To hide contraband in Starfield and avoid detection by authorities, you need to take several key steps:
- Equip your ship with a Shielded Cargo Hold : This upgrade makes it harder for ship scanners to detect contraband stored inside it. You can unlock or buy shielded cargo holds by joining the Crimson Raiders faction and visiting The Key in the Kryx System, or buy them from NPCs like Lon Anderssen on Red Mile or Jasmine Durand on The Key
- Install a Scan Jammer on your ship : This device interferes with scanners and reduces the chance of detection. It can be unlocked by leveling up your Starship Design skill and purchased at places like Red Mile
- Increase your Deception skill : Higher Deception skill reduces the likelihood of being caught with contraband during scans
- Store contraband in the Shielded Cargo Hold, not in your personal inventory or companions' inventories : Only items inside the shielded cargo hold benefit from the protection
- Use outposts or player housing to store contraband temporarily : Contraband stored in your outpost or your Dream Home (if you have that trait) is not subject to scanning and is safe from confiscation
- Avoid traveling into scanned systems with contraband if you lack proper ship upgrades : Scans only happen when entering a new planet or system, so moving around the same planet is safe
- Best place to sell contraband is The Den in the Wolf System , as it does not scan incoming ships
Keep in mind that even with all these measures, there is always some risk of detection, especially if you carry large amounts of contraband. Using a combination of shielded cargo holds, scan jammers, and high Deception skill will maximize your chances of smuggling contraband successfully
. In summary, to hide contraband effectively in Starfield, focus on upgrading your ship with a shielded cargo hold and scan jammer, improve your Deception skill, store contraband properly, and use safe locations like outposts or The Den to avoid scans and sell your illegal goods.
