Selling contraband in Starfield can be both thrilling and profitable. However, if you don’t understand how to avoid scans and locate black markets, your mission could quickly fail. This guide explains everything you need to know about how to sell contraband in Starfield, in the safest and most efficient way.
What Is Contraband in Starfield?
In Starfield, contraband refers to illegal items such as harvested organs, stolen goods, or banned substances. These items are flagged automatically when your ship is scanned near secured systems. If you’re caught, you’ll either be fined or arrested. Therefore, knowing how to smuggle safely becomes essential.
Where to Sell Contraband in Starfield?
Contraband can’t be sold at every vendor. In fact, most traders won’t even accept it. So, where should you go?
The best location is The Den, a space station in the Wolf system. Interestingly, this station lacks security scans, so ships carrying illegal items are not flagged. This makes it the top spot for selling stolen or banned items without risk.
You can also try Trade Authority kiosks found in some major cities like Cydonia (Mars), Neon, and Akila City. However, you must first pass their scan when landing. Therefore, you’ll need special gear to stay safe.
How to Avoid Scans While Smuggling Contraband
Successfully selling contraband begins with avoiding scans. Here’s how:
1. Shielded Cargo Holds
Some ships or upgrades come with shielded cargo holds. These make it harder for authorities to detect your stash. For instance, ships like the Crimson Fleet’s Ghost have built-in smuggling capacity. If your ship doesn’t have one, visit a technician in a non-UC system and ask for smuggler upgrades.
2. Scan Jammers
Another way to bypass scans is by using a scan jammer. This tech reduces the chance of getting caught, especially when paired with shielded cargo. Scan jammers are often found in Red Mile or purchased from shady vendors.
3. Dock at Non-Secure Locations
As mentioned earlier, some areas, like The Den, don’t scan ships. So even if you’re caught elsewhere, heading straight there ensures a safe sell.
Tips for First-Time Smugglers
Start with low-risk goods. For example, try stolen items that aren’t flagged heavily like “stolen digipicks.” If you succeed, then move on to higher-value contraband like “Aurora.”
Moreover, try to save before entering a secure zone. If you get scanned and caught, you can reload and try another method. This trick is often used by many players to test their smuggling routes.
Also, your ship’s class and capacity matter. Smaller ships might pass scans easily, but they carry less. Meanwhile, large freighters carry more but draw attention. So balance risk and reward wisely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Flying through UC-secured areas without checking scan zones
- Selling contraband at public vendors They don’t accept it
- Forgetting to install shielded cargo before attempting a run
Furthermore, don’t underestimate law enforcement. Even experienced smugglers have been caught due to a simple oversight.
Can Contraband Be Stored Safely?
Yes, but only in shielded cargo holds or inside outposts that aren’t being monitored. When items are placed in regular inventory or unshielded holds, they can be easily scanned and seized.
Contraband stored in a player’s base was once considered safe, but recent patches have made that less reliable.
Final Thoughts
Selling contraband in Starfield is risky, but the rewards are worth it. By upgrading your ship, choosing the right locations, and using stealth strategies, you can smuggle and sell without fear. As always, careful planning wins the game.
Now that you know how to sell contraband in Starfield, it’s time to test your skills and earn those extra credits, without getting caught.
Read More: Starfield Evidence Locations
