opportunities and challenges. Whether you’re exploring uncharted planets, engaging in dogfights, or expanding your fleet, the game provides an immersive experience. But as the saying goes, “In space, no one can hear you scream… about being broke.” That’s why credits are your ticket to unlocking Starfield’s full potential.

The Methods at a Glance

  • Faction Missions: Align with the right groups for high-paying quests.
  • Selling Loot: Turn scavenging into an art form.
  • Ship Cargo: Engage in a bit of space piracy for big rewards.
  • Money Glitch: Exploit a temporary glitch for quick credits.
  • Console Commands: The cheat code to end all financial woes.

What Method Suits You?

Each method comes with its unique set of pros and cons, risks and rewards. Your path to riches will depend on your gameplay style, ethical considerations, and risk tolerance. From honorable quests to the dark corners of cosmic trickery, the choice is yours.

Final Thoughts

Making money in Starfield is an adventure in itself, offering multiple routes to financial freedom. Whether you choose to stick to the straight and narrow or meander through morally grey areas, one thing’s for sure—you’ll need those credits to experience the game to the fullest.

And there you have it, your comprehensive guide to getting rich in the Starfield universe. Strap in, power up those thrusters, and may your credit balance always be as vast as the cosmos!

Samuel James is a passionate writer with a love for MMO and ARPG games. When he's not busy exploring virtual worlds, he enjoys taking his dog for long walks and writing detailed gaming guides for XPGoblin. He also loves watching sci-fi films, with a particular fondness for the works of Stanley Kubrick and Ridley Scott.
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