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Are Pistols Good in Starfield? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, pistols are absolutely viable and often exceptional weapons in Starfield, depending on your playstyle, build, and the specific pistol you choose. While they might not always boast the highest damage per shot compared to rifles or heavy weapons, their versatility, rate of fire, and often lower weight make them fantastic choices for a variety of combat situations. Moreover, Starfield offers a diverse range of pistols, each with unique stats, modifications, and even special effects that can turn them into deadly tools in the right hands. Let’s delve deeper into the world of pistols in Starfield and explore why they deserve a spot in your arsenal.

The Strengths of Pistols in Starfield

Pistols in Starfield possess several key advantages that make them attractive options for players:

Versatility: Pistols excel in close to medium-range combat. Their maneuverability allows for quick aiming and firing, making them ideal for situations where you need to react swiftly.
Rate of Fire: Many pistols have a high rate of fire, allowing you to unleash a barrage of bullets on your enemies. This can be particularly effective against weaker enemies or when focusing on specific body parts.
Weight: Generally, pistols are lighter than rifles or heavy weapons, meaning you can carry more of them or other essential gear without becoming encumbered.
Modding Potential: Starfield offers a robust weapon modification system. Pistols can be customized with various mods to enhance their damage, accuracy, range, magazine size, and more. This allows you to tailor your pistols to suit your specific needs and playstyle.
Special Effects: Some unique pistols come with special effects, such as dealing bonus damage, inflicting status ailments, or even firing multiple projectiles per shot. These effects can significantly boost the pistol’s effectiveness in combat.
Stealth: Suppressed pistols are excellent choices for stealthy players. They allow you to take down enemies quietly without alerting others to your presence.

Top Pistols to Look Out For

Starfield boasts a diverse array of pistols, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. Here are a few standout options:

Va’Ruun Starshard: This pistol deals both physical and energy damage, making it highly effective against a wide range of enemies. It’s considered by many to be the most powerful pistol in the game.
Sir Livingstone’s Pistol: A unique variant of the Old Earth Pistol, this weapon deals high damage and comes with pre-installed mods that improve its clip size, range, and accuracy.
Elegance: A suppressed pistol that packs a serious punch. Its high damage output and rapid fire rate make it a deadly choice for stealthy players.
Keelhauler: This automatic pistol is known for its high fire rate and accuracy, making it a great option for players who prefer to spray and pray.
Deadeye: As the name suggests, this pistol is accurate and reliable, making it a solid choice for medium-range engagements.

Building a Pistol-Focused Character

If you’re interested in specializing in pistols, consider investing in the following skills:

Pistol Certification: This skill increases the damage you deal with pistols.
Ballistics: Increases ballistic weapon damage (many pistols use ballistic ammo).
Stealth: Essential for players who want to use suppressed pistols to take down enemies quietly.
Marksmanship: Improves your accuracy and critical hit chance.
Weapon Engineering: Allows you to craft and install weapon mods.

Are Pistols Good? It Depends on Your Style

Ultimately, the effectiveness of pistols in Starfield depends on your playstyle and preferences. If you enjoy fast-paced, close-quarters combat, pistols can be a fantastic choice. If you prefer a more stealthy approach, a suppressed pistol is a must-have. And if you invest in the right skills and mods, you can turn a seemingly ordinary pistol into a devastating weapon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What pistol has the highest damage per shot in Starfield?

The Va’Ruun Starshard is renowned for dealing the highest combined damage, utilizing both physical and energy damage. It can deliver a devastating blow to your enemies.

2. Where can I find the Old Earth Pistol (M1911)?

The Old Earth Pistol can be found in loot crates, purchased from weapon vendors like Laredo Firearms and Rowland Arms in Akila City, or looted from fallen enemies. One of the most obvious locations is the Centaurian Arsenal in Jemison.

3. Is it possible to dual-wield pistols in Starfield?

No, Starfield does not support dual-wielding weapons. You can only equip one firearm at a time, switching between them using the quickslot menu.

4. Can I craft ammo in Starfield?

Unfortunately, no. As of now, you cannot craft ammo in Starfield. You must rely on purchasing it from vendors or looting it from enemies and containers.

5. What is the best pistol for stealth in Starfield?

Elegance is a fantastic choice. This suppressed pistol deals high damage and has a rapid fire rate, making it ideal for taking down enemies quietly. Another good choice is the Urban Eagle paired with a suppressor.

6. How do I add weapons to my favorites list for quick switching?

Go to your Inventory, select Weapons, and press the Y key (or B on PC) on the weapon you want to add. This will add it to your favorites list, allowing you to assign a shortcut for quick switching.

7. What are some good early-game pistols in Starfield?

The Old Earth Pistol and the Deadeye are solid choices for early-game pistols. They are relatively easy to find and offer decent damage and accuracy.

8. What skills should I prioritize for a pistol build?

Focus on Pistol Certification, Ballistics, Stealth, Marksmanship, and Weapon Engineering to maximize your pistol’s effectiveness.

9. Is Sir Livingstone’s Pistol worth getting?

Absolutely! Sir Livingstone’s Pistol is a unique and powerful weapon that can be obtained relatively early in the game. Its high damage output and pre-installed mods make it a valuable addition to your arsenal.

10. How does the Va’Ruun Starshard compare to other pistols?

The Va’Ruun Starshard stands out due to its high damage, a combination of both physical and energy, and a decent range. However, it’s important to consider ammo availability.

11. What kind of modifications can I apply to pistols?

You can modify pistols to improve their damage, accuracy, range, magazine size, fire rate, and more. Experiment with different mods to find the best combination for your playstyle.

12. Are laser pistols viable in Starfield?

Yes, laser pistols can be effective, particularly against enemies with armor that is weak to energy damage. The Unmitigated Violence is a powerful example of a laser weapon and is listed as a laser rifle.

13. How do I get the Unfair Advantage weapon?

The Unfair Advantage is obtained during the Eye of the Storm quest in the Crimson Fleet questline. Side with the Crimson Fleet, defeat Commander Kibwe Ikande, and loot his body.

14. Are pistols a good choice for endgame content?

Yes, with the right skills, mods, and a powerful pistol like the Va’Ruun Starshard or Sir Livingstone’s Pistol, you can definitely tackle endgame content effectively.

15. Where can I learn more about game design and the impact of game-based learning?

Visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to explore resources on game design, educational games, and the power of games for learning. GamesLearningSociety.org offers a wealth of information about how games can transform education and improve learning outcomes.

In conclusion, pistols are more than just sidearms in Starfield; they are versatile and deadly weapons that can be tailored to suit a variety of playstyles. With the right skills, mods, and a bit of practice, you can become a true pistolero in the Settled Systems.

Are pistols good in Starfield?