To board ships in Starfield, follow these steps:
- Unlock the Targeting Control Systems skill (Tier 1 Tech tree, rank 1 minimum). This skill allows you to target specific ship systems like engines.
- Engage the enemy ship in combat and first destroy its shields using normal weapons.
- Once shields are down, use the targeting mode (press the appropriate button, e.g., X on Xbox) to select the ship’s engines.
- Attack the engines with EM weapons or ballistics until they are disabled but avoid destroying the ship entirely.
- When the enemy ship’s engines are disabled, it becomes immobile but can still fire.
- Fly within 500 meters of the disabled ship. A prompt to dock will appear (hold X on Xbox or the equivalent on PC).
- Dock with the ship as you would with a space station.
- After docking, board the ship and clear out all hostiles inside. Depending on the ship size, enemies may be in the cockpit or other areas.
- If you want to claim the ship as your own, interact with the pilot’s seat. Some ships require a certain Piloting skill level to pilot.
- You can then use the ship, fast travel with it, or sell it at a starport (registration fees apply).
This process lets you loot, capture, or steal ships for XP, loot, and new vessels
. Summary:
- Unlock Targeting Control Systems skill
- Destroy shields
- Disable engines
- Approach within 500m and dock
- Board and clear hostiles
- Claim or loot ship
Be careful not to destroy the ship while disabling engines, and ensure it's the last enemy ship around to get the boarding prompt
