To board enemy ships in Starfield, follow these steps:
- Unlock the Targeting Control Systems skill (at least rank 1) to enable targeting specific ship systems during combat.
- Engage the enemy ship in combat and lock onto it using the targeting mode (e.g., press X on Xbox controller).
- Destroy the ship's shields first by selecting shields with the d-pad and firing weapons until the shields are fully depleted.
- Switch targeting to the ship's engines (left on the d-pad) and disable them by firing ballistics, missiles, or EM weapons until the engine health is almost or fully depleted. Be careful not to destroy the ship's hull completely, or it will be destroyed.
- Ensure all other enemy ships in the area are destroyed , leaving only the ship you want to board.
- Fly within 500 meters of the disabled ship. When close enough, a "Dock" button prompt will appear (e.g., hold X on Xbox).
- Dock with the ship and board it. Inside, eliminate all hostile crew members.
- If the ship requires a higher Piloting skill to operate , level up accordingly to take control of the ship.
- You can keep the captured ship as your own or sell it at docking areas after paying a registration fee.
This method allows you to loot contraband and other valuable items from the ship, gain XP, and acquire free ships in the game
