Star Trucker Refuelling Guide: How to Keep Your Space Truck Running Smoothly

Elaine2 weeks ago

In Star Trucker, fuel management is crucial to ensuring that your space deliveries are on time and problem-free. As you navigate across different star systems, staying on top of your truck’s fuel levels becomes a critical part of your strategy, especially with the growing distance between jobs. This guide will help you master the art of refuelling whether you’re near a station or stuck out in deep space and ensure you keep trucking without a hitch.

Understanding Fuel in Star Trucker: Your Lifeline in Space

Fuel is the heartbeat of your truck in Star Trucker. Unlike traditional trucking games, you’re not just cruising highways; you’re venturing through star systems. And in space, running out of fuel isn’t just a minor inconvenience it could mean disaster. So, how do you make sure you never run on empty?

Let’s dive into the details of how to refuel, where to find fuel stations, and what to do if you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere with nothing but a fuel canister and a spacesuit.

Fuel Stations: The Best Places to Refuel

As you explore the universe of Star Trucker, you’ll notice that every central hub or space station usually has a fuel station nearby. These hubs are not just for picking up jobs; they’re your pit stops for refuelling, upgrading your truck, and even taking a breather.

How to Find Fuel Stations

Fuel stations are marked with a fuel icon on your HUD (heads-up display). As soon as your gauge starts dipping towards empty, make it a priority to pull into one of these stations. Each fuel station has its own rates, so it’s smart to keep an eye on your credits and avoid overspending.

To refuel:

Check Your Gauge: Always keep an eye on your fuel gauge, which you can view on your truck’s dashboard.
Locate the Station: Find the purple fuel pump icon on your HUD, which signifies the nearest station.
Dock and Begin Refuelling: Pull into the designated area at the station, stop your truck, and the area will turn green, indicating you can start fuelling.

Once docked, press the button to begin refuelling your truck. Stations vary in pricing, so make sure to stop the pump if costs start getting too high.

Refuelling on the Go: When You’re Far from a Station

There’s nothing worse than being stranded in space with no fuel station in sight. But don’t panic. Star Trucker equips you with one essential tool: a spare fuel canister. This handy item allows you to manually refuel your truck if you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere.

Steps for Manual Refuelling

Locate the Fuel Canister: Inside your truck, find the spare fuel canister on the shelf near your sleeping quarters.
Suit Up: Before you head outside, put on your spacesuit.
Exit the Airlock: Carefully leave the airlock and make your way to the underside of your truck.
Find the Fuel Cap: The fuel cap is located between the main engines. Be cautious one wrong move, and your fuel canister could float away.
Refuel: Gently place the canister, remove the fuel cap, and begin refuelling. Once done, screw the cap back on and return the canister to the truck.

Pro tip: Always carry extra canisters, just in case. You can purchase them at various shops throughout the game.

What Happens If You Run Out of Fuel Completely?

If you find yourself out of fuel with no canisters and no stations nearby, don’t despair. The game has a built-in rescue system. You can:

Turn Off Your Oxygen: This will signal a rescue team to recover you and bring you back to safety.
Accept the Penalty: Keep in mind, calling for help isn’t free. You’ll incur a fine for the rescue, which can cut into your hard-earned credits.

Upgrading Your Truck: Fuel Efficiency and More

As you progress through Star Trucker, it’s essential to upgrade your truck. With longer routes and more challenging missions, improving your truck’s fuel efficiency will save you both time and money. Here’s what you can do:

Visit Auto Shops: These shops are scattered throughout the galaxy. Use them to purchase upgrades that improve your fuel tank capacity and reduce consumption.
Enhance Core Systems: Make sure your truck’s core systems, like the gravity compensator and hull charge, are in tip-top shape. These play a part in overall fuel usage and system health.

Investing in upgrades not only boosts performance but also reduces the likelihood of finding yourself in a fuel crisis.

Staying Prepared: Essential Tips for Fuel Management

Managing fuel is all about planning and preparation. Here are some top tips to avoid running into trouble:

Always Check Your Fuel Gauge Before Leaving: Make it a habit to fuel up before every job, even if you think you have enough to make the trip.
Keep Spare Canisters: You never know when you’ll be too far from a station, so always have a few canisters on board.
Refuel at Every Hub: Even if you’re not low on fuel, take advantage of the stations at central hubs to top off your tank.
Upgrade Wisely: Prioritize upgrades that improve fuel efficiency and tank size. The bigger your tank, the fewer stops you’ll need to make.

Common Issues with Refuelling and How to Fix Them

Even seasoned truckers run into problems from time to time. Here are some common issues you might face and how to resolve them:

Problem 1: Fuel Prices Too High

Solution: Shop around. Fuel stations have varying prices, and sometimes it’s worth flying a little further to save on refuelling costs.

Problem 2: Stranded with No Fuel Canisters

Solution: If you forgot to stock up on canisters, your best bet is to call for a rescue. Turning off the oxygen in your cabin will trigger the recovery system.

Problem 3: Lost Fuel Cap

Solution: Don’t panic! You can buy replacement caps at most shops, so if yours floats away in space, it’s not the end of the world.