Starfield – Where To Sell Contraband And Stolen Items

Mastering the underground economy in Starfield requires understanding two distinct categories of illicit merchandise. While both can generate substantial profits, they carry different risks and require specific handling techniques to avoid detection by faction authorities.

Contraband represents the highest-risk category, featuring distinctive yellow icons that mark these items as strictly prohibited across all Settled Systems. These goods trigger automated security scans when approaching controlled planets, making them particularly dangerous to transport without proper precautions. In contrast, stolen items display red icons and typically originate from unauthorized acquisitions in restricted zones or private property.

Successful smuggling operations depend on recognizing these critical distinctions:

• Stolen items – Identified by red markers, these are typically acquired from secured locations or NPC-owned facilities without permission.
• Contraband items – Marked with yellow symbols, these are inherently illegal substances or objects banned throughout civilized space.
• Security protocols – Faction scans specifically target contraband detection, ignoring stolen goods unless contraband is discovered.
• Detection mechanics – Only contraband stored in shielded cargo holds has any chance of evading security sweeps.

Security scans automatically activate when entering orbit around United Colonies or Freestar Collective territories.

The Trade Authority network provides your primary outlet for moving illicit goods safely. These establishments are strategically positioned across major settlements including Neon, New Atlantis, and Akila, easily identifiable by their vibrant yellow signage.

Pro tip: Always utilize the ship inventory interface when dealing with Trade Authority vendors. This allows you to sell contraband directly from your vessel’s storage, eliminating the risk of carrying prohibited items through public spaces where local security might inspect your personal inventory.

Mercenary vessel cockpits often contain hidden contraband caches.

Beyond fixed locations, you can encounter Trade Authority vessels during interstellar travel. Docking with these mobile traders in unaffiliated systems provides completely scan-free transactions, making them ideal for high-volume contraband movements.

The Crimson Fleet’s space station, The Key, represents the ultimate safe haven for illegal trading operations. Located in the Kryx system, this pirate stronghold operates outside faction jurisdiction, allowing unrestricted commerce without security inspections.

Gallery

Left: The Trade Authority building has a bright neon sign; Right: You can sell contraband and stolen items directly from your ship’s inventory.

Two primary methods exist for bypassing contraband security sweeps, each with distinct advantages and limitations for aspiring smugglers.

• Deception skill – This social ability reduces scan effectiveness but represents a questionable investment compared to more versatile combat or exploration talents.
• Shielded Cargo modules – The superior solution, these specialized ship components provide reliable protection when properly installed.

Critical insight: The detection algorithm calculates probability based on total contraband weight. Maintaining lower cargo volumes significantly improves your chances of successful smuggling runs.

Gaining access to shielded cargo technology requires establishing connections with the Crimson Fleet faction. Upon joining their ranks, visit The Key station in the Kryx system and consult Jasmine, their specialized ship technician.

When reviewing available modules, specifically search for components labeled “Shielded Cargo Hold” to ensure proper functionality. Installation is straightforward but requires available ship modification slots.

Always verify the “Shielded Cargo” specification when purchasing from Crimson Fleet suppliers.

Beyond direct purchase, several alternative pathways exist for obtaining shielded cargo capability:

• Ship capture – Boarding and commandeering mercenary vessels occasionally yields ships with pre-installed smuggling compartments.
• Legendary vessels – The renowned Mantis ship comes equipped with built-in shielded cargo, providing immediate smuggling capacity.
• Probability management – Detection rates typically hover around 59% with moderate contraband loads, making save scumming a viable strategy for high-risk shipments.

Strategic consideration: Distribute high-value contraband across multiple smuggling runs rather than risking everything in a single high-probability detection attempt.

1. Identify Trade Authority locations in major settlements
2. Join Crimson Fleet to access shielded cargo technology
3. Install shielded cargo modules on your primary vessel
4. Transfer all contraband to ship storage before approach
5. Calculate detection probability based on cargo weight
6. Utilize ship inventory interface for all illegal goods transactions
7. Consider mobile Trade Authority ships in unaffiliated systems
8. Practice risk management with multiple smaller shipments

No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Starfield – Where To Sell Contraband And Stolen Items Master the black market economy in Starfield with advanced smuggling techniques and profit optimization strategies