Are you trying to attack an enemy ship but want to focus on only damaging one specific part? Here’s how to target engines in Starfield.
This process will require unlocking a specific research first and then holding your aim steady to lock on enemy ships.
In this guide, I will explain everything you need to know on how to target engines and use the Target Lock mode in Starfield.
Before moving on, since this will require fighting other ships, make sure you’re prepared by reading our list of the five best ships in Starfield and how to get them.
How to Target Engines in Starfield
To target engines in Starfield, you must unlock the Rank 1 of Targeting Control Systems research in the Tech Tree. With this unlocked, as you’re hovering your crosshair over an enemy ship, a locking progress bar will appear on the bottom of your screen.
This bar can take some time to show up, so make sure to keep your aim steady on the enemy ship for a few seconds.
Once it’s fully locked, press R/X on Xbox/PC to navigate to the Target Lock screen. From there, you can select which area of the ship to target. Engines is the third one from the right, marked as ENG.
While in the Target Lock screen, other than damaging specific parts, you’ll have various buffs based on the research rank of Targeting Control Systems.
Specifically, Targeting Control Systems gives the following effects based on Rank:
- Rank 1: Unlocks ship targeting functionality
- Rank 2: Reduce time to lock on enemy ships by 15% and cause targeted ships to fire at you 25% slower.
- Rank 3: Reduce time to lock on enemy ships by 30% and gain a 10% chance of critically hitting a locked ship.
- Rank 4: Reduce time to lock on enemy ships by 60% and deal 20% increased damage in targeting mode.
Thus, at higher levels, you’ll be able to lock on enemies faster and deal significantly more damage overall. Even if you just want to destroy the enemy ship, Target Lock is an amazing combat tool.
Keep in mind that even if you target engines, the ship’s hull will also take some damage. Once the engines are destroyed, you’ll be able to board the enemy ship.
Other than shields, you can also target Particle Weapons (PAR), Ballistic Weapons (BAL), Missiles (MSL), and Shields (SHD).
Why You Should Target Engines in Starfield
Overall, targeting engines is important. Once they’re destroyed, the enemy ship will be unable to maneuver at all and you’ll be able to easily board it.
While dangerous and risky since you’ll need to deal with all crew members, boarding a ship is a great way to make money. Especially if you’re targeting the right ships, this is one of the best Starfield money farm methods.
This is because once you board an enemy ship, you’ll be able to loot crew members, the Captain’s Locker, and the Cargo Hold, all of which include valuable loot. You may even find contraband goods!
Wrapping up
In conclusion, to target engines in Starfield, you need to unlock the Targeting Control Systems research and keep your aim steady on an enemy ship.
After a few seconds, you’ll lock on and enter the Target Lock screen, which allows you to target Engines, Shields, and more.
What do you think of the Target Lock screen? Do you prefer targeting engines or other ship parts? Feel free to share your favorite combat strategies in the comments below.
For more similar content, check out our guide on how to store items on your ship in Starfield and how to pick locks and use digipicks.
He has a Master’s Degree in Philosophy, which allows him to always come up with a fresh approach to solving in-game puzzles and challenges, but also to create content that’s to the point, clean and easy to follow.
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