Salvaging
Turn derelict ships into profit with EVA suit management, valuable item identification, and ship flipping strategies.
Introduction
Salvaging is the core economic activity in Ostranauts — exploring derelict ships in the K-Leg boneyard to extract valuable components and items for resale. A salvage license from the License Kiosk costs $5,000 for a 24-hour permit; docking without one risks NASS boarding and a $15,000 fine. The EVA suit provides built-in light, oxygen supply, and CO2 filtration, but prevents sleep and accelerates hygiene degradation. Target thrusters, air pumps, antennas, and fusion reactor equipment for the highest returns. Items should be restored to at least 80% condition before selling, with 99.5% being optimal.
Valuable Salvage Targets
| Item | Value | Location | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thrusters | High | Engine room | Rare |
| Air Pumps | High | Life support room | Uncommon |
| Antennas | Medium-High | Exterior/ceiling | Uncommon |
| Fusion Reactor | Very High | Engineering | Very Rare |
| PDAs & Suits | Medium | Storage bins | Common |
| Medication | Medium | Storage bins | Common |
Salvage Operations
EVA Suit Operations
Built-in light, oxygen, and CO2 filtration; prevents sleep; 75% faster hygiene loss
Valuable Items
Thrusters, air pumps, antennas, fusion reactor parts from derelicts
Ship Flipping
Salvage complete derelict, repair critical systems, resell at ship broker
EVA Suit Operations
Built-in light, oxygen, and CO2 filtration; prevents sleep; 75% faster hygiene loss
NASS Patrols & Fines
Docking without a license risks NASS boarding and a devastating $15,000 fine
Storage Bin Loot
Check storage bins for PDAs, suits, and medication — often overlooked by new players
Core Mechanics
Salvaging requires a 24-hour permit ($5,000) from the License Kiosk; docking without one risks NASS boarding and a $15,000 fine. The EVA suit provides built-in light, oxygen supply, and CO2 filtration, but prevents sleep and accelerates hygiene degradation by 75%. Valuable targets include thrusters, air pumps, antennas, and fusion reactor equipment. Items should be restored to at least 80% condition before selling; 99.5% is optimal for maximum profit. The ship flipping strategy involves salvaging a complete derelict, repairing critical systems, and reselling at the ship broker kiosk in K-Leg's commercial district.
Advantages
Salvaging is the highest-profit activity in the game when done correctly. Ship flipping can generate tens of thousands per successful run. The derelict exploration adds mystery and danger — every ship is different, with valuable finds in unexpected places. The EVA suit system creates tension with limited oxygen and battery. The condition restoration mechanic rewards careful item handling and repair skill — 99.5% condition items command premium prices at the License Kiosk.
Challenges
Salvage licenses are expensive at $5,000 per 24 hours, creating a significant upfront cost barrier. The EVA suit's limitations (no sleep, hygiene degradation) make long salvage trips exhausting for the player character. Valuable items like O2/CO2 sensors are frustratingly rare. The NASS boarding penalty ($15,000) is devastating for new players. Multiple derelict trips require careful resource management. Item condition restoration takes time and scrap pieces that may not be readily available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a salvage license?+
What condition should items be before selling?+
How does ship flipping work?+
Quick Tips
A salvage license costs $5,000 for 24 hours — without one, NASS will board and fine you $15,000
Target thrusters, air pumps, antennas, and fusion reactor equipment for highest value salvage
Always check storage bins for PDAs, suits, and medication — often overlooked by new players
Restore items to at least 80% condition before selling — 99.5% condition is optimal for maximum profit
Ship flipping: salvage a complete derelict, repair critical systems, resell at the ship broker kiosk
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