Quick Scoop: In Starfield , “unique ship modules” usually means different module types , not a special rarity. They’re the distinct parts you can install in the ship builder, and they matter for the Starship Design skill challenge.

What counts

The game has 13 ship part categories you can customize: Bay, Cargo Hold, Cockpit, Cowling, Docker, Engines, Fuel Tanks, Grav Drive, Hab, Landing Gears, Reactor, Shield Generator, and Weapons.

For the skill challenge, “unique” is generally understood as installing different modules for the first time , not just stacking the same part over and over. Community discussions and guides describe the goal as using different types of modules, especially cheap structural parts, to level Starship Design efficiently.

Easy way to think about it

If you want to raise the count fast, buy and install a mix of:

  • Structural parts.
  • Habs.
  • Weapons.
  • Other cheap modules you have not used yet.

A simple example is adding several different structural pieces in the ship builder, confirming the build, and repeating with new part types until the challenge progresses.

Where to find them

Different shipyards and manufacturers sell different exclusive parts, so players often travel between vendors to collect more options. For example, Nova Galactic at New Homestead is known for exclusive ship parts, including large Habs, a 3x2 cockpit, and strong landing gear.

If you want, I can also give you a short vendor list of the best places to buy unique ship modules in Starfield.