In X4: Foundations, navigating the universe often brings players face to face with situations that challenge both their tactical skills and understanding of the game’s complex mechanics. One of these situations involves carrying contraband illegal goods that certain factions and stations will detect and punish if found in your cargo hold. Releasing contraband in X4 is not just about dropping cargo; it involves strategic timing, proper ship control, and knowing when and where to release items without getting caught. Understanding how to release contraband can mean the difference between a smooth journey and a costly fine or worse, being attacked on sight.
Understanding Contraband in X4: Foundations
What Is Contraband?
Contraband refers to items that are considered illegal by certain factions or within specific sectors. These can include spaceweed, spacefuel, or hacking chips. What is legal in one area might be completely outlawed in another. As such, it’s essential to keep track of what goods you’re carrying and which sector you’re in.
Common Contraband Types
- Spacefuel
- Spaceweed
- Hacking Software
- Encrypted Data Vaults
- AI Core Fragments
Even if you’re not intentionally smuggling, these items can sometimes be picked up as salvage or part of mission rewards. If you’re scanned while carrying them, it can result in hefty penalties or hostile action.
Why Releasing Contraband Is Important
Avoiding Fines and Attacks
If your ship is scanned by a patrol from a faction that bans certain goods, they’ll order you to drop them. Failing to comply can cause them to mark you as hostile or demand fines. To avoid this, releasing contraband proactively can save you reputation points and resources.
Preserving Faction Reputation
Releasing contraband before being scanned shows your willingness to comply with faction laws. If you’re trying to build reputation or trade in faction-controlled space, keeping your slate clean is critical. A bad standing with a faction can lock you out of valuable stations or missions.
How to Detect Contraband in Your Cargo
Use the Cargo Menu
To identify contraband, open the cargo menu by accessing your ship’s inventory. Illegal items are usually marked in red text or with a warning symbol, depending on the user interface version. You’ll need to inspect each item if you’re unsure.
Sector Laws and Faction Info
You can also check sector-specific laws by selecting the area on the map and viewing the local faction’s policies. This helps anticipate whether items currently in your hold will be considered illegal there.
Step-by-Step: How to Release Contraband in X4
1. Find a Safe Location
It’s best to release contraband when you’re in deep space or at least far enough from any patrols or stations to avoid detection. This reduces the risk of being scanned while dropping illegal items.
2. Open the Inventory Menu
Navigate to the ship inventory by selecting your active ship. You can do this through the property menu or directly by clicking on the ship icon on the map. From there, open the ‘Details’ panel and choose ‘Inventory.’
3. Select the Contraband Item
Scroll through your inventory list and select the item you want to release. If you’re unsure, compare it to known lists of contraband based on the faction or location you’re in. Some mods or game updates may adjust which items are illegal, so stay updated.
4. Use the ‘Eject’ or ‘Discard’ Option
Once you’ve selected the item, look for the eject option, often labeled ‘Drop’ or ‘Discard.’ Confirm the quantity and execute the drop. The item will be released into space as a floating container. You can either leave it behind or return later to reclaim it if needed.
5. Confirm the Drop
Check your inventory to ensure the item is no longer onboard. You can also visually confirm by targeting the floating cargo box if you dropped it nearby. If you’re still being flagged after a drop, you may have missed additional contraband or dropped it too late.
When Is the Best Time to Release Contraband?
Before Entering High-Security Space
If you’re about to cross into a sector controlled by a faction known for strict cargo inspections (e.g., Argon or Paranid space), make sure to check your inventory first and release any illegal goods in neutral or unclaimed territory.
After a Salvage or Loot Collection
Looting wrecks or completing certain missions can unknowingly add contraband to your inventory. Always inspect your cargo hold after looting to avoid surprises later. Better to discard unnecessary illegal goods than risk losing valuable time and reputation.
Other Tips to Handle Contraband Smuggling
Using Courier Ships
Instead of risking your main ship, use a fast courier ship to transport questionable items. If caught, it won’t impact your main operations as heavily. Courier ships can be fitted with stealth modules to increase their survivability and speed.
Storage at Player-Owned Stations
If you want to keep contraband for later use or sale, store it at one of your own stations where security checks aren’t enforced. From there, you can carefully plan when and how to transport or sell it depending on market and faction conditions.
Using Black Market Traders
Some stations have hidden traders or terminals where you can offload contraband for profit. These NPCs will typically appear as mission contacts or require relationship building. Selling to the black market can be risky but rewarding if done correctly.
Consequences of Getting Caught with Contraband
Reputation Loss
Being scanned and caught with illegal goods will cause you to lose standing with the faction that detected you. The impact can vary depending on your current rep level and the volume of goods.
Fines or Combat
Minor offenses might result in a fine or a warning, while more serious violations (like large quantities of high-tier contraband) can lead to immediate combat or detainment. This can end missions, destroy trade routes, or cause full diplomatic fallout.
Mastering how to release contraband in X4: Foundations is more than just a matter of legality it’s a matter of survival, reputation, and tactical decision-making. Whether you’re a trader, explorer, or opportunistic smuggler, understanding when and how to get rid of illegal items is essential to maintaining smooth operations across the stars. Always monitor your cargo, plan your routes with faction laws in mind, and don’t hesitate to discard what could become a liability. In the end, staying clean (or knowing how to fake it) is a vital part of succeeding in the X4 universe.