Is Piloting Skill Worth It in Starfield? A Comprehensive Guide

Absolutely. The Piloting skill in Starfield is unequivocally worth investing in, particularly as you progress further into the game. While not essential in the early hours, it becomes a critical component of your character build, unlocking access to superior starships, enhancing maneuverability, and ultimately providing a significant advantage in space combat. Ignoring the Piloting skill will severely limit your ship options and combat effectiveness in the late game, making it a high-priority skill for any serious Starfield player.

Why Piloting is Crucial

The core function of the Piloting skill is to grant you the ability to control increasingly powerful starships. Starfield categorizes ships into classes (A, B, and C), with each class representing a jump in power, weaponry, and defensive capabilities. Without leveling up your Piloting skill, you will be restricted to Class A ships.

• Class A Ships: These are the starting point, offering decent handling and functionality but lack the raw power of higher-class vessels.

• Class B Ships: These represent a significant upgrade, allowing for more robust builds, heavier weapons, and enhanced shielding.

• Class C Ships: These are the ultimate powerhouses, capable of withstanding heavy fire and dishing out immense damage. Access to these ships provides a decisive advantage in space combat scenarios.

The Piloting skill isn’t just about unlocking ship classes; it also improves your ship’s overall maneuverability. Each rank in Piloting increases the ship’s turning rate and responsiveness, making you a more agile and difficult target to hit. This is invaluable in dogfights against enemy fighters or larger capital ships.

Leveling Up the Piloting Skill

The Piloting skill is located in the Tech tree, making it readily available from the start. To level up the skill, you need to complete piloting simulator challenges:

1. Eliminate 5 ships.

2. Eliminate 15 ships.

3. Eliminate 30 ships.

4. Eliminate 50 ships.

Each stage of the simulator unlocks a new rank in the Piloting skill, unlocking access to better ships and enhanced maneuverability.

Beyond Piloting: Essential Skills for Starfield Pilots

While Piloting is the foundation, several other skills synergize well to create a powerful spacefaring character:

• Targeting Control Systems: This skill allows you to target specific ship systems in combat, disabling engines, weapons, or shields. This skill is crucial for disabling enemy ships for boarding or neutralizing threats quickly.

• Starship Design: This skill allows you to customize and upgrade your ship’s components, enhancing its performance and effectiveness in combat.

• Ship Command: This skill allows you to have more crew members on board your ship. A larger crew grants additional bonuses and capabilities.

• Weapon Engineering: Improves the performance of your ship’s weapons systems, dealing more damage to enemy ships.

• Ballistics/Lasers: Directly improves the damage output of ballistic and energy weapons, crucial for dealing with armored and shielded enemies.

These skills, when combined with Piloting, create a well-rounded character capable of taking on any challenge the Starfield universe throws their way. The Games Learning Society can provide insights into optimal skill combinations and character development strategies. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.

Best Ships in Starfield

Acquiring a strong ship is paramount to your success. While some ships are acquired through quests, others are available for purchase at various shipyards across the settled systems. Here are some of the best ships Starfield has to offer:

• Abyss Trekker: A well-rounded ship known for its balanced stats and customizable options.

• Narwal: A heavy-hitting ship designed for direct combat engagements.

• Razorleaf: A Class A ship, obtainable through the ‘Mantis’ sidequest.

• Silent Runner: A stealth-focused ship ideal for smuggling and avoiding unwanted attention.

• Star Eagle: A well-equipped ship obtained by completing the Freestar Rangers questline.

• Starborn Guardian: A unique ship awarded for completing the main quest and entering New Game Plus.

• Stronghold: A heavily armed and armored ship capable of withstanding significant damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Piloting and ships in Starfield:

1. Can I fly to different planets manually in Starfield?

   While you can technically manually fly to planets, the distances involved are vast and time-consuming. Starfield’s primary method of travel is fast travel.

2. What happens if I don’t invest in the Piloting skill?

   You will be limited to Class A ships, which are significantly weaker than Class B and Class C ships. You will also have reduced ship maneuverability.

3. Can companions affect my ability to fly higher-class ships?

   While companions can have piloting skills, their skills do not grant you the ability to pilot higher-class ships. You must personally level up your Piloting skill.

4. Is it possible to max out all skills in Starfield?

   Yes, you can max out all skills in Starfield, but it requires reaching a very high level (328).

5. Which skills should I level up first in Starfield?

   Ballistics, Piloting, and Targeting Control Systems are excellent choices for early-game investment, providing immediate combat benefits.

6. How can I make money fast in Starfield to buy better ships?

   Completing missions, looting everything, selling stolen items, and boarding and selling captured ships are all effective ways to earn credits. The Commerce skill will help when buying and selling.

7. How long does it take to complete Starfield’s main story?

   Starfield’s main story takes approximately 30 to 40 hours to complete.

8. Can I go to Earth in Starfield?

   Yes, you can visit Earth in the Sol system.

9. Is Starfield similar to No Man’s Sky?

   Starfield shares some similarities with No Man’s Sky, but it also offers unique gameplay features and a different overall experience.

10. Can I build my own ship from scratch in Starfield?

    No, you cannot build a ship from scratch. You must start with a ship you already own and modify it.

11. Can I pilot every ship I find in Starfield?

    Most ships can be hijacked, but some, like The Scow, are exceptions.

12. Are there really 1,000 planets to explore in Starfield?

    Yes, Starfield features approximately 1,000 explorable planets.

13. Who are the romanceable companions in Starfield?

    The romanceable companions include Sarah Morgan, Barrett, Sam Coe, and Andreja.

14. Should I recruit Heller for my crew in Starfield?

    Heller is better suited for outpost research than shipboard duties, as his primary skill is geology.

15. Can I steal Starborn ships in Starfield?

    No, you cannot steal Starborn ships or armor.

By investing in the Piloting skill and understanding its importance, you’ll unlock the full potential of Starfield’s spacefaring gameplay. So, buckle up, pilot, and prepare to conquer the stars!