How to Dock in Starfield on PC: A Step-by-Step Guide

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While Starfield offers tutorials for many in-game systems, it doesn't explicitly guide players on how to target and dock ships and stations. This article will teach you how and hopefully help with any issues you're having if you're unable to target/dock other entities.

TL;DR press E(press esc in case you're in scanning mode) – then hold R when you're within 500m.

Preparation: Know your keybinds

Before we delve into the docking process, you need to familiarize yourself with the flight controls and targeting system.

E: Your Multifunctional Tool

  1. Targeting: Primarily, the "E" key allows you to target various entities while flying. A simple press can help you lock onto different targets, a vital feature especially during intense dog-fights in space.
  2. Communication: Apart from targeting, the "E" key facilitates communication for all NPCs you attempt to hail. Honestly it doesn't seem like this does much other than patch you into someone giving you the go ahead to dock, though I haven't been hailing every ship/target I dock.
  3. Ship Exploration: Want to take a stroll within your ship while in-flight? Long-press the "E" key. This action allows you to leave your seat and explore the interiors of your ship and use your storage/workbenches you have on-board or chat up your crew.

Check your distance

Once you're within 500m of the target, hold down the "R" key and it should play a cut-scene. Once you've docked, hold "X" key to board whatever you docked or the space bar to undock.

Avoid Scanning Mode

Before initiating the docking or hailing process, verify that you are not in scanning mode. Being in this mode deactivates the ability to target entities for docking or hailing. To successfully interact with targets, you need to switch out of scanning mode, enabling the functionalities that allow for a richer experience in approaching and docking with entities in space.

The game will provide visual prompts for these controls, appearing when you are in proximity to a possible docking target.