TL;DR
- Contraband appears yellow in inventory and triggers security scanners at major settlements
- Use shielded cargo holds, scan jammers, and Deception skill points to reduce detection chances
- Getting caught can lead to jail time or Crimson Fleet infiltration opportunities
- Sell contraband to Trade Authority vendors despite their limited credit pools
- Store illegal goods at outposts or Dream Home to avoid scanner detection entirely
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Starfield features numerous restricted items classified as illegal contraband that authorities actively pursue. These prohibited goods display distinctive yellow highlighting within your inventory interface, making identification straightforward during cargo management. When approaching controlled spaceports and major settlements, automated security scanners automatically screen incoming vessels for unauthorized cargo. Understanding this detection framework represents your initial step toward successful smuggling operations.
Security scanners employ sophisticated detection algorithms that vary by jurisdiction and settlement type. Higher-security systems like United Colonies territory feature more advanced scanning technology compared to Freestar Collective or independent outposts. The scanner success probability depends on multiple factors including your ship’s configuration, installed countermeasures, and character skill investments.
How to smuggle in Starfield?
While no method guarantees absolute immunity from detection, experienced smugglers combine multiple approaches to significantly reduce interception probabilities. The most effective strategy involves layering defensive measures rather than relying on single solutions.
- Deception. Investing skill points in the Deception tree provides substantial detection resistance bonuses. At maximum rank, this skill can reduce scanner effectiveness by up to 50%, making it essential for dedicated smuggling careers.
- Ships with shielded cargo compartments. The Razorleaf vessel obtained through completing The Mantis questline offers excellent early-game smuggling capabilities. Advanced players can install shielded cargo holds on most ship models through specialized ship technicians.
- Electronic countermeasures. Scan jammers available from certain vendors provide stacking detection resistance when installed in your ship’s equipment slots. Combining multiple jammers with shielded cargo creates multiplicative protection effects.
Pro tip: Always check your ship’s cargo hold statistics screen to verify your current detection chance percentage before approaching secured areas. This allows for last-minute adjustments if your risk appears too high.
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What happens if you get caught with contraband?
Detection of illegal cargo triggers immediate security responses with several potential outcomes. Standard procedure involves arrest and incarceration, resulting in fines, stolen cargo confiscation, and potential skill progression setbacks. However, strategic players can leverage this situation for alternative advancement paths.
Getting apprehended occasionally initiates specialized questlines, particularly opportunities to infiltrate the Crimson Fleet pirate organization. This represents a calculated risk some smugglers intentionally take to access unique narrative content and faction rewards.
Combat engagement remains an option when scanners identify your contraband, though this typically escalates into system-wide hostility. Before choosing this path, ensure your combat capabilities and ship armament can withstand sustained security force assaults.
Where to sell contraband in Starfield?
Trade Authority outlets serve as the primary contraband markets throughout settled systems. These vendors maintain discrete trading relationships regardless of local legality, though their credit reserves impose natural limitations on transaction volumes.
Vendor credit limitations represent the most significant constraint for high-volume smugglers. Advanced operators establish routes between multiple Trade Authority locations to maximize daily profit potential. The Key space station in the Kryx system offers particularly favorable conditions for illegal goods disposal.
Strategic storage solutions prevent unnecessary scanner exposure. Establishing outpost storage facilities allows safe contraband stockpiling until favorable market conditions arise. Players who select the Dream Home trait gain immediate access to secure storage without infrastructure investment.
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Action Checklist
- Complete The Mantis quest to acquire the Razorleaf ship with built-in shielded cargo
- Invest skill points in Deception tree for detection resistance
- Install scan jammers and additional shielded cargo on your primary vessel
- Establish outpost storage facilities for contraband stockpiling
- Develop multi-stop Trade Authority route to overcome individual vendor credit limits
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