Starfield: How to easily increase Piloting? Starfield guide, tips

Piloting is a skill from the game Starfield that will allow you to pilot larger ships from classes B and C. On this page of the guide are tips on how to quickly advance Pilotage to a maximum rank of 4.

Last update: 05 September 2023

You won't be able to fly larger ships in Starfield right away. On this page of the guide we explain how to quickly reach maximum Piloting and how to complete the challenges of destroying other ships. This unlocks B and C class ships.

• In-game ship classes
• Piloting challenges
• How to easily find and destroy other ships?

In-game ship classes

1. The in-game spaceships are divided into various classes. Many of them, including the Frontier ship you start the game with, are of class A. You can check the class in the ship stat window (open the data menu) or the purchase/mod window. You'll find this info to the left, next to the reactor value (pictured above).
2. The larger B and C class ships can't be piloted right away. This includes the Shieldbreaker, which we've described in detail on the Best ship page. The game will let you know you're not skilled enough to pilot the ship the moment you purchase it or try to sit in the cockpit.

Piloting challenges

To fly larger ships, you must first unlock and increase your Piloting skill:

1. Rank 3 lets you pilot B class ships.
2. Rank 4 lets you pilot C class ships.

You'll need skill points and to complete a challenge, destroying other ships. Always try to have at least one point saved up. After completing the current challenge you can then purchase the new rank and immediately take on the next, higher level challenge.

How to easily find and destroy other ships?

1. Try to unlock Piloting early, to start working on its challenges right away. You'll destroy many ships during main quests and faction quests.
2. You can also encounter many enemy ships while approaching Venus in the Sol system. Va Ruun cultist ships spawn there often.

1. You can also pick up minor missions at kiosks. One such kiosk can be found in the Broken Spear bar, on Cydonia, on Mars. Accept random bounties tasking you with destroying enemy ships. You can then easily track these missions in your journal.
2. Unfortunately, many of these missions will pit you against space pirates. This may lower your reputation with the Crimson Fleet faction and force you to pay a fee after visiting the Key, their base.

1. You can also use UC Vanguard's flight simulator. You must visit their HQ in the MAST district of New Atlantis. Their first faction quest, Supre Et Ultra, tasks you with completing space battles in the simulator.
2. You can use the simulator later on as well. Unfortunately, this may spawn stronger ships within it.

You can also increase Piloting by attacking civilian ships, though you may end up getting into trouble because of it:

1. Do not attack groups of civilians, only singular units. Otherwise, you'll be fined for the crime.
2. Remember to dismiss the companions aboard your ship first too. Attacking civilians can very quickly ruin your relationships with them.