Beginner's Guide to Starfield
New to Starfield? This guide covers everything you need to navigate the Settled Systems.
Character Creation
- 1Choose your Background carefully -- it gives 3 starting skills.
- 2Traits are optional but powerful. Kid Stuff gives you parents to visit.
- 3Introvert/Extrovert affects oxygen use solo vs. with companions.
- 4Dream Home gives you a free house but costs 125k credits to unlock.
- 5You can remove traits later through specific in-game actions.
Skills & Leveling
- 1Skills require challenges to rank up, not just skill points.
- 2Boost Pack Training in Tech tree is essential -- unlock it ASAP.
- 3Security in Tech lets you pick locks and hack computers.
- 4Persuasion in Social tree opens many dialogue options.
- 5Piloting must be ranked up to fly Class B and C ships.
Ships & Space Travel
- 1You get the Frontier as your starting ship. It is decent but limited.
- 2The Mantis quest gives you the Razorleaf -- one of the best free ships.
- 3Grav Jump to travel between star systems. Fuel is consumed per jump.
- 4You can board and steal enemy ships during space combat.
- 5Ship customization is available at any major spaceport shipyard.
Combat Tips
- 1Use cover frequently. Enemies hit hard on higher difficulties.
- 2Keep multiple weapon types for different situations.
- 3Boost Pack dodging is more effective than traditional strafing.
- 4Grenades and mines are powerful against groups.
- 5EM weapons stun without killing -- useful for capturing ships.
Exploration & Economy
- 1Scan everything on planets for XP and survey completion bonuses.
- 2Pick up everything not nailed down -- vendors buy most items.
- 3Contraband must be sold at Trade Authority kiosks.
- 4Outposts generate passive resources over time.
- 5Complete faction questlines for the best unique rewards and ships.