FTL: Faster Than Light beginner guide: Kestrel upgrades, scrap and sector routing
Build a survivable FTL ship and avoid spending scrap without a plan.
Pictures for this guide
Edition covered
The 2012 FTL campaign with the official Advanced Edition update. Hacking, Mind Control, the Clone Bay and Lanius require Advanced Edition content; mods such as Multiverse are outside this guide. Pictures are Subset’s Steam promotional captures.
Buy survival before luxury
On a standard Kestrel A run, a second shield bubble is a strong early goal. It needs enough shield system bars and allocated power; buying system capacity alone does not power it.
| Purchase | Early value | Constraint |
|---|---|---|
| Second shield bubble | Blocks more ordinary laser shots | Needs system bars and power |
| Engine upgrades | Improves evasion and escape | Needs powered engines and a pilot |
| Weapon support | Keeps damage relevant | Check weapon slots and power |
| Hull repair | Prevents an immediate loss | Consumes scrap without lasting upgrades |
| Fuel | Keeps the route moving | Watch the remaining jump budget |
Visit useful beacons before leaving
The Rebel fleet advances as you jump. Plan a route that collects encounters while keeping a connected path to the exit, and check whether a distress or store detour is affordable.
| Beacon | Why visit | Check first |
|---|---|---|
| Store | Buy systems, crew and supplies | Your current scrap and repair needs |
| Distress | Potential reward or special option | Crew and equipment suitability |
| Unvisited normal beacon | Scrap and events | Distance from the Rebel front |
| Exit | Move to the next sector | Whether safe extra visits remain |
Keep fuel and hull in the plan
Running out of fuel or arriving at a fight with a fragile hull can end a promising build. Check those resources before buying an attractive optional system.
Commit to a way through shields
By later sectors, the starting weapons need support. Choose a coherent damage plan such as synchronized lasers, ion plus beam, or boarding, rather than buying disconnected weapons.
Two shield bubbles help against lasers, but missiles still need evasion, defense or fast weapon suppression.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| FTL: Faster Than Light publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Subset Games official FTL FAQ | subsetgames.com |