Can You Dual Wield in Starfield? A Deep Dive into Combat Mechanics

No, you cannot dual wield weapons in Starfield. While the allure of wielding a pistol in each hand, blasting away space pirates with reckless abandon, might be strong, Starfield limits you to equipping one weapon at a time. This holds true even for smaller firearms like pistols. Don’t let this discourage you, though. Starfield boasts a robust combat system with many ways to customize your character and engage in thrilling encounters. Prepare yourself, there are plenty of other ways to dominate the vast expanse of space!

Understanding Starfield’s Weapon System

Starfield’s combat revolves around a blend of firearms, melee weapons, and your character’s skills and perks. It’s a modern take on Bethesda’s classic RPG combat, encouraging strategic thinking and character building. Although dual wielding is not an option, you are not limited in the quantity you can carry.

The game allows you to carry multiple weapons, letting you swap between them on the fly to suit different combat situations. You can have a heavy rifle for long-range engagements, a shotgun for close-quarters combat, and a melee weapon for when things get personal – all available at your fingertips. In fact, reports have indicated that you can carry as many as 12 guns at the same time!

Embracing the Alternatives: Building a Powerful Character

So, how do you compensate for the lack of dual wielding? By focusing on character customization and smart weapon choices. Here’s a quick rundown of the possibilities:

Melee Combat: A Viable Option

Starfield makes melee combat a more practical choice than in previous Bethesda titles. With the right skills and a potent melee weapon, you can carve a path through enemies without even touching ammunition. The Dueling skill is especially important if you want to excel at melee. Maxing it out is a must for any melee-focused build.

The Silent Assassin: Stealth and Crit Builds

If you prefer a more subtle approach, the Silent Assassin build is your calling. By investing heavily in stealth skills, you can sneak past enemies or deliver devastating sneak attacks. Key skills include Stealth and Concealment.

Focusing on Gunplay: Weapon Variety and Mods

With a huge arsenal of over 45 weapons, Starfield provides a range of firearms for your destructive pleasure. You can modify them with attachments to improve their performance and tailor them to your playstyle. Here are some of the best guns in Starfield:

• Revenant (Rifle)
• Eternity’s Gate (Particle Beam Rifle)
• Unmitigated Violence (Laser Rifle)
• Heller’s Cutter (Heavy)
• Deadeye (Pistol)
• Justifier (Rifle)
• Sir Livingstone’s Pistol (Pistol)
• Keelhauler (Pistol)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the lack of dual wielding and related combat mechanics in Starfield:

1. Can I equip a pistol and a melee weapon simultaneously?

No. Starfield only allows you to equip one weapon at a time, whether it’s a ranged weapon or a melee weapon. You can, however, quickly swap between them.

2. How many weapons can I carry in Starfield?

You can carry a surprising number of weapons – reportedly up to 12 guns simultaneously. This lets you prepare for a variety of combat scenarios without needing to constantly visit your ship.

3. Is melee combat effective in Starfield?

Yes, melee combat is quite viable, especially with the right skills and weapons. The Dueling skill is essential for a melee-focused build.

4. What skills should I prioritize for a melee build?

Focus on skills in the Physical tree, such as Dueling, Martial Arts, and anything that improves your survivability and damage output.

5. What’s the best build in Starfield?

The “best” build depends on your playstyle. The Silent Assassin is a popular and powerful choice, but a melee-focused brawler or a long-range sniper can be equally effective.

6. Is the Dueling skill worth investing in?

Yes, absolutely! If you plan on using melee weapons, the Dueling skill is a must-have. It significantly improves your melee effectiveness.

7. Why isn’t dual wielding a feature in Starfield?

The developers likely chose to omit dual wielding for balance reasons and to encourage players to explore the other combat options available. Implementing dual wielding effectively would require significant changes to the game’s core mechanics.

8. What are some of the best weapons in Starfield?

Some of the best weapons include the Revenant (Rifle), Eternity’s Gate (Particle Beam Rifle), and Deadeye (Pistol). These weapons are effective, but it really depends on your build and what you are facing.

9. What is the best early-game ship in Starfield?

The Razorleaf is an excellent early-game ship due to its maneuverability and decent base weapons.

10. How many weapons are there in Starfield?

There are 45 weapons, 9 melee weapons, and 11 grenades in Starfield, offering a wide variety of combat options.

11. Can I steal weapons in Starfield?

Yes, you can steal weapons, but be aware of the consequences. Getting caught can lead to fines, imprisonment, or combat with security forces.

12. Can I be a bounty hunter in Starfield?

Absolutely! You can join the Trackers Alliance and take on bounty missions for quick money.

13. Will Starfield ever get multiplayer?

Currently, there are no plans for multiplayer in Starfield. However, the modding community may create a multiplayer mod in the future.

14. Are there any disadvantages to focusing on a melee build?

Melee builds can struggle against enemies that can quickly deal damage from range before you can get close. However, with the right skills and equipment, you can mitigate this weakness.

15. Where can I learn more about game design and mechanics?

If you’re interested in the mechanics and design aspects of games like Starfield, exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org can be incredibly valuable. They offer insights into the educational aspects of games and how they can be used for learning.

The Verdict: A Universe of Combat Possibilities

While the absence of dual wielding in Starfield might disappoint some players, it doesn’t diminish the game’s rich and varied combat experience. By focusing on character building, weapon customization, and strategic gameplay, you can create a powerful and engaging playstyle that suits your preferences. So, while you can’t wield two pistols at once, you can still become a legendary space explorer, one well-placed shot (or swing) at a time.

Embrace the challenge, explore the options, and carve your own path through the stars!