Introduction
Have you ever wanted to give your ship in Starfield a name that matches your journey — like The Star Voyager or Crimson Hawk? Naming your ship makes space travel far more personal and immersive. However, many players get stuck wondering how to rename their ship because the option is not immediately visible in the main menu.
In this complete guide, we’ll show you exactly how to rename a ship in Starfield, where to find the option, and share tips to personalize your fleet for maximum immersion. Whether you’re commanding a small scout vessel or a colossal battleship, this step-by-step walkthrough will ensure your ship truly feels like your own.
What Is Starfield?
Before we jump into the process, let’s quickly revisit what Starfield is all about — because understanding the scope of the game helps you appreciate how much your ship matters.
Starfield is Bethesda’s groundbreaking sci-fi role-playing game (RPG), set in the vast Settled Systems — an open-world galaxy with more than 1,000 explorable planets. You begin as a miner who discovers a mysterious alien artifact, an event that leads you to join Constellation, an elite group of explorers dedicated to uncovering the secrets of the universe.
From there, the universe opens up:
- You can explore planets, mine resources, engage in dogfights, and customize ships.
- Join factions like the United Colonies, Freestar Collective, or Crimson Fleet.
- Craft your story through dialogue choices, missions, and exploration.
Your ship becomes more than transportation — it’s your home base, combat machine, and symbol of identity. That’s why renaming it adds a layer of connection and immersion to your adventure.
Can You Rename Your Ship in Starfield?
Yes — you absolutely can rename your ship in Starfield!
However, Bethesda tucked this feature inside the Ship Builder interface, not in the general ship management menu. This is why many players miss it early on.
The good news? Once you know where to look, it’s simple, quick, and completely free.
You can rename:
- Any ship you own (starter or purchased)
- Ships you’ve built from scratch
- Captured or stolen ships (once registered)
💡 Pro Tip: You can rename your ship at any major spaceport that has a Ship Services Technician. This NPC is key to accessing the renaming menu.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Rename a Ship in Starfield
Let’s go through each step carefully.
Step 1: Find a Ship Services Technician
Head to any major spaceport — for example:
- New Atlantis on Jemison (Alpha Centauri system)
- Cydonia on Mars (Sol system)
- Akila City on Akila (Cheyenne system)
- Neon City on Volii Alpha (Volii system)
Near your landing pad, you’ll spot a Ship Services Technician NPC. They usually stand by terminals or maintenance droids.
Speak to them and choose the dialogue option:
“I’d like to view and modify my ships.”
This opens your Ship Management screen, where all your owned vessels are displayed.
Step 2: Access the Ship Builder
After selecting your ship, choose “Ship Builder.”
This is where you can modify ship parts, add modules, or perform maintenance — and also where the hidden rename feature resides.
You’ll now be in the Ship Builder interface, viewing your ship in a 3D hangar environment.
Step 3: Open the Flight Check Menu
In Ship Builder mode, look for the Flight Check option. This usually appears at the bottom of your screen as part of the interface toolbar (depending on your platform):
- PC: Press the corresponding key shown on screen (often “C”).
- Xbox: Use the indicated button (commonly “X”).
Selecting “Flight Check” opens a submenu that lets you ensure your ship meets flight requirements — like balanced thrusters, grav drive, and weight limits.
But this is also where Bethesda hid the Rename Ship option!
Step 4: Select “Rename Ship”
Inside the Flight Check menu, scroll until you find the “Rename Ship” option.
Click or select it, and a text box will appear allowing you to type a new name.
Enter your desired name — this could be anything from serious (The Orion Drifter) to funny (The Snack Carrier 9000).
⚠️ Note: Avoid using special symbols or profanity, as the system may not register those characters.
Step 5: Confirm and Save Changes
Once you’re happy with your ship’s new name:
- Confirm your entry.
- Save the changes when prompted.
- Exit the Ship Builder menu.
Your ship’s new name now appears on your HUD, cockpit interface, and ship selection menu.
Congratulations — your vessel has officially been reborn!
Tips for Naming Your Ship
Naming a ship might seem like a small detail, but it helps build immersion and personality into your Starfield experience. Here are some creative ideas and guidelines:
1. Make It Meaningful
Tie your ship’s name to your playstyle, mission, or faction.
- If you’re a pirate: “The Crimson Mirage”
- If you’re a merchant: “Starwind Hauler”
- If you’re an explorer: “The Odyssey” or “Wanderlust”
2. Use Sci-Fi Inspiration
Draw ideas from literature and media:
- Serenity (Firefly)
- Enterprise (Star Trek)
- Rocinante (The Expanse)
3. Stay Consistent Across Your Fleet
If you own multiple ships, use a theme:
- Nova I, Nova II, Nova III
- Eclipse, Lunar Dawn, Solar Drift
4. Keep It Readable
Avoid overly long or complex names that might clip in menus or appear awkward in HUD displays.
Common Issues When Renaming a Ship
Even though the process is simple, a few issues can occur.
❌ You Don’t See the Rename Option
- Make sure you’re in Ship Builder mode.
- Ensure you opened the Flight Check submenu.
- The rename button only appears after you access Flight Check.
❌ Can’t Rename a Captured Ship
Captured ships must first be registered at the Ship Services Technician (for a fee) before you can rename them.
❌ Keyboard or Controller Input Bug
If the text box won’t appear, try:
- Exiting and re-entering Ship Builder.
- Restarting your game.
- Updating to the latest patch (Bethesda fixed this in updates post-launch).
Why Renaming Matters in Starfield
While renaming a ship doesn’t affect gameplay mechanics, it adds immersion, identity, and emotional attachment to your story.
Your ship often reflects your choices:
- The explorer’s ship is sleek and efficient.
- The pirate’s ship is armored and intimidating.
- The smuggler’s vessel is disguised and stealthy.
By giving your ship a custom name, you reinforce that sense of ownership — turning it from a mere vehicle into a character in your galactic journey.
Additional Ship Customization Options
Once you’ve renamed your ship, consider upgrading it to match its new identity.
🚀 Ship Upgrades to Explore
- Engines: Improve speed and maneuverability.
- Weapons: Add missile bays, lasers, or particle beams.
- Shields: Boost survivability in tough dogfights.
- Grav Drive: Expand jump range between star systems.
- Cargo Modules: Increase storage capacity for resources or loot.
Customizing the exterior color and interior layout can also further enhance immersion — so your renamed ship truly feels one-of-a-kind.
Quick Recap: Rename a Ship in Starfield
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Talk to a Ship Services Technician | Found near landing pads in major spaceports |
| 2 | Select “View and Modify Ships” | Opens the ship management interface |
| 3 | Enter Ship Builder | Access full customization mode |
| 4 | Open “Flight Check” | Located in Ship Builder toolbar |
| 5 | Choose “Rename Ship” | Type your new name and confirm |
| 6 | Save Changes | Exit and enjoy your renamed ship |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I rename my starter ship in Starfield?
Yes, you can rename your starter ship (Frontier) using the same process at any Ship Services Technician.
Q2: Does renaming a ship cost credits?
No, renaming your ship is completely free — unlike registering stolen ships.
Q3: Can I rename multiple ships?
Yes. Each ship you own can have its own name. Just select the desired vessel before entering Ship Builder.
Q4: Can I rename a stolen ship?
Yes, but only after registering it at a Ship Services Technician, which usually costs a few thousand credits.
Q5: Where is the Rename option located?
In the Ship Builder menu under Flight Check. It’s not visible in general ship management.
Q6: Will renaming affect missions or dialogue?
No. The name change is cosmetic — purely for personalization and immersion.
Q7: Can I use emojis or special characters in ship names?
No, Starfield only supports standard alphanumeric characters.
Q8: Can I rename outposts or other vehicles?
Currently, no. Only ships can be renamed in the game.
Q9: Can I rename a ship mid-flight?
No. You must be landed at a port and use the Ship Builder interface.
Q10: What’s the best ship name in Starfield?
That depends on your style — Nova Drifter, Shadow Hawk, Elysium Voyager, and Starlance are some fan favorites.
Final Thoughts
Renaming your ship in Starfield might seem like a small feature, but it’s one that deeply enhances your connection to the game. After all, your ship is more than just transportation — it’s your home, your defense, and your symbol of freedom in the vastness of space.
By following the steps above, you can rename any ship quickly, make it uniquely yours, and take to the stars in true explorer fashion.
So whether you’re charting uncharted worlds or battling pirates in the outer systems, do it in style — aboard the ship that carries your chosen name across the galaxy.
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