Trading looted weapons and resources at vendors, completing early faction missions, and engaging in some basic survey activities on planets will provide the fastest way in Starfield how to earn credits quickly early.
Getting started in Starfield and finding yourself strapped for cash? You’re not alone! Many players ask about Starfield how to earn credits quickly early. The initial hours can feel a bit slow if you are just following the main story.
Luckily, there are several efficient methods for boosting your credit balance in the early game. These strategies involve a combination of selling gathered items and focusing on quick, rewarding activities.
Starfield How to Earn Credits Quickly Early
Okay, space explorers! You’ve just jumped into the vast universe of Starfield, and you’re probably looking at your credit balance wondering how you’re going to afford that awesome new spaceship or that super cool laser rifle. Credits, the in-game currency, are super important, and getting them fast early on can really help you. Don’t worry; we’ve got your back! Let’s dive into the best ways to become a space millionaire (or at least, space comfortably well-off) in the early hours of your Starfield adventure.
The Art of the Quick Sale
One of the most straightforward ways to earn credits in Starfield, particularly in the early game, is to become a skilled seller. Think of yourself as a space-age merchant, constantly gathering goods to exchange for profit. It sounds simple, and it is, but there’s a knack to it.
Loot Everything You Can
Seriously, everything! Those abandoned outposts you find? Check every locker, every container, every nook and cranny. Even if you think, “Oh, that can’t be worth much,” grab it anyway. You’ll be surprised how much junk adds up. Those old coffee cups, that busted equipment? They all have value at the right vendor. Think of it like spring cleaning, but in space, and instead of your trash, you’re gathering someone else’s and turning it into cash. Always be on the lookout for resources, weapons, spacesuits, and even food items. You will find more items than you think are worth selling.
Where to Sell Your Loot
Finding the right places to sell is just as important as finding the loot. Early on, you’ll want to frequent the main cities and settlements. Here are a few good options:
- The Trade Authority Kiosks: These are your go-to spots, often found in the main landing zones of cities. They’re usually a safe bet for buying most items.
- General Stores: Look for stores selling all kinds of things. They often pay a bit more for specific goods, so check what they want each day.
- Specialized Vendors: Later in the game, you’ll find specific vendors who pay more for certain things (like weapons merchants buying weapons). But for now, focusing on Trade Authority Kiosks and General Stores is a good tactic.
Remember, vendor’s credit amount are limited and they will reset after 24 in-game hours, that can help you sell your loot and come back later to sell again.
Mission Accomplished: Earning Credits Through Quests
Of course, a true space explorer doesn’t just pick up junk and sell it. They also take on adventures! Missions, or quests, in Starfield, are not just fun, they’re often very rewarding. The earlier you focus on them, the faster your credit count will increase.
Main Quests: A Solid Starting Point
The main questline is more than just a story; it’s a great way to get your bank account started. Following the main story will take you to new places, new adventures, and, most importantly, new rewards. These quests tend to pay out more credits than side missions, making them a great place to invest your early gaming time.
Side Quests: Branch Out and Prosper
Don’t forget about the side quests! While they might pay out less on average than the main quests, they’re often quicker and easier, meaning you can complete more of them in the same amount of time. They’re also a great way to learn about the game world and meet different characters. Check the mission boards in towns and cities; they are a source of new quests and potential earnings. Talking to the various NPC’s can also lead you to side quests.
Faction Quests: Loyalty Pays
Once you start exploring the game more, you’ll start finding different factions. Joining a faction can open up a whole new line of quests, often with higher payouts than random side missions. Each of them will also grant you great rewards.
Mining for Money
Mining isn’t just for resources; it’s a way to turn rocks into riches! In Starfield, you can mine valuable materials using your Cutter. These materials can then be sold for credits. It takes a little bit of time to do but a good way to earn a bit extra while you’re exploring the universe.
Finding the Right Materials
Not all rocks are created equal. Some rocks contain much more valuable resources than others. The composition of the rocks will tell you what’s inside. Look for materials that are described as ‘Rare’ or ‘Exotic’, as these will generally sell for the most money. To see what kind of resources a planet has, you can scan the planet from your ship.
Selling Your Mined Materials
Once you’ve filled your cargo hold with valuable minerals, take them back to a vendor. Look for Trade Authority kiosks, as they generally accept any resources. You can also check general goods stores, as they may sometimes pay a bit more for specific materials.
Becoming a Space Scavenger
Derelict ships and abandoned outposts are scattered around Starfield, full of loot and sometimes other things. You’ll usually find locked containers and maybe even enemies. But they are often worth the effort.
Exploring Derelict Ships
Finding an abandoned ship floating in space can feel like hitting the jackpot! These ships can hold valuable items, weapons, and even resources. Just be careful; they’re often guarded by robots or hostile lifeforms. Be prepared for a fight, but the reward is usually worth the risk. Always have enough med packs and ammo for any encounter.
Abandoned Outposts and Facilities
Planets also have their secrets; abandoned outposts and research facilities are filled with containers of items that you can loot, often with little to no resistance. However, some outposts may be overrun by hostile creatures or pirates. Make sure you are well-prepared before attempting to explore these locations.
Pirate Encounters: A Risky Option
If you’re feeling brave, you can try attacking pirate ships. The battles can be tough, but if you win, you get their ship and its loot. You can either sell the ship for credits, or you can take the cargo and resell that. Be careful, as early in the game, pirate ships can easily destroy you if you’re not careful.
Crafting for Profit
While crafting might not seem like a quick way to make money early on, it can definitely become a good source of income later as you collect more resources. Certain items that you can craft sell for a good amount, and it can also be a good way to get rid of extra resources you may have.
Setting Up an Outpost
As you progress in the game, you can set up your own outposts on planets. This requires resources and certain skills but can be a source of various items and resources that you can craft and sell.
Crafting for Profit
Certain items that you craft will sell more than the resources you used. For example, if you have a surplus of resources and crafting skills, you can make certain weapons or modifications and sell them.
The Smuggling Trade
Now this is a little riskier than other ways of earning credits, but it is also very profitable. If you are feeling daring and bold, then try your hand at smuggling.
Finding Contraband
Sometimes, while looting, you will find “Contraband” items. These are illegal items that you can sell at specific vendors, usually in less civilized systems. Contraband items are worth a lot more credits than common items, but they can be a risk.
Avoiding the Authorities
If the authorities scan your ship and find contraband, they’ll fine you or maybe even attack you. You will need to find specific vendors to sell the contraband items. It will be less risky if you sell it in systems where there are no authorities.
High Risk, High Reward
Smuggling is a good option to earn credits, but it is definitely risky. You need to find ways to avoid authorities, and that is not always easy. Be prepared to evade and fight if you are caught.
Tips for Quick Credit Earning
Okay, so we’ve covered the main methods for earning credits. But there are a few general tips and tricks that can help you earn a little bit faster.
- Increase your Persuasion Skills: If you are good at persuading people in dialogue, some people will give you free credits or will lower the price of an item.
- Upgrade Your Ship: A better ship means you can carry more loot and travel faster, therefore, you earn more credits.
- Be Organized: Don’t let your inventory get cluttered. Regularly sell your loot so you can find new things and continue exploring.
- Travel Often: Don’t just stay in one place, keep on exploring, as new areas mean new opportunities.
Remember, the key to earning credits quickly early on is to be thorough in your exploration, complete quests, and be smart about selling your loot. With a little bit of patience and strategy, you’ll be swimming in credits in no time. Keep exploring, keep looting, and keep selling! Soon enough, you’ll be able to afford that dream ship or those awesome upgrades. Happy space adventuring!
BEST STARFIELD MONEY MAKING GUIDE EARLY GAME – 156,493 Credits Per Hour (No Skills/Perks Needed)
Final Thoughts
Early in Starfield, quick credits come from looting valuable items, completing faction quests, and selling gathered resources. Focus on quests from the United Colonies or Freestar Collective for decent payouts. Sell extra weapons and armor. These activities offer a faster path to wealth.
Consider scanning planets for valuable organic or inorganic resources to sell. Also, look for side missions at spaceports and cities. Doing these will get you closer to becoming rich. Remember to explore a lot for the best ways to use resources. This will really benefit players who are seeking Starfield how to earn credits quickly early.
