How To Use Pirate Transponders in No Man's Sky

By Daniel Hidalgo | 2025-09-21 12:11:31
The vast universe of No Man’s Sky is filled with wonder, but also with danger. While exploring serene planets and charting unknown stars, every Traveller must be prepared for sudden, violent encounters. Among the most common threats are pirate attacks, which can interrupt your journey at the most inopportune moments. However, these skirmishes are more than just a nuisance; they are a lucrative opportunity. By defeating these space outlaws, you can acquire valuable Pirate Transponders, key items that unlock unique rewards and progression paths.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Pirate Transponders, from efficient farming methods to maximizing their value.


How to Find and Acquire Pirate Transponders


Pirate Transponders are not found in chests or purchased from vendors. They are battle trophies, dropped exclusively as loot from the wreckage of pirate starships you destroy in combat.
  • Engage in Random Encounters: The most common way to find pirates is to simply travel between planets and systems. Pirates will often scan your freighter and launch an attack, especially if your cargo hold contains valuable materials. Always be ready to defend yourself.
  • Accept Bounty Missions: A far more efficient and targeted method is to visit the Space Station mission board. Look for missions specifically labeled as bounty or combat missions, such as "Defeat Pirates" or "Destroy Armoured Ships." Accepting these missions will not only provide a clear objective but will often mark a specific group of pirates on your galactic map, leading you directly to a fight and guaranteeing a source of Transponders.
  • Seek Out Conflict: Systems with a higher Conflict Level (listed in the system information when using your starship's scanner) have a significantly increased chance of spawning pirate attacks, making them ideal hunting grounds.

Pro Tip: If you find yourself outnumbered, consider fighting near friendly freighters or a space station. Their defensive turrets will often assist you, making dogfights much easier to manage.


Primary Uses for Pirate Transponders: Profit and Prestige


Once you have a stash of Pirate Transponders, you have two excellent options for using them. Each caters to a different playstyle, whether you seek wealth or influence.


1. Sell for Units (Quick Cash)


The most straightforward use for Pirate Transponders is to sell them forUnits, the primary currency of No Man's Sky. You can sell them at any:


  • Galactic Trade Terminal (found in Space Stations, Minor Settlements, or on your Freighter).
  • NPC Pilot who has landed at a trading post or space station.


This is a fantastic way to generate a steady income stream from your combatexploits, funding new ship upgrades, resources, and more.


2. Redeem for Guild Standing (Mercenaries Guild Reputation)


For players focused on long-term progression and rewards, the best use ofPirate Transponders is to redeem them for standing with the Mercenaries Guild. This faction specializes in combat and bounty hunting across the galaxy.


Increasing your reputation with them unlocks access to unique and valuable rewards, including:


  • Exclusive base parts and decorations.
  • Specialized starship and multi-tool upgrade modules.
  • New titles and other prestige items.


How to Find the Mercenaries Guild to Redeem Your Transponders


Unlike trade terminals, the Mercenaries Guild envoy is not present in everySpace Station. Finding one requires a specific method.


  • Open your main menu and navigate to the "Catalogue & Guide" section.
  • Select any entry, but the easiest is to find a Journey Milestone you have completed (e.g., a combat-related milestone).
  • On the page that describes the milestone, look to the bottom-right cornerof your screen. You will see icons for the various guilds (Explorers',Merchants', Mercenaries').
  • Select the Mercenaries Guild icon.
  • Choose the "Pin Mission" or similar option. This will add a custom waypoint to your galacticmap, guiding you to a nearby system whose Space Station contains aMercenaries Guild representative.

  • You can then speak to this NPC and turn in all your saved Pirate Transponders at once for a massive reputation boost.


    Final Recommendation: While selling Transponders is tempting for quick cash, the uniquerewards from the Mercenaries Guild are irreplaceable. It is highlyadvised to save your Transponders and make regular trips to a Guildrepresentative to significantly accelerate your standing with thispowerful faction. Turn the threat of pirates into your greatest assetamong the stars.

    Tags: exploration, survival, space travel, crafting, base building, player hubs, portal addresses, expeditions,
    Platform(s): PS4, Microsoft Windows PC, Xbox One
    Genre(s): Action-adventure, survival
    Developer(s): Hello Games
    Publisher(s): Hello Games
    Engine: Kein Wert
    Release date: 9 August 2016
    Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
    Age rating (PEGI): 7+
    Video preview



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