What to know
- The Den is a space station in the Wolf system, orbiting Chthonia.
- No contraband scans occur here, making it the safest selling location in the early game.
- A Trade Authority vendor is available right inside for quick transactions.
- It’s one of the most reliable ways to earn credits from illegal goods.
If you’ve been holding onto contraband in Starfield and don’t want to risk getting caught, The Den is one of the safest and most efficient places you can visit. Unlike major systems where scans are unavoidable, this station lets you walk in freely and cash out your illegal loot without consequences.
Here is a quick overview of The Den in Starfield:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Wolf System |
| Orbiting Planet | Chthonia |
| Key Feature | No contraband scans |
| Vendor | Trade Authority |
| Accessibility | Early-game friendly |
| Risk Level | Very low |
Where exactly The Den is located and how to reach it
The Den is located in the Wolf system, which is very close to Alpha Centauri—one of the first systems you explore. This makes it extremely accessible even in the early stages of the game.
To get there, you’ll open your starmap and navigate to Alpha Centauri first. From there, you simply look slightly up and to the right to find the Wolf system. Once you jump into Wolf, locate the planet Chthonia, where The Den is orbiting as a space station.
The station is easy to spot once you’re in orbit, and docking is straightforward as long as you approach within 500 meters. There are no hostile defenses or restrictions, so you can safely enter every time.
Why The Den is the best place to sell contraband
The biggest advantage of The Den is simple: there are no scans. In most controlled systems like Jemison or Mars, your ship will be scanned upon entry, and any contraband can get you fined or arrested.
Here, that mechanic is completely absent.
This makes The Den the perfect hub for unloading illegal goods without investing in shielded cargo or scan jammers. If you’re early in the game or just don’t want the hassle, this is your go-to location.
Another benefit is convenience. The Trade Authority vendor is located just a few steps from the docking point, meaning you can sell your items almost immediately after entering.
How to sell Contraband items in Starfield
Step 1
Dock at The Den once you arrive in the Wolf system and approach within 500 meters.
Step 2
Enter the station and walk straight ahead from the docking bay.
Step 3
Take a left to locate the Trade Authority vendor.
Step 4
Speak to the vendor and choose the dialogue option to view their inventory. Switch to the “Sell” tab in the trading menu.
Step 5
Navigate to the “Miscellaneous” category where contraband items are stored.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| No scanning | Zero risk of getting caught |
| Early access | Available early in the game |
| Fast vendor access | Minimal walking distance |
| High demand | Reliable credit income |
| Repeatable | Can be used anytime |
The Trade Authority in The Den functions just like any other vendor, but the lack of scanning makes it uniquely valuable. You can repeatedly visit, sell loot, and build up credits without worrying about law enforcement mechanics.
If you’re planning a smuggler-style playthrough, this station effectively becomes your main base of operations.
When should you use The Den vs other systems
While The Den is excellent for safety, it does come with one limitation: vendor credit caps. Like all vendors, the Trade Authority has a limited number of credits, so you may need to wait or revisit later to sell more items.
However, the trade-off is worth it because you completely eliminate the risk of losing your contraband. In contrast, selling in major systems might offer more vendors but comes with scanning risks unless you invest in ship upgrades.
