Mastering the Cosmos: A Comprehensive Guide to Building Settlements in Starfield

So, you’re ready to stake your claim amongst the stars and build your very own outpost in Starfield? Excellent choice, Explorer! Setting up a settlement is a core gameplay loop, allowing you to harvest resources, build industrial empires, and create a home away from home (or several) across the galaxy. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Find the Perfect Spot: Planets offer vastly different landscapes and resources. Equip your scanner (LB on Xbox, F on PC) and look for areas that contain the resources you need. Key considerations include:
   • Resource Availability: Scan for minerals like Iron (Fe) and Aluminum (Al), crucial for most structures. Planets with multiple accessible resources in one location are highly desirable.
   • Environmental Conditions: Extreme environments can hinder outpost construction. Look for planets with temperate climates and manageable weather.
   • Terrain: Relatively flat land is easier to build on than mountainous regions.
2. Place Your Outpost Beacon: Once you’ve found your ideal location, use the scanner and press X (Xbox) or R (PC) to deploy an Outpost Beacon. This claims the surrounding land as your own buildable zone.
3. Power Up: Outposts require power to function. Start by building a Power Source near your resources. Options include:
   • Solar Arrays: Ideal for planets with abundant sunlight.
   • Wind Turbines: Effective on planets with consistent wind.
   • Fusion Reactors: Require Helium-3 (He-3) but provide substantial power.
4. Extract Resources: Build Extractors directly on resource deposits. Choose the extractor that matches the specific resource you want to harvest (e.g., an Iron Extractor for Iron deposits). Connect the extractor to your power source using wires.
5. Storage and Transfer: Resources need to be stored and transported.
   • Storage Containers: Build Solid Storage and Liquid Storage containers to hold extracted resources.
   • Transfer Container: This is crucial. Build a Transfer Container and link it to your storage containers. This allows you to transfer the harvested resources directly into your ship’s cargo hold for easy selling or use in crafting.
6. Habitation and Crew: Build Habitation Modules (Habs) to provide living quarters for yourself and any crew members you assign to the outpost.
7. Defenses: Consider building defensive structures like Turrets to protect your outpost from hostile creatures and pirates.
8. Research and Development: Building a Research Station allows you to unlock new outpost structures and technologies.
9. Connect Outposts: Establish cargo links between outposts to automate resource transportation across multiple planets. This requires building Cargo Link modules at each outpost and providing them with power and Helium-3.
10. Expand and Customize: The possibilities are endless! Build greenhouses for food production, crafting stations for weapon and armor modifications, and decorate your outpost to your liking.

Building a successful outpost in Starfield is a journey of exploration, resource management, and creative design. Embrace the challenge, experiment with different structures and layouts, and turn those barren planets into thriving settlements!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Starfield Outposts

Can you build a city in Starfield?

Yes, you can build expansive settlements that resemble cities in Starfield. While the game doesn’t officially classify them as cities, you can create large, complex structures with residential areas, industrial zones, and even defenses. One player has managed to build a city outside of Akila, almost as big as Akila itself.

Where are the best places to build outposts in Starfield?

Several planets stand out as excellent outpost locations:

• Kreet: Early-game friendly and relatively resource-rich.
• Nesoi: Offers diverse resources and scenic landscapes.
• Tau Ceti II: Known for its unique flora and fauna.
• Zamka: A good source of various minerals.
• Maheo II: Features interesting geological formations.
• Linnaeus IV-b: Provides a unique alien environment.
• Alpha Marae III-d: A visually striking planet.
• Freya III: A good balance of resources and habitable conditions. Eridani II and Jemison also have great areas.

The best location depends on your specific resource needs and preferences. Explore different systems and planets to find the perfect spot for your outpost.

Why can’t I make an outpost in Starfield?

Several factors can prevent you from building an outpost:

• Extreme Conditions: Some planets have environments that are too hostile for outpost construction.
• Insufficient Resources: Building requires resources, especially Aluminum and Iron. Make sure you have enough in your inventory.
• Conflicting Territory: You can’t build an outpost close to a named POI.
• Skill Level: Some advanced structures require specific skills unlocked in the Science skill tree.
• Outpost Limit: There is a limit to the number of outposts you can build (initially eight).

Can you land anywhere you want in Starfield?

No, you cannot seamlessly land anywhere on a planet in Starfield. The game uses loading screens to transition between space and planetary surfaces. You can select a landing zone on the planet’s surface via the star map. You CAN land anywhere from your ship, but you will need to scan a valid location first.

Can you fly your ship in Starfield?

Yes, you can fly your ship in Starfield. The game features ship combat, exploration, and travel between planets and star systems. While the interface might seem complex at first, it becomes more intuitive as you learn the different systems and controls.

What materials do I need to build an outpost in Starfield?

The initial outpost beacon requires relatively few resources. Building structures, however, demands a variety of materials. A basic outpost will require Aluminum, Iron, Copper, Nickel, Beryllium, Lead, Sealant, and Structural Components. The specific requirements vary depending on the structures you want to build.

Can you romance characters in Starfield?

Yes, you can romance certain companions in Starfield. The romanceable companions are Sarah Morgan, Barrett, Sam Coe, and Andreja. Building a strong relationship with these characters can unlock additional dialogue, quests, and the possibility of marriage.

Why doesn’t Starfield have city maps?

The lack of city maps in Starfield appears to be a design choice by Bethesda. It encourages players to explore the cities organically, discover hidden locations, and engage with the environment and NPCs, although this is a somewhat controversial decision within the player community.

Will Starfield really have 1,000 planets?

Yes, Starfield features over 1,000 explorable planets across numerous star systems. This massive scale offers incredible variety in landscapes, resources, and potential outpost locations.

How many ships can you have in Starfield?

You can own up to ten ships at once in Starfield. If you reach the limit, you’ll need to sell a ship before acquiring another one.

Can you build your own ship in Starfield?

You can’t build a ship entirely from scratch in Starfield. However, you can heavily customize existing ships by replacing components, adding new modules, and modifying their appearance. You can essentially deconstruct a ship down to its base frame and rebuild it to your specifications.

Can you buy houses in Starfield?

Yes, you can purchase houses in Starfield. Houses are available in major cities and provide a safe haven for storing items and resting.

How do you make money with outposts in Starfield?

The primary way to make money with outposts is by harvesting and selling resources. Build extractors on resource deposits, store the resources in containers, and then use a Transfer Container to move the resources to your ship for transport and sale to vendors. Automating the process with cargo links can create a steady income stream. Completing missions is another good way to earn money.

How many outposts can I have in Starfield?

Initially, you can build up to eight outposts in Starfield. This limit can be increased by investing skill points into specific skills in the Science skill tree, allowing you to expand your interstellar empire.

Can you move your outpost in Starfield?

There is no direct “move outpost” function. However, a clever workaround is to build a hab on top of the outpost beacon, then move the hab. This will cause the beacon to travel with the hab, resetting the build area.

Remember, the universe is vast and filled with opportunities. So get out there, explore, and build the outpost of your dreams! And for more insights on the intersection of games and learning, be sure to check out GamesLearningSociety.org.