Build Armillary On Ship Or Outpost Complete Starfield Quest Guide

Posted on 21 September 2026 | 89
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Deciding where to construct the Armillary is one of the most critical narrative and gameplay choices players encounter during Starfield's main storyline. Following the dramatic events of the High Price to Pay quest, you are tasked with securing your collected artifacts to protect them from dangerous rivals. Understanding the benefits and risks of each building location will help you prepare for upcoming space battles and base defenses.

Understanding the Armillary Choice in Starfield

The Armillary functions as a centralized display structure designed to hold all the alien artifacts gathered throughout your journey. Once built, this device acts as a beacon that naturally draws aggressive Starborn forces directly to its location. Choosing the right environment depends heavily on your combat preferences and how much effort you have invested in base building.

Players essentially have three distinct methods for managing their artifacts as they progress through the campaign. You can attach the structure to your starship's grav drive, build it inside a ground outpost, or simply carry the artifacts in your personal inventory. Each option brings unique tactical consequences that impact random combat encounters and resource management.

How to Construct the Armillary on Your Ship

Building the Armillary on your spacecraft is the most straightforward option for most players navigating the galaxy. To assemble it, enter your ship's cockpit and locate the dedicated control panel positioned near the pilot's seat. Activating this terminal immediately builds the structure onto your grav drive without requiring any additional crafting materials or credits.

Mounting the device on your vessel means you will frequently face hostile Starborn ships during space travel. However, this setup allows you to quickly escape dangerous encounters by jumping to another star system whenever you are overwhelmed. It also keeps the artifacts continuously under your direct protection wherever you fly.

Establishing the Armillary at a Planetary Outpost

If you prefer ground combat and outpost construction, erecting the Armillary at a planetary base offers a compelling alternative. To do this, place an outpost beacon on a planet surface, open the build menu, and select the device under the quest structures tab. While the Armillary itself requires minimal components like Neodymium and Titanium, fortifying the surrounding base demands significant resources.

Building on a planet keeps space lanes somewhat safer from sudden Starborn ambushes while redirecting attacks to your ground settlement. You must assign heavily armed companions and build automated defense turrets to safeguard the installation from enemy raids. Keep in mind that responding to distant outpost attacks may require fast traveling across systems.

Carrying Artifacts vs Building the Armillary

A third valid strategy is delaying the construction of the Armillary entirely and keeping the artifacts on your person. Because artifacts possess zero mass, carrying them in your personal inventory does not increase your overall carry weight capacity. This approach prevents accidental triggers of endgame events while giving you total control over when to build.

Ultimately, selecting where to place the Armillary comes down to your primary playstyle and vessel combat readiness. Upgrading your ship's shields and weapons ensures smooth sailing if you choose the cockpit installation method. Meanwhile, dedicated base builders will enjoy turning a remote outpost into an impregnable fortress for their prized artifacts.