One of the biggest challenges for players inStarfieldis finding ways to avoid detection ofContrabandon their ships in settled systems like Alpha Centauri.Piracyis one of the lucrative endeavors to undertake in the game, but it requires careful forethought and planning to carry out successfully.
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One of the methods to avoid detection by scanners is to install Shield Cargo Holds on your ships and transfer your Contraband there. The game doesn’t explain or even give players a hint on how to obtain these elusive Cargo Holds.
Updated by Hamza Haq on June 09, 2025:Added a new video clip showing players where to go and who to talk to in order to get a Shielded Cargo Hold in the game.
Where To Buy Shielded Cargo Hold
Although there are multiple vendors selling these, the earliest possible location to buy them is in thePorrima Star System. This system is located just past theVolii star systemto the right side of the star map. See the screenshot to plan your route. In the early game, you might not have visited every system along the way, andthe game won’t let youfast-traveldirectly to this system.
To circumvent this, simply fast-travel to the nearest system along the route, then the next one, and the next one after that until the Porrima System is unlocked. It should take you aboutthree jumps to get to this system from Alpha Centauri.
Choose whichever one suits your needs and attach it to your ship before confirming the modification by pressingTAB. And that’s it! You’ve successfully obtained a Shielded Cargo Hold of your own. Here is a short video detailing how to reach the Red Mile and talk to Lon Andersson to get a shielded cargo hold.
Shielded Cargo Holds only reduce the chance of your Contraband getting picked up by scanners. It’s not a guarantee. To increase your chances of evading detections, install Scan Jammers on your ships as well. Also available at Lon Andersson’s.
To store items inside your Shielded Cargo Hold, simplystore themin your regular Cargo Hold as you would’ve normally done. Any Contraband will be automatically transferred to the Shielded Cargo Hold without you having to do anything. Just keep in mind that theContraband’s weight should not exceed the Shielded Cargo Hold’smass limit; otherwise, it will spill out to the regular Cargo, making it susceptible to being picked up by scanners.
Next:Starfield: All Trade Authority Locations
