{"id":39,"date":"2025-11-17T14:43:59","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T14:43:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/starfield.number61.co.uk\/?p=39"},"modified":"2025-11-18T20:57:37","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T20:57:37","slug":"guide-to-flying-ships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starfield.number61.co.uk\/index.php\/2025\/11\/17\/guide-to-flying-ships\/","title":{"rendered":"A quick guide to flying ships"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>To fly a ship in Starfield, use the W\/S keys or left stick to control speed, A\/D or left\/right stick to steer, and Left Shift to boost. Use the Up\/Down arrow keys to allocate power to systems like engines and shields, and use your mouse to aim and fire weapons. Manage your ship&#8217;s throttle by centering the speed indicator on the HUD, and use the scanner (F key) to target other ships and stations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This video explains how to fly a ship in Starfield:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Starfield how to fly\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eYXbF2A8kog?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Controls and movement<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Speed:<\/strong>\u00a0<code>W<\/code>\u00a0to increase,\u00a0<code>S<\/code>\u00a0to decrease<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Steering:<\/strong>\u00a0<code>A<\/code>\u00a0and\u00a0<code>D<\/code>\u00a0for left\/right, or left stick on a controller<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Boost:<\/strong>\u00a0<code>Left Shift<\/code>\u00a0to engage a temporary burst of speed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Power allocation:<\/strong>\u00a0<code>Up<\/code>\u00a0and\u00a0<code>Down<\/code>\u00a0arrow keys to increase or decrease power to different systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Throttle control:<\/strong>\u00a0Center the speed indicator on the HUD by adjusting your throttle for better handling during turns\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Combat and targeting<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fire weapons:<\/strong>\u00a0Use\u00a0<code>Mouse 1<\/code>\u00a0or\u00a0<code>Mouse 2<\/code>\u00a0to fire your weapons<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Target locking:<\/strong>\u00a0Center a target on your HUD for about six seconds to lock on and fire missiles automatically<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Target subsystems:<\/strong>\u00a0Once you have the\u00a0<code>Targeting Systems Skill<\/code>, you can target specific enemy ship parts like engines to disable them<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shields and hull:<\/strong>\u00a0Deplete the enemy&#8217;s shields before you can damage their hull. Monitor your own ship&#8217;s shields and hull on the HUD\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Navigation and interaction<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Scan:<\/strong>\u00a0Press\u00a0<code>F<\/code>\u00a0to bring up the scanner to get more information on points of interest, nearby ships, and stations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dock:<\/strong>\u00a0Aim at a station or ship and press\u00a0<code>E<\/code>\u00a0to hail, or get within 500m to dock or loot cargo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fast travel:<\/strong>\u00a0From on-planet, use the handscanner to find and fast travel to previously visited locations\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Advanced tips<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fly the simulator:<\/strong>\u00a0The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=mRpYa03MCgc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vanguard Pilot Simulator<\/a>\u00a0on Jameson is an excellent way to practice and complete Piloting skill challenges without real-world consequences.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Level up piloting:<\/strong>\u00a0To fly higher-class ships, you must rank up the Piloting skill by completing challenges in the simulator.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Weapon types:<\/strong>\u00a0Consider using EM weapons to disable engines and other systems without destroying the hull, which is necessary for boarding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Power management:<\/strong>\u00a0Keep your ship&#8217;s engine and shields powered up for optimal performance. Adjust power allocation based on the situation, whether you are in combat, fast traveling, or just exploring.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To fly a ship in Starfield with a controller, use the right stick for forward motion and rotation. Use the left stick to strafe left and right and to boost by clicking it down. Adjust power to ship systems like engines and weapons using the D-pad&#8217;s up and down buttons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Basic flight and movement<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Forward\/Throttle:<\/strong>\u00a0Move the\u00a0<strong>Right Stick<\/strong>\u00a0forward.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Speed:<\/strong>\u00a0Use the\u00a0<strong>Left Stick<\/strong>\u00a0to increase or decrease speed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Boost:<\/strong>\u00a0Press the\u00a0<strong>Left Stick<\/strong>\u00a0down.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strafe (Sideways):<\/strong>\u00a0Move the\u00a0<strong>Left Stick<\/strong>\u00a0left or right.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rotate Ship:<\/strong>\u00a0Use the\u00a0<strong>Left Stick<\/strong>\u00a0for roll.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Switch View (Third Person):<\/strong>\u00a0Press the\u00a0<strong>View<\/strong>\u00a0button.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Repair Ship:<\/strong>\u00a0Press the\u00a0<strong>Right Stick<\/strong>\u00a0down.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Power distribution and systems<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Navigate between systems:<\/strong>\u00a0Press the\u00a0<strong>Left and Right<\/strong>\u00a0buttons on the D-pad.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Increase\/Decrease power:<\/strong>\u00a0Use the\u00a0<strong>Up and Down<\/strong>\u00a0buttons on the D-pad to allocate power to different systems.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Controller vs Keyboard and Mouse<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For flying in Starfield, controllers generally offer a more intuitive and smoother experience due to analog movement and built-in auto-centering, while keyboard and mouse provides superior aiming precision. Many players use a hybrid approach, preferring the keyboard and mouse for on-foot combat and switching to a controller for flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This video explains why some players prefer the controller for flying in Starfield:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"CONTROLLER vs MOUSE &amp; KEYBOARD in Starfield - Which is better?\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9RyX3wPxgZg?start=123&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Controller<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pros:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>More intuitive flying:<\/strong>\u00a0Analog sticks allow for smoother, more natural ship control and a better &#8220;feel&#8221; for flying, especially with auto-centering.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Easier on-system management:<\/strong>\u00a0The D-pad on a controller can make it easier to quickly switch between ship systems and adjust power levels, especially compared to using arrow keys.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Comfort:<\/strong>\u00a0A controller can be more comfortable for longer sessions and more relaxed play.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cons:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Less precise aiming:<\/strong>\u00a0Maneuvering for precise aiming can be more difficult compared to the high precision of a mouse.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Keyboard and mouse<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pros:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Superior aiming:<\/strong>\u00a0A mouse provides a significant advantage for precision aiming, which is crucial for combat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>More keys for systems:<\/strong>\u00a0With many keys available, it is possible to rebind ship systems to more convenient keys for frequent access.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cons:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Less intuitive flying:<\/strong>\u00a0The lack of analog control can make ship handling feel &#8220;mushy&#8221; or sluggish, requiring constant focus on the reticle to correct course.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Requires more focus on reticle:<\/strong>\u00a0Straightening your ship requires manually centering the reticle, which can be more distracting than the auto-centering on a controller.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To fly a ship in Starfield, use the W\/S keys or left stick to control speed, A\/D or left\/right stick to steer, and Left Shift to boost. Use the Up\/Down arrow keys to allocate power to systems like engines and shields, and use your mouse to aim and fire weapons. Manage your ship&#8217;s throttle by [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":40,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[7,8],"class_list":["post-39","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","tag-flying","tag-simulator"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/starfield.number61.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/starfield.number61.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/starfield.number61.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starfield.number61.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starfield.number61.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/starfield.number61.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":104,"href":"https:\/\/starfield.number61.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39\/revisions\/104"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starfield.number61.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/starfield.number61.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starfield.number61.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starfield.number61.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}