Running out of fuel in Elite: Dangerous
Solution 1:
One of the optional components you can install on your ship is a fuel scoop. These are really easy to use. Better yet, the basic level ones are really cheap. Fuel scoops enable you to fly close to a star, and scoop the fuel from it. This means that you can travel very long distances, without having to stop and dock at a station to refuel.
To purchase and equip a fuel scoop, all you have to do is:
- Visit a station with the Outfitting service
- Choose Starport Services
- Choose Outfitting
- Choose Optional Compartments
- Click on one of the open slots
- Purchase a Fuel Scoop
Many stations have the Outfitting service, so you shouldn't have any problems finding one, unless you're in the middle of nowhere.
After equipping your fuel scoop, simply super-cruise or perform a hyperspace jump to the nearest star, fly close to it (but not too close!), and you'll automatically begin scooping fuel.
If fuel scooping doesn't work, and you're gaining too much heat, then there's a good chance that the star you're attempting to scoop from doesn't support fuel scooping. Certain classes of stars do not support fuel scooping.
For a comprehensive list of supported fuel scooping star classes, visit this source: http://elite-dangerous.wikia.com/wiki/Fuel_Scoop
Solution 2:
Treat your ship like a car- how do you avoid running out of fuel on a long journey? You take 5-10 minutes to plan ahead. Can you use the more efficient route rather than the fastest route? How many times do you think you'll need to refuel? Can you afford it?
A bigger fuel tank or more efficient FSD or route will only get you so far, you're going to have to refuel at some point so you better understand how to do it:
- Scooping
- Docking
Begging the fuel rats to save you from yourself
Check your route in the universe map, if it has dashed lines you'll have to refuel somewhere. Routes now display the 'last fuel star' in a route, but if you don't have a scoop you'll have to look for inhabited systems before the line goes dashed (and take a detour if necessary), so check your map and your fuel gauge, often.
Fuel management is your responsibility.