Newcomer / Intro Why cant I refuel?

When I dock I cant refuel. I can purchase fuel on the open market, but I cant refuel my ship.

What is going on here?

Why cant refuel?

Has this game been developed as a joke on anyone who may try and play?
 
Not all stations offer all services. Outposts in particular may be missing one or more services the bigger stations provide.

Don't bother looking in the commodities market. That's not fuel you can use to refuel your ship.

Checking the system map will also you to see which services a station can provide and if it's missing the service you're looking for, best to skip over it.
 
The option to refuel should be on the right hand side of the main station menu. Along with re-arming and repairing. If its not there or is in red its cos the station doesn't offer that service.

In the system map the 2nd tab (going left to right) is the info tab. Mouse over the stations to see what services they offer.
 
The fuel sold on the open market is not suitable for a starship to use, it is merely a commodity to be traded.

As the others have said refuelling is an option on the right hand side of the station menu, another reason why it might be reddened out is if your tanks are full.
 
Another gotcha is that there are two fuel levels shown on the right - the main one and the reserve / working one. You can only fill the main tank, not the 'working' one (which gets refilled from the main tank). Why do you think you need more fuel?
 
I ran across this when I first started playing and noted it on the forum. Seems to be partially related to the economy or political state of the system/faction.

One of the main reasons I now ensure my ships are fitted with a fuel scoop though of course it is a real trade off in the start-up Sidie.
 
When you land at a spaceport there is a menu item called Starport Services.

You have to click on that to get to the station menu mentioned above.

Then you just click on Refuel All in the quick maintenance tab on the right hand side.
You don't have to purchase the fuel separately.

Sometimes you come across a port that doesn't sell fuel - but this is very rare (in my limited experience). It's usually the repair and restock tabs that are unavailable.

You also have to have enough money to purchase the fuel. But fuel is cheap - so that shouldn't normally be a problem.
 
Same thing with repair services. Always check in detailed info(system map) what station can offer you. So you dont waste time, flying, docking and then realising that you can't refuel/repait your machine.
 
Thanks for the answers. I had forgotten that YES this "game" is written as a joke on anybody that tries to play.
 
Thanks for the answers. I had forgotten that YES this "game" is written as a joke on anybody that tries to play.

No it just has a steep learning curve.

Nothing wrong with asking for help but if you approach it like that then it may not be the best game for you.
 

Deleted member 115407

D
Thanks for the answers. I had forgotten that YES this "game" is written as a joke on anybody that tries to play.

:|....I mean, I don't want to toot my own horn or anything, but I never had a problem figuring out how to refuel my spaceship.

So.... joke's on you, I guess.
 
The same advice applies as used to be printed in guide books (when we still bought books) about driving across the western USA - Don't play chicken with the gas tank...
 
Thanks for the answers. I had forgotten that YES this "game" is written as a joke on anybody that tries to play.

Speaking as a player that's been where you are now.. try and stick with it.

It's not easy man.. I know.. but it gets easier as you learn and ends up being worth it. You can always ask questions here, and you can usually find the answers you need somewhere online.

Yes, I'll admit.. it's a big strike against this this game that it requires so much research just to get it to where you can play it. I totally get where you're coming from, but the game really has moments where it's just amazing. Ultimately though, it can be a true test of patience. Hopefully, you stick around. :cool:
 
1) Buy Fuel scoop
2) Set route plotting filters to KGBFOAM classes only
3) Never worry about fuel again


Seriously though it's not a major issue. Otherwise there'd be a lot more threads and complaints about it. If it's a joke its definitely currently on you given forum section, join date and topic :D


Edit: Yeah ok, maybe that's a bit harsh but you can use the same arguement to justify literally anything. e.g. Why don't outposts have large pads, is it a joke on those that try and play? Why doesn't the Anaconda cost 4 credits, is it a joke? Why is there no "I win button", is it a joke?
Not even close to a compelling reason to change the current system at all. Also not all villages have petrol stations, not all airports have refuelling capabilities if we are comparing a real life analogue. Big ones (towns + larger airports) sure will have it but I've never seen a large station in Elite that doesn't have fuel.
 
The OP is just expressing frustration, most of us have been there with Elite at one point or another.

Insulting him personally gets no one anywhere. The only thing it does is make the player base look toxic and push people away.

Forums are for asking questions, no need to get the pitchforks.
 
Thanks for the answers. I had forgotten that YES this "game" is written as a joke on anybody that tries to play.

Did you just jump in and get going or did you even consider looking in the manual?

The only joke here is that someone can't work out how to click on "Refuel" in station services - but it is not funny, just sad really that someone's difficulties must automatically be the game's fault.

An adage regarding a poor workman and their tools springs to mind.

In a couple of weeks you will look at this thread and feel rather bashful I am sure.
 
When I dock I cant refuel. I can purchase fuel on the open market, but I cant refuel my ship.

What is going on here?

Why cant refuel?

Has this game been developed as a joke on anyone who may try and play?

Yeah, ok. "What is going on here?" indeed. 1200+ posts since October 2014...
 
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Thanks for the answers. I had forgotten that YES this "game" is written as a joke on anybody that tries to play.

So ... why are you still playing it? I realize this is most likely nothing but a "TROLL THREAD" but if you ARE a serious player perhaps you should sit down and read the instructions. Having done this, or if you already have (I have my doubts but) perhaps have a little more patience in asking for help. Rants are never looked on favorably ....

Cheers ...

Chief
 
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