How to target engines in Starfield

To target engines in Starfield, you’ll need a specific skill to be unlocked. Once you acquire it, taking out enemy ships will be much easier (they cannot escape!). Here’s how to target engines in Starfield.

How to unlock the ability to target engines in Starfield

To be able to target engines in Starfield, you’ll need to unlock the Targeting Control Systems skill. It can be found in the “Tech” skill tree. It’s the last tab to the right. Thankfully, it only costs one skill point to unlock. Now, you have much more of an advantage while fighting in outer space.

Further upgrades to the Targeting Control Systems skill include additional damage and reduced time to lock on to ships. Now, you can be a real space pirate.

How to perform the target engine action

After engaging in a battle, press the R key (or equivalent button shown as a prompt on the bottom) to enter the targeting screen. Use the arrow keys to swap to the “ENG” meter. This is shorthand for the engine.

Now that you’ve selected the engines to target, fire away. The meter should decrease to zero after a while, making the enemy ship motionless. It’s pretty easy! You can then board the ship if you’d like for loot. You might even be able to steal it.

Be warned, however. Your companions like Sarah Morgan might be unhappy with you if you fight civilian ships. They can actually get angry. You can see their current relationship status with your character on the top right. You’ll certainly be able to cause a lot of chaos in Starfield.