Essential Guide to Upgrading Your Spacecraft in Starfield: Top Ship Parts and Their Benefits
Lily Fisher
Updated on May 17, 2026
At the heart of Bethesda's interstellar RPG experience lies the ability to craft and customize your own starship, selecting from a myriad of parts to build a vessel that reflects your playstyle. Among these components, certain parts stand out for their superior capabilities, elevating both combat prowess and navigational efficiency. These elite parts belong to the C-class, the pinnacle of ship-building technology.
Starfield, set against the backdrop of a galaxy ripe for exploration, transforms spacecraft from mere travel vessels into pivotal assets in both skirmishes and journeys. Ships are not just modes of transport; they are fortified bastions capable of delivering devastating firepower, complete with advanced weaponry like cannons, turrets, and missile launchers, ensuring you're well-equipped for any encounter.
While many of Starfield's top-tier ship parts were available at launch, recent DLC expansions have introduced some remarkable additions to your arsenal.
17 Obliterator 250MeV Alpha Turret (35,100 Credits)
Ship Part Unlock Level 60
This turret, although slower to discharge, boasts unmatched firepower and durability, delivering the highest hull and shield damage in the game—both at 86. Acquiring it requires unlocking the Starship Design skill at rank 4, making it one of the final challenges in ship customization.
16 Nova Galactic Double Decker 2x2x2 Hab (2,325)
Ship Part Unlock Level 1
Offering dual levels for innovative ship design, this hab provides flexibility unseen in previous models. While not revolutionary, it caters perfectly to specific player archetypes looking for unique spatial configurations.
15 Reza 300 pHz SX Pulse Laser Turret (32,205 Credits)
Ship Part Unlock Level 60
Preferred by those valuing sustained damage over raw power, this turret excels at maintaining pressure during engagements. Its rapid firing rate compensates for lower per-shot impact, rewarding strategic positioning and persistence.
14 Poseidon DT220 Engine (25,700 Credits)
Ship Part Unlock Level 48
Renowned for its impressive thrust metrics, this engine propels your ship with both speed and agility. Attaining it demands a moderate investment of skill and rank, balancing accessibility with exclusivity.
13 Assurance SG-1800 Shield Generator (47,400 Credits)
Ship Part Unlock Level 27
As one of the most potent shield generators, it ensures robust defense with substantial health and regeneration. Its steep cost reflects its value in safeguarding your vessel during perilous ventures.
12 Marduk 1040-A Shield Generator (18,340 Credits)
Ship Part Unlock Level 46
Prioritizing mobility, this generator sacrifices sheer durability for swift recharge rates, ideal for players emphasizing evasion and rapid maneuvering over brute force defense.
11 10ST Hauler Shielded Cargo Hold (17,860 Credits)
Ship Part Unlock Level 32
Designed to protect your haul from detection, this shielded cargo hold balances storage limitations with enhanced stealth capabilities, appealing to those who favor subterfuge over conspicuous accumulation.
10 Kon-Tiki B-600 Bridge (60,515 Credits)
Ship Part Unlock Level 41
More than functional, this bridge module transforms your ship's interior into a visually stunning hub, complete with panoramic views that enhance immersion and aesthetic appeal.
9 900T He3 Tank (12,825 Credits)
Ship Part Unlock Level 27
Critical for extended voyages, the He3 tank's immense capacity dictates the feasibility of long-range travel, underscoring its indispensable role in any serious explorer's fleet.
8 Pinch 8Z Reactor (85,200 Credits)
Ship Part Unlock Level 60
Representing the zenith of energy solutions, this reactor powers your ship with unparalleled efficiency, demanding both significant investment and mastery of complex skills to unlock its full potential.
Whether enhancing offensive capabilities, securing vital resources, or elevating your ship's overall performance, each of these components plays a crucial role in shaping your journey through the cosmos. Carefully consider your strategy and priorities to maximize the benefits of these exceptional upgrades.