In Elite Dangerous, you can refuel your ship by docking at a station or using a Fuel Scoop to refuel from stars. Be mindful of your fuel levels and plan your routes accordingly to avoid getting stranded in space.
1. Understanding the Fuel System
In Elite Dangerous, maintaining your ship's fuel levels is crucial for uninterrupted travel and exploration across the vast galaxy. Your ship's fuel capacity and current level are displayed on the right-hand panel of the cockpit HUD. There are two types of fuel: regular fuel and premium fuel, with the former being more readily available.
2. Refueling at Starports
The most common way to refuel your ship in Elite Dangerous is by visiting starports. Upon arriving at a starport, navigate to the starport services menu and select 'Starport Services.' From there, choose ‘Refuel All’ to replenish your ship's fuel reserves. The cost of refueling will vary based on the starport's location and the current galactic economy. It's essential to keep an eye on your fuel levels when embarking on longer journeys to avoid getting stranded in the vastness of space.
3. Utilizing Fuel Scoops
Another method to refuel your ship is by using a Fuel Scoop. This handy piece of equipment allows you to collect fuel from stars as you fly close to them. Not all stars are suitable for scooping, as only certain star types, such as main sequence stars (types K, G, B, F, O, A, and M), can be scooped for fuel. When approaching a scoopable star, deploy your scoop by binding a key or button in the controls menu. Position your ship within the star's corona (outer layer of the star), and your fuel tanks will gradually replenish.
4. Refueling with Synthesis
If you find yourself stranded in deep space without a nearby starport or scoopable star, you can resort to synthesis to refuel your ship. Synthesis allows you to craft essential items, including fuel, using materials you've collected during your travels. To perform a fuel synthesis, access the Ship's Systems panel in your ship's right-hand panel. Navigating to the 'Synthesis' tab will allow you to create a limited amount of fuel to keep you going until you can reach a refueling station or scoopable star.
5. Planning Ahead
Properly managing your ship's fuel is a skill that every Elite Dangerous pilot must master to survive and thrive in the galaxy. Before embarking on a long journey, plan your route carefully, taking into account the locations of starports, scoopable stars, and the fuel efficiency of your ship. Consider outfitting your ship with a fuel scoop and additional fuel tanks to extend your travel range and reduce the risk of running out of fuel in the vastness of space.