No Man's Sky: 10 Pro Tips to Master the Galactic Economy and Make Billions

How to Build Your Stellar Fortune in No Man's Sky

In No Man's Sky, units are the lifeblood of your intergalactic journey. Whether you're chasing the perfect starship or funding a massive freighter fleet, you need serious cash. Fortunately, the universe is full of opportunities to make millions once you know how to play the market. Here are ten pro tips to help you master the galactic economy and become a billionaire space tycoon.

1. Play the Economy Types

Every star system in No Man's Sky has an economy type: Mining, Manufacturing, High Tech, Trading, Energy, Power, and more. These aren't just flavor text. Each economy buys and sells specific goods at different price markups. For example, a Mining economy sells cheap minerals but pays a premium for advanced technology. Before you warp anywhere, use the galaxy map to check a system's economy type and plan your cargo accordingly.

2. Install an Economy Scanner

To make trading easy, you need the Economy Scanner installed on your starship. You can craft it with a few materials, then use it from the quick menu to list systems by their economy type and rating. Look for systems with a 'Wealthy' or 'Advanced' rating—they have more demand and better prices. The scanner is worth its weight in gold, or rather, in units.

3. Buy Low, Sell High in the Right Order

Classic trading rules apply in space. Buy goods from a system where they're produced (e.g., purchase Power Cells from a Power economy) and sell them to a system that needs them (e.g., Manufacturing). Always keep an eye on the price percentages in the trade terminal. A +80% sell bonus is a great window to offload your cargo, while a -25% buy discount means it's time to stock up.

4. Invest in a Wide Inventory Hauler

Your default starship has limited inventory, but a dedicated trading hauler can hold dozens of slots. Fill it with high-value items such as Quantum Accelerators or Fusion Igniters. Even a mid-tier hauler with 30 slots can net you millions per run. Don't forget to upgrade its cargo technology slots to increase efficiency.

5. Craft High-Value Goods

Raw materials are for amateurs. Once you unlock blueprints for products like Fusion Igniters or Stasis Devices, you can turn cheap elements into items worth millions. A single Stasis Device sells for around 15 million units. Set up a supply chain on your base to farm the necessary resources, then spend an afternoon crafting and you'll have enough cash for anything.

6. Turn Your Freighter into a Mobile Market

Your freighter is more than just a mobile base. Add trade modules to its buy/sell terminals to get better prices than planetary stations. You can even build a bank of storage containers right on the freighter, letting you hoard goods and wait for the right buyer without leaving your ship.

7. Run Industrial Missions and Fleet Expeditions

Don't underestimate the passive income from your frigate fleet. Send your frigates on expeditions while you explore; they'll bring back units, items, and valuable artifacts. You can also take on space station missions that reward units and rare items. The rewards may seem small early on, but they scale with your reputation and rank.

8. Upgrade Your Hyperdrive for Longer Routes

To chase the best prices, you need to reach wealthy systems far from your home base. Upgrade your hyperdrive with S-class modules to cut jump fuel costs and travel further. Being able to travel 400 light-years in one jump means you can always reach a booming economy fast.

9. Salvage Derelict Freighters and Ancient Ruins

When you're tired of trading, switch to salvage. Derelict freighters in space contain valuable tech modules and rare materials you can sell for a fortune. On planets, Ancient Ruins have keys that unlock buried treasure caches, often holding ancient artifacts worth hundreds of thousands. It's a fun alternative to pure trading.

10. Team Up with Friends for Trade Routes

If you're playing in multiplayer, coordinate with sessionmates to own the market. One of you can stay at a mining station to collect resources, another can run goods back and forth, while a third uses their freighter to mass-sell at a major trade hub. With everyone's inventory combined, you can make a billion units in just a few hours of teamwork.

Start Your Rise to the Top

Making money in No Man's Sky isn't about luck—it's about preparation. Now that you know the economic quirks of the universe, you can buy that exotic ship you've had your eye on, fund a massive base, or simply swim in units like a Gek tycoon. The stars are yours, and the only question is: how are you going to spend your billions?