Summary

  • A Starfield player built a Cargo Link setup that automates resource gathering from 14 planets, increasing efficiency.
  • Cargo Links in Starfield allow for automated resource transferring between player bases on different planets.

A persistent Starfield player managed to create a ridiculously expansive and efficient Cargo Link setup on one of the planets. That’s a well-thought-out and working solution to the game’s time-consuming process of gathering resources manually. Besides, setting up outposts is a relaxing side activity, which becomes beneficial as players advance further through Starfield’s main storyline.

When building outposts in Starfield, gamers can construct Cargo Links. These structures allow for automated resource transferring between player bases on different planets located within the same star system or in different ones. Since Starfield is a classic Bethesda RPG in terms of scope, it’s quite fitting that it offers an in-game mechanic for players to link distant worlds and feel like they’re taming the grandiose scale of the space exploration game. One of the fans even took the Cargo Link system to the extreme to satisfy their in-game needs.

Starfield protagonist with sniper rifle standing next to white game logo on blue-tinted background
Former Bethesda Dev Comments on the Potential of a Starfield Sequel

A former Bethesda developer shares some insightful thoughts about the possibility of a Starfield sequel materializing in the future.

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As revealed by THEJimmiChanga on Reddit, they’ve designed and constructed an impressive Cargo Link setup, consisting of six Cargo Links that collectively gather around 40 types of resources from 14 different planets in Starfield. That’s an eyebrow-raising achievement, especially considering that this setup allowed the player to eliminate the necessity to hop between those planets, as all the necessary resources are automatically transferred to this single receiving outpost. Furthermore, the self-sufficient facility allows THEJimmiChanga to run a fabricator network to create items they use for building, crafting, and trading. This isn’t a rookie setup by any means. According to THEJimmiChanga, they’re actually a huge fan of Satisfactory, which explains the complexity and efficiency of the facility. Still, the player admits that the overall outpost system lacks handy automation options that would’ve allowed them to turn this local enterprise into a proper interstellar manufacturing empire.

THEJimmiChanga also mentioned enjoying the mechanics of ship-building in Starfield, which was one of the reasons for setting up the resource-gathering outpost. Maintaining a steady flow of resources and turning them into building parts provides the player with everything necessary to supply their hobby. Interestingly, Starfield could’ve launched with a different mechanic for building spaceships. As revealed by one of the game’s former developers, the space exploration RPG was originally designed to engage players in a much more complicated process, with gamers hopping between factories on different planets to build particular ship modules.

It’s quite impressive how far a persistent and inventive player can go, even with the currently limited functionality of Starfield’s Cargo Links. Setting up an efficient, high-performance base of operations takes dedication, and one can only imagine what a more robust system could’ve resulted in. Hopefully, Bethesda will recognize the demand for deeper, more sophisticated features and deliver additional building and automation options in future updates, allowing Starfield fans to turn the entire galaxy into an industrial sandbox.

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Starfield Tag Page Cover Art
10 /10

Starfield
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Action
RPG
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Systems
PC-1 Xbox-1
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Top Critic Avg: 85 /100 Critics Rec: 83%
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Released
September 6, 2023
ESRB
M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs, Strong Language, Violence
Developer(s)
Bethesda
Publisher(s)
Bethesda
Engine
proprietary engine
Cross-Platform Play
no multiplayer
Cross Save
no
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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Starfield is the first new universe in 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. In this next generation role-playing game set amongst the stars, create any character you want and explore with unparalleled freedom as you embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery.
The year is 2330. Humanity has ventured beyond our solar system, settling new planets, and living as a spacefaring people. From humble beginnings as a space miner, you will join Constellation – the last group of space explorers seeking rare artifacts throughout the galaxy – and navigate the vast expanse of the Settled Systems in Bethesda Game Studios’ biggest and most ambitious game.

Steam Deck Compatibility
yes
Genre(s)
Action, RPG
How Long To Beat
20 Hours
X|S Optimized
Yes
File Size Xbox Series
101 GB (September 2023)
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty