Is Smuggling still a viable career ?

[xxSTARHOUNDxx]

Just Got Back into ED after a few Yrs break, need to make some Fast credits to fund a Vette build and then I'm off into the Dark to explore see what I can find. So is smuggling still a viable choice ? Or should I stick to legal trading ?
Playing on PC and Steam deck .

 

[Felix DiCestria]

You don't get that much from smuggling unless you're doing missions.
Trade is OK but the big money is in Exobiology.

 

[Jmanis]

There's a handful of smuggling runs that will turn decent profit, but they're eclipsed by the 30k/t profit gold/ silver/pal routes you can do.

They fixed the "illegal causes price debuff" bug, but that didn't help much.

Meanwhile, smuggling missions are total pants... because they're to ship stolen goods, the price debuff factors in to the reward, so transporting Imperial slaves legally with little risk rewards far more than smuggling them illegally, despite the increased risk.

Basically, only reason to do it is to tank a faction's economy or status.

 

[Planewalker]

There are some new smuggling missions that are somewhat rare; quite a few were added in recent updates.
-the reason some smuggling missions don't pay that much is because they also play into the BGS as a tool.


Piracy is AFAIK still the only way to get a hold of "Crystal Containers", "SAP-8" and other very rare cargo.

 

[xxSTARHOUNDxx]

Thanks for the insights guys I will bear this in mind I will look into more profitable ventures later .thanks

 

[Decksmeck]

How does the price of rare commodities increase on the black market ? At the same rate? I know there was an alcoholic rare, if I remember correctly. I think the quantities are quite low that can be purchased at once, but I suppose that new players might benefit since they are flying small ships with less cargo space.

So, does the multiplier for rare commodities stack with the multiplier for the black market for a better than normal profit?

Examples:

Orrerian Vicious Brew​

This drink is so high in caffeine and Natural sugars that it is often classed as a Narcotic. The addictive properties and resulting sleep deprivation are famed.

Lyrae Weed​

This infamous drug grown exclusively on 16 Lyrae 5 is still the narcotic of choice for overpaid celebrities and the super-rich. It has almost become more of a status symbol than a recreational drug.

Leestian Evil Juice​

Leestian evil juice acquired its name from local security forces, claiming that those intoxicated with this powerful liquor seem to be possessed with a pure evil.

 

[Jmanis]

Piracy is AFAIK still the only way to get a hold of "Crystal Containers", "SAP-8" and other very rare cargo.

Rare, but comparatively worthless.

 

[Jmanis]

How does the price of rare commodities increase on the black market ? At the same rate? I know there was an alcoholic rare, if I remember correctly. I think the quantities are quite low that can be purchased at once, but I suppose that new players might benefit since they are flying small ships with less cargo space.

There's a fixed amount you can hold, and no more than. It varies good to good afaik, but once you hit that cap, you can't see more on the market even though another player might.

You can test this by hitting that limit, dumping your cargo, then going back to the market.

So, does the multiplier for rare commodities stack with the multiplier for the black market for a better than normal profit?

Should do. But it's not a huge amount.

Examples:

Orrerian Vicious Brew​

This drink is so high in caffeine and Natural sugars that it is often classed as a Narcotic. The addictive properties and resulting sleep deprivation are famed.

Lyrae Weed​

This infamous drug grown exclusively on 16 Lyrae 5 is still the narcotic of choice for overpaid celebrities and the super-rich. It has almost become more of a status symbol than a recreational drug.

Leestian Evil Juice​

Leestian evil juice acquired its name from local security forces, claiming that those intoxicated with this powerful liquor seem to be possessed with a pure evil.

 

[Shadowsnog]

sap 8 are still in obtainable?

 

[Jmanis]

sap 8 are still in obtainable?

Yup, always have been via piracy. "Couriers", which are special "high value targets[1]" often carry them.

[1] by "High value" this is defined as the cargo contents, which is usually a couple dozen tonnes of things, are worth 100k's of credits each... which sadly only adds up to about 2-3m once you factor in the "stolen" debuff... unlike, say, 600t of LTDs.

 

[LifesAJourney]

I find smuggling really cool only when I smuggle LTDs stolen from NPCs. Otherwise is still cool but absolutely worthless credits-wise.

Anyway, sneaking into a Coriolis station on a shieldless T9 fully loaded with contraband is FUN!