GEAR / VISUAL FIELD GUIDE

Your suit, helmet and first kit

Understand why an item in storage is different from an item you can use, and why an undersuit matters.

New playerEveryone4 min read

STEP 1 OF 3

Equip it before you need it

Check the character view rather than trusting a purchase receipt. Equip only the kit the activity requires, then verify that essential items are carried. A first flight needs a suit and compatible helmet whenever vacuum exposure is possible.

1
Equip an undersuit first
Separate controls: F; I
At Storage Access find the undersuit and use its Equip action, or drag it onto the compatible character location. Check the character before adding armor.
What you should see
The undersuit is visibly worn and compatible equipment locations are available.
That did not happen
Remove conflicting ordinary clothing if the equip action is unavailable. Make the change indoors or in a safe pressurized space.
RSI Equipping Your Character, updated 10 Jun 2026
2
Equip and confirm the helmet
Separate controls: I
Equip the compatible helmet and inspect its location on the character. Complete this before opening a route into vacuum.
What you should see
The helmet is on your character, not merely present in local storage or a backpack.
That did not happen
If it will not equip, check the undersuit and item compatibility. Do not test protection by stepping outside.
RSI Equipping Your Character, updated 10 Jun 2026
3
Add only the storage and armor you need
Separate controls: I
Equip the appropriate armor and compatible pack, then put food, water and medical supplies into usable carried storage. Inspect capacity before adding optional loot.
What you should see
The loadout holds the essentials and leaves room for the activity's result.
That did not happen
A backpack may require compatible torso equipment. Item slots and capacity, not visual style, decide what you can carry.
RSI Equipping Your Character, updated 10 Jun 2026

UndersuitCompatible helmetEquipment for your chosen activity

Undersuit worn
Compatible helmet worn
Required protection checked
Food and water carried
Medical supplies carried

Read the complete guide as text

The same published instructions in one readable view. Use the steps above for controls and practice panels.

Equip it before you need it

Equip an undersuit first

Separate controls: F; I

At Storage Access find the undersuit and use its Equip action, or drag it onto the compatible character location. Check the character before adding armor.

Expected result: The undersuit is visibly worn and compatible equipment locations are available.

If it did not work: Remove conflicting ordinary clothing if the equip action is unavailable. Make the change indoors or in a safe pressurized space.

Equip and confirm the helmet

Separate controls: I

Equip the compatible helmet and inspect its location on the character. Complete this before opening a route into vacuum.

Expected result: The helmet is on your character, not merely present in local storage or a backpack.

If it did not work: If it will not equip, check the undersuit and item compatibility. Do not test protection by stepping outside.

Add only the storage and armor you need

Separate controls: I

Equip the appropriate armor and compatible pack, then put food, water and medical supplies into usable carried storage. Inspect capacity before adding optional loot.

Expected result: The loadout holds the essentials and leaves room for the activity's result.

If it did not work: A backpack may require compatible torso equipment. Item slots and capacity, not visual style, decide what you can carry.

Undersuit worn
Compatible helmet worn
Required protection checked
Food and water carried
Medical supplies carried

Missing an equip option?

An equip problem can be an incompatible item, a missing prerequisite, conflicting clothing or the item being in the wrong storage. Work through those separately before buying a replacement.

Check one rejected item at a time

Separate controls: I

Read the item category, inspect the intended slot and confirm the prerequisite equipment. Try the displayed Equip action only after resolving that mismatch.

Expected result: The item equips into the intended location or you can name the unresolved compatibility requirement.

If it did not work: Do not remove your only helmet in a dangerous environment while experimenting. Return to safe indoor storage first.

Check the undersuit slot
Check helmet and armour slots
Use the displayed equip action

I own it, but cannot use it away from the shop.: It may still be in local storage. Return to Storage Access and transfer or equip it, then check personal inventory again.

The armor will not equip.: Check the undersuit, intended slot and any conflicting clothing or equipment. Read the item's actual compatibility.

Carry the essentials and retain a recovery kit

SC Nomads recommendation: take a modest first load and leave unnecessary valuables in confirmed storage. Keeping a second basic kit at a useful location makes an unsuccessful learning trip easier to recover from.

Perform the final carried-inventory check

Separate controls: I

Away from the storage interface, inspect your carried kit. Identify the helmet, a drink, food and treatment supplies you can access during the trip.

Expected result: The essentials will still be available after leaving the location.

If it did not work: If something exists only in Local inventory, return to the kiosk. Buying another copy does not solve a transfer you have not completed.

Field note: For eating and drinking, follow the first-session lesson: a safe atmosphere, helmet off, item in hand, consume, then helmet back on before leaving safety.

Version history

Sources & guide information

Sources checked 13 October 2026. Latest-known keyboard defaults; not gameplay verified on Alpha 4.10.2.. Reference information, not a claim of current-patch playtesting.

RSI Equipping Your Character, updated 10 Jun 2026 RSI Knowledge Base: Shopping in the 'Verse