Mastering Starfield: A Comprehensive Guide for Space Explorers

Politics, News Sept. 10, 2023, 5:03 a.m.

Explore Starfield efficiently with our guide: prioritize ship upgrades, recruit companions, manage carry weight, use stealth, engage in piracy, and join the Freestar Collective for incredible rewards.

Starfield: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Started and Thriving in Space

Starfield, the highly anticipated space exploration game, has finally arrived, and it's brimming with endless possibilities. With a vast universe featuring a thousand planets, there's no shortage of things to do. However, the game's sheer scale can be overwhelming, especially for new players. This guide will help you navigate the cosmos effectively, from the early tutorial stages to becoming a seasoned space explorer.

Starting Your Journey

When you begin your Starfield adventure, the tutorial places you at a mining operation. While it might be tempting to scour every nook and cranny for hidden treasures, rest assured that you won't miss out on anything vital by focusing on the main objectives. Speedrun through the tutorial until you obtain your first spaceship, the Frontier. Let the game guide you to New Atlantis in the Alpha Centauri system, where you'll meet the Constellation members and trigger the main quest. This will kickstart your journey in earnest.

Mastering Fast Travel

Fast travel is a crucial feature in Starfield, allowing you to traverse the universe quickly. The user interface may seem a bit complex at first, but with practice, it becomes more intuitive. Here's a quick overview:

Press 'M' (on the keyboard) to access the star map at the planet level.

Press 'TAB' to switch to the system level.

Press 'TAB' again to reach the galaxy level.

To travel to a planet or system, click on it and set your course by pressing 'X.'

Mastering fast travel is essential for efficient navigation across the universe, so take the time to get comfortable with it.

Upgrading Your Ship

Your spaceship is your lifeline in Starfield. While the Frontier serves you well initially, consider upgrading to a B or A-Class ship at spaceports for enhanced capabilities. Prioritize upgrading your ship's systems, especially weapons, if you plan to engage in space combat. There's plenty of action in Starfield, and better shields, weapons, and aesthetics can make a significant difference. Don't worry; upgrades are more affordable than you might think.

Recruiting Companions

Companions in Starfield are scattered throughout the galaxy, and you'll encounter many of them during named quests. The game won't immediately reveal which NPCs are recruitable companions, so exhaust their dialogue options to unlock the recruitment option. Once you have a spacious ship ready for a crew, make sure to seek out all the named, recruitable companions in the game to access unique dialogues and experiences.

Managing Carry Weight

One of the most frustrating aspects of Starfield is the limited carry weight. The universe is teeming with loot, and picking up everything can quickly lead to carry weight issues. To address this, increase your carrying capacity by investing skill points in physical abilities or finding suitable mods for your spacesuit. Additionally, you can store items in your spaceship's Cargo Hold if it has enough mass to spare. Efficient carry weight management will help you collect resources without becoming encumbered.

Mastering Boost Packs

Boost Packs can be a game-changer in Starfield, but they require a point in Boost Pack Training from the Tech tree to unlock their full potential. Even if your spacesuit includes a boost pack, you won't be able to use it without this skill. Boost Packs provide extra mobility, especially in low-gravity environments, allowing you to maneuver effectively. However, be cautious when using them, as floating targets can become easy prey for enemies, especially on higher difficulty settings.

Exploiting Planetary Resources

In Starfield, planets are literal gold mines, ripe for exploitation. There's no competition for resources, and every planet is a potential source of credits. Initially, you'll use a Cutter, a basic laser, to mine resources manually. However, as you progress, consider exploring outpost building and autonomous resource mining for a more efficient and profitable approach.

Mastering Stealth

Stealth is a valuable skill in Starfield, allowing you to sneak around undetected. While you can sneak from the start of the game, investing in the Stealth skill adds a handy indicator at the top of the screen, showing your level of concealment while crouched. This system operates similarly to the one in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, offering a futuristic UI. Even without points in Stealth, you can still benefit from the sneak damage buff when crouching.

Becoming a Space Pirate

While credits aren't hard to come by in Starfield, engaging in piracy can be a highly profitable venture. Intercept random ships passing by, board them, eliminate the crew, and loot their valuables. You can even sell their ships after completing the registration process, though it may not always be worthwhile. Piracy yields Contraband, a lucrative resource that can fetch a high price. In the early game, The Den is an excellent location to sell stolen goods, but as you progress, consider establishing a smuggling operation along trade routes to maximize profits.

Joining the Freestar Collective

The Freestar Collective is a significant faction in Starfield, and you'll have the chance to join them when you visit Akila City in the Cheyenne System. Join this faction as soon as possible, as completing their faction quest offers incredible rewards. Early on, you'll receive the Deadeye pistol, an outstanding weapon for the early game. However, the ultimate prize awaits upon finishing the final mission of the faction: the Star Eagle Ship, one of the best Class A ships in the game, and it's entirely free.

Conclusion

In the vast and immersive world of Starfield, there's no shortage of adventures to embark on and riches to uncover. By following this guide, you'll start your journey with confidence, gradually mastering the game's mechanics and thriving in the endless expanse of space. So, prepare your spaceship, upgrade your gear, and set off into the cosmos to make your mark in the universe of Starfield!