Starfield: 8 BEST Engines [All Compared]

Discover the best engines in Starfield and equip your spacecraft for interstellar success with the following comprehensive guide.

In the universe of Starfield, engines are the heart and soul of your spacecraft, which can affect your thrust, speed, and overall maneuverability. They do more than just propel you through the stars; they are essential for steering your ship during intense battles and navigating the vast expanse of space.

Key Takeaways
  • Starfield offers a selection of 60+ engines, each with unique attributes and capabilities to enhance your spaceship’s performance.
  • Engines are ranked based on factors like engine thrust, maneuvering thrust, and overall effectiveness.
  • They significantly impact your spacecraft’s thrust, speed, and maneuverability, directly influencing your gameplay.
  • While engines add a ton of versatility to your ship, most of them may not align with your gameplay style or ship design preferences.
  • The Poseidon DT230 Engine’s balance of power and maneuverability impressed me, as did the cost-effective and versatile SAE-5220 Engine.

Related: Starfield Target Engines

Best Engines In Starfield Compared

Here is a table summarizing our picks for best engines in Starfield:

EngineBrandClassMax PowerEngine ThrustManeuvering ThrustEngine HealthHullMassValueRequired Starship Design Rank
Ares DT60 EnginePanoptesA214,0002,6008358517,7643
SA-4330 EngineSlayton AerospaceA215,2403,2208858523,4224
SAE-5220 EngineSlayton AerospaceB315,2704,59095513910,7352
Dunn-71 EngineAmun DunnB326,5805,250133514439,1404
Supernova 2200 EngineReladyneC325,7707,650148533339,9004
Amun Dunn X-300 EngineAmun DunnC325,8908,400156533642,8454
SAL-6330 EngineSlayton AerospaceC218,0007,800140534052,8224
Poseidon DT230 EnginePanoptesC434,52011,600140533440,2804

1. Ares DT60 Engine

Starfield Best Engines - Ares DT60 Engine
Ares DT60 Engine (image captured by me)
BrandPanoptes
ClassA
Max Power2
Engine Thrust14,000
Maneuvering Thrust2,600
Engine Health83
Hull5
Mass85
Value17,765
Required Starship Design Rank3

Players must wait until they reach level 35 to access a worthwhile engine, and that’s when the Ares DT60 Engine becomes available in Starfield. While it may not be the most powerful engine, it’s a decent choice, occupying only two of the 12 maximum power slots.

  • With the engine thrust and maneuvering thrust it comes with, the Ares DT60 Engine holds its ground.
  • In fact, having a lower max power requirement than most engines offers a unique advantage.
  • It frees up valuable space for additional engines, enabling you to harness even more thrust power for your cosmic adventures.

2. SA-4330 Engine

SA 4330 Engine
Starfield Best Engines – SA-4330 Engine (image via me)
BrandSlayton Aerospace
ClassA
Max Power2
Engine Thrust15,240
Maneuvering Thrust3,220
Engine Health88
Hull5
Mass85
Value23,422
Required Starship Design Rank4

In Starfield, tracking down the SA-4330 Engine can be a challenging task, as it’s not readily available in many places. Moreover, players won’t spot the following engine in markets until they reach the milestone of level 45.

Ranked as a Class A Engine, the SA-4330 shares similarities with the Ares DT60 Engine. What sets it apart is its impressive thrust power while maintaining a relatively lower mass compared to most other engines. The best part is you won’t need any special reactor to install the SA-4330 Engine, but achieving Rank 4 in the Starship Design Skill is a prerequisite to harness its capabilities.

Also, consider checking out our guide on how to steal ships in Starfield.

3. SAE-5220 Engine

SAE-5220 Engine
SAE-5220 Engine (image captured by me)
BrandSlayton Aerospace
ClassB
Max Power3
Engine Thrust15,270
Maneuvering Thrust4,590
Engine Health95
Hull5
Mass139
Value10,735
Required Starship Design Rank2

The next Starfield best ship engine is the SAE-5220 Engine, a solid pick from the SAE engine series. It may not be the speediest, and its maneuvering thrust isn’t the best either, but it stands as the top-notch option among SAE engines. The best part is that it won’t dent your wallet, costing a reasonable amount of credits.

  • With the given engine thrust and maneuvering thrust capabilities, the SAE-5220 Engine might not be the fastest in Starfield, but it still gets the job done.
  • Especially when paired with other ship components or when you’re crafting a ship with specific needs beyond pure speed, the SAE-5220 Engine is a cost-effective choice.

4. Dunn-71 Engine

Starfield Best Engines - Dunn-71 Engine
Dunn-71 Engine (image captured by me)
BrandAmun Dunn
ClassB
Max Power3
Engine Thrust26,580
Maneuvering Thrust5,250
Engine Health133
Hull5
Mass144
Value39,140
Required Starship Design Rank4

In the progression of Starfield, players gain access to the Dunn-71 Engine once they reach the milestone of level 57. However, it’s important to note that at this stage, it’s not advisable to equip a Class B Engine as more capable Class C Engines become available in the market.

  • Among all the Class B Engines, the Dunn-71 Engine stands out with its remarkable performance.
  • It boasts a decent amount of engine thrust and maneuvering power, making it a viable choice for captains seeking a balance between power and maneuverability.

5. Supernova 2200 Engine

Starfield Supernova 2200 Engine
Supernova 2200 Engine (screenshot captured by me)
BrandReladyne
ClassC
Max Power3
Engine Thrust25,770
Maneuvering Thrust7,650
Engine Health148
Hull5
Mass333
Value39,900
Required Starship Design Rank4

The Supernova 2200 Engine reigns supreme in the Supernova engine series in Starfield. Its impressive stats speak volumes: with very reasonable values of engine thrust and maneuvering thrust.

  • For a price of 39,900 credits, you can get your hands on one of the swifter and more agile engines, perfect for enhancing your ship’s performance.
  • However, do keep in mind that your starship design rank must be at least four to take advantage of such a top-tier engine.

Also, check out eXputer’s guide on how to lock on ships in Starfield.

6. Amun Dunn X-300 Engine

Amun Dunn X-300 Engine
Amun Dunn X-300 Engine (image captured by me)
BrandAmun Dunn
ClassC
Max Power3
Engine Thrust25,890
Maneuvering Thrust8,400
Engine Health156
Hull5
Mass336
Value42,845
Required Starship Design Rank4

In the world of Starfield, the Amun Dunn X-300 Engine stands as a remarkable choice for captains seeking the ideal balance between engine and maneuvering thrust. With a substantial engine thrust and an impressive maneuvering thrust, it strikes the perfect equilibrium between these vital stats.

  • However, such an optimal performance comes at a price, with the Amun Dunn X-300 Engine demanding a huge amount of credits and requiring a ship design rank of four.
  • While the cost may give pause to some captains, it’s a worthy consideration if you value the delicate balance between engine power and maneuverability.
  • Additionally, at level 60, players unlock both the Amun Dunn X-300 and the SAL-6330 Engines.

7. SAL-6330 Engine

SAL-6330 Engine
SAL-6330 Engine (image via me)

For players who don’t face any weight constraints when constructing their ships, the use of SAL-6330 Engines comes highly recommended. With the ability to install up to 6 of these engines, each contributing a substantial engine thrust and maneuvering thrust, your ship can achieve the highest thrust available in Starfield.

BrandSlayton Aerospace
ClassC
Max Power2
Engine Thrust18,000
Maneuvering Thrust7,800
Engine Health140
Hull5
Mass340
Value52,822
Required Starship Design Rank4

However, it’s essential to note that SAL-6330 Engines are not a common choice among players. They become available only through a select few merchants once players reach level 60. Additionally, to harness the power of multiple SAL-6330 Engines, it’s advisable to equip your ship with a Class C reactor, ensuring smooth operation and management.

Related: How To Dock Ships in Nova Galactic Staryard

8. Starfield Poseidon DT230 Engine

Starfield Poseidon DT230 Engine
Poseidon DT230 Engine (image captured by me)
BrandPanoptes
ClassC
Max Power4
Engine Thrust34,520
Maneuvering Thrust11,600
Engine Health140
Hull5
Mass334
Value40,280
Required Starship Design Rank4

Last in the list of Starfield’s best ship engines, the Poseidon DT-230 reigns as the unrivaled champion in ship engine speed, boasting a staggering engine thrust. Its remarkable engine thrust, combined with the highest maneuvering thrust in Starfield, solidifies its status as the ultimate choice for your ship.

Undoubtedly, the Starfield Poseidon DT230 Engine comes with a significant price tag. However, if you can muster the great amount of credits and attain a starship design rank of four, you’ll have the opportunity to possess a genuinely phenomenal asset.

My Take On The Best Engines

With a lot of hours in Starfield, I’ve found the Poseidon DT230 Engine to be the perfect balance of power and maneuverability. Its 25,890 engine thrust and 8,400 maneuvering thrust make it an ideal choice.

The SAE-5220 Engine also impressed me for its cost-effectiveness and versatility. Your choice of engine can truly make or break your galactic adventures, so choose wisely.

starfield hours
My Starfield hours

In the vast universe of Starfield, choosing the right engine for your spacecraft is of utmost importance. These engines not only propel you through space but also play a vital role in steering your ship during battles and exploration. Selecting one of the best in-game engines is key to ensuring your vessel can outmaneuver adversaries and safely explore the galaxy.

For tips on assembling the ideal ship to match your engine choice, read the guide on the Best Fighter Ships In Starfield. Also, make sure to check out this comprehensive spreadsheet of Starfield’s Engines, detailing every major and minor stat you might want to learn about. Additionally, if you’re looking to optimize your cargo space for those long journeys, don’t forget to check out the guide on the Best Ship Cargo Holds In Starfield.

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Malik Allahyar


Meet Allahyar, an avid gamer and seasoned writer. With a passion for classic 3D Universe GTA titles, FPS gems like Call of Duty 4, and MOBAs like League of Legends, he crafts comprehensive game guides for a diverse range of titles. From OG classics to the latest releases, he is your go-to for expert insights and strategies. Allahyar ensures you're equipped with the knowledge and strategies you need to excel in the gaming world. You can follow Allahyar's gaming journey on his Steam account. Experience: 1+ year || Education: Electrical Engineering || Written 50+ Articles ||

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