Starship Customization & Paint Jobs
Personalizing your starship is a key aspect of expressing your identity as a traveler in No Man's Sky. From changing paint colors to altering ship components, customization options allow you to make your vessel truly unique, reflecting your style and achievements across the galaxy.
Your starship is your primary mode of transport and a symbol of your journey. No Man's Sky offers a robust system for customizing its appearance, allowing you to change its color, add decals, and even swap out certain parts. This guide will explore the various ways you can make your ship stand out.
The Ship Customization Interface
Ship customization is primarily done at the Starship Outfitting Station, found on most space stations and within your freighter. Interacting with this station opens up the customization menu.
Paint Jobs and Decals
- Color Palettes: You can change the primary, secondary, and tertiary colors of your starship. A wide array of colors is available, allowing for countless combinations.
- Decals: Various decals, such as stripes, emblems, and faction symbols, can be applied to your ship's hull. These add intricate details and further personalize its look.
- Unlocking Colors and Decals: Many colors and decals are unlocked by completing specific missions, achieving milestones, or purchasing them with Nanites from the Space Anomaly.
Ship Component Swapping
Beyond aesthetics, you can also alter your ship's appearance by swapping out certain components. This is typically done when acquiring a new ship or by using specific technologies.
- Hull Types: Different ship classes (Fighter, Explorer, Hauler, Shuttle, Exotic, Solar, Living) have distinct base models. While you can't fundamentally change a fighter into a hauler, you can find variations within each class that feature different wing configurations, engine pods, and cockpit dess.
- Component Availability: The availability of specific components is tied to the ship generation system. When you find a ship you like, look for variations that have the aesthetic elements you desire.
- Living Ships: These organic vessels have their own unique customization system, involving the use of Void Eggs and specific organic components acquired through the Starbirth questline.
Acquiring New Ships
The primary way to get different ship looks is by finding and purchasing new starships. Ship classes and their variations are procedurally generated, meaning there's an immense variety to discover across the galaxy.
- Space Stations: Ships land frequently at space stations, offering a good place to browse.
- Trading Posts: These planetary outposts also attract several starships.
- Freighter Crashes: Occasionally, you can find crashed freighters with ships that can be salvaged or purchased.
- Expeditions: Certain expeditions and questlines may reward you with unique starships.
Tips for Customization
- Experiment: Don't be afraid to try different color combinations and decals.
- Save Presets: If available, save your favorite color schemes for easy application later.
- Visit the Space Anomaly: The Anomaly often has vendors selling unique customization options.
- Consider Ship Class: Different ship classes have inherently different visual styles. Choose a class that appeals to you aesthetically.
By taking advantage of these customization options, you can ensure your starship is not just a tool for travel but a personal statement in the vast, ever-expanding universe of No Man's Sky.