Starfield Secrets: Mastering Inventory and Conquering Encumbrance

How to manage inventory, encumbrance and carry weight in Starfield

Managing Inventory and Encumbrance in Starfield

The four methods of movement

In Starfield, effectively managing your inventory and encumbrance plays a crucial role. As you explore the game world, you'll inevitably come across various valuable items and loot. However, carrying everything you find can quickly become a burden, negatively impacting your character's movement speed and preventing you from fast traveling. Luckily, our comprehensive guide provides insights into different strategies that allow you to distribute the load while still being able to carry a considerable amount of loot.

How to manage inventory, encumbrance and carry weight in Starfield

The four methods of movement

When it comes to dealing with encumbrance in Starfield, understanding the four modes of movement is essential: walking, jogging, running, and sprinting. Walking and jogging involve gently tilting the left control stick, and these actions can be performed even when your character is over-encumbered without draining your stamina. On the other hand, running (fully tilting the left control stick) and sprinting (pressing the left control stick) will consume a significant amount of your stamina reserves.

Adding the Pocketed mod

The Pocketed mod added to your spacesuit upon completing the Spacesuit Mods 2 research project provides additional carry weight. This modification requires 2x sealant, 1x polytextile, and 1x adhesive.

Equipping the Pocketed mod on your spacesuit enables you to increase your carry weight capacity.

Jump around and use your boost pack

Surprisingly, utilizing your boost pack to jump and glide can help you effectively manage limited carry weight and encumbrance in the Starfield game. This approach is particularly advantageous in low gravity planetary environments. While jumping depletes your stamina, gliding with your jetpack consumes fuel instead, allowing you to cover more distance before needing to land and jump again. Meanwhile, your stamina gradually replenishes.

Give items to your companion

Naturally, it is incredibly beneficial to have a companion by your side. You have the option to recruit and form romantic relationships with various companions, but only one follower can actively accompany you at a time. Engage in conversation with them and choose the "let's trade gear" option to access their inventory. You can then transfer your belongings to their inventory. It is important to remember that companions also have their own weight limit, and they will not be able to carry more than that.

If their carry weight allows, companions can assist in carrying your belongings.

Obtain the Weightlifting skill

If you have referred to our comprehensive skills guide, you may have noticed that Weightlifting did not make it to the top recommendations. Primarily, it provides additional carrying capacity to help manage your overall weight. Nevertheless, if you have spare skill points, it is certainly worthwhile to invest in one or two ranks.

Place items in your ship's cargo and sell them from there

Managing inventory and encumbrance in Starfield can be effectively done by utilizing your ship's cargo. Locate the terminal on the left side of the ship's cockpit and interact with it to access the cargo menu. Transfer all your items to the cargo hold. It is worth noting that every vessel has a maximum carrying capacity, but you have the option to expand your ship's cargo size through modules.

Moreover, when interacting with a vendor, you can easily switch to your ship's inventory by pressing the designated button. This allows you to directly sell items from the cargo hold, eliminating the need to carry everything with your character.

Transfer your character's items to your spacecraft's hold using the ship's cargo terminal.

Build storage and cargo links in your outpost

Don't forget to make use of Starfield's outpost feature, which allows you to construct your very own base on different planets. These bases can include storage dumps and warehouses that can store a variety of materials. Additionally, by placing a cargo link, you can access items from other outposts, allowing for a shared inventory.

Explore the vast expanse of Starfield's numerous planets in this massive game. For more tips and strategies, be sure to visit our guides hub.