Raised Enlightened vs. Raised Universal: Which Starfield Trait Reigns Supreme?
Choosing your background and traits in Starfield is a crucial first step in shaping your character and gameplay experience. Among the most intriguing choices are the Raised Enlightened and Raised Universal traits, each offering unique benefits tied to Starfield’s in-game religions. So, the burning question: Is Raised Enlightened or Universal better?
The answer, as with many things in Starfield, is nuanced and depends heavily on your playstyle and priorities. However, for most players, Raised Enlightened offers a more immediately impactful advantage. The +10 HP provides a tangible boost to survivability, especially in the early game when resources and skills are limited. While the Sanctum Universum’s 5% faster O2 recovery from Raised Universal is nice, it’s generally less game-changing than extra health, particularly when considering the abundance of O2 recovery items and skills that can improve stamina.
However, don’t count out Raised Universal entirely. Its value increases if you plan on playing a highly mobile, offensive character who relies heavily on sprinting and jetpacks. The faster O2 recovery can give you a slight edge in those situations. The choice also boils down to roleplaying. Which religion, the self-reliant Enlightened or the God-seeking Universal, aligns better with your character’s backstory?
Ultimately, neither trait is “strictly better.” Raised Enlightened offers a straightforward combat benefit, while Raised Universal offers a slight edge in mobility and a different narrative flavor. Carefully consider your playstyle and roleplaying preferences before making your decision.
Diving Deeper: The Benefits and Drawbacks
Let’s break down each trait’s benefits and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision:
Raised Enlightened: Self-Reliance and Staying Alive
- Benefit: Immediate +10 HP. This is a permanent, passive buff that makes you more resilient in combat from the get-go.
- Benefit: Access to a unique chest inside the House of the Enlightened in The Well district of New Atlantis. While the contents are mostly helpful early on, it’s a nice bonus.
- Benefit: Unique dialogue options when interacting with members of the House of the Enlightened.
- Drawback: Prevents you from accessing the Raised Universal chest.
- Playstyle Synergy: Best suited for players who prefer a more defensive or balanced playstyle. The extra health helps mitigate mistakes and allows you to survive longer in prolonged engagements.
Raised Universal: Finding God and Faster Breaths
- Benefit: 5% faster O2 recovery. This allows you to sprint for slightly longer and recover stamina quicker, which can be helpful for exploration and mobility.
- Benefit: Access to a unique chest inside the Sanctum Universum Embassy in New Atlantis’ MAST District. The chest contains useful early-game items like a unique poncho and Med Packs.
- Benefit: Unique dialogue options when interacting with members of the Sanctum Universum.
- Drawback: Prevents you from accessing the Raised Enlightened chest.
- Playstyle Synergy: Best suited for players who prefer a highly mobile, offensive playstyle. The faster O2 recovery can enhance your ability to navigate environments quickly and maintain constant pressure on enemies.
Beyond the Traits: The Bigger Picture
Remember, these traits are just one small piece of the overall Starfield experience. Your skills, equipment, and companion choices will ultimately have a much greater impact on your character’s effectiveness. Don’t overthink this decision. Choose the trait that appeals to you most thematically or mechanically, and focus on building a well-rounded character through gameplay.
Furthermore, if you are interested in the role that games play in the learning process, you may want to check out the website of the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Starfield Traits: Related FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of Starfield traits and their impact on your game:
1. What is the difference between the Enlightened and Sanctum Universum religions?
The House of the Enlightened emphasizes self-reliance and the belief that individuals are responsible for their own destiny. They believe that inner strength and personal growth are the keys to a fulfilling life. The Sanctum Universum, on the other hand, believes that God is waiting to be found and that faith and community are essential for spiritual fulfillment. They seek to connect with the divine and spread their message of hope and guidance.
2. Can I join both the House of the Enlightened and the Sanctum Universum?
No, you cannot “join” both religions in the sense of becoming a formal member with associated quests and ranks. However, choosing the corresponding trait allows you to interact with members of each faction and access their unique content.
3. Are the unique chests worth choosing a religion for?
The chests contain useful items for the early game but aren’t game-breaking. The contents are comparable to what you might find through regular exploration and looting. The real value lies in the roleplaying aspect and the unique dialogue options.
4. Can I remove a trait after starting the game?
No, traits are permanent choices made during character creation and cannot be removed later in the game. Choose wisely!
5. Does Raised Enlightened stack with other HP buffs?
Yes, the +10 HP from Raised Enlightened stacks with other sources of HP, such as armor and skills. This allows you to further increase your survivability as you progress through the game.
6. Does Raised Universal’s O2 recovery affect Jetpack fuel regeneration?
No, the 5% faster O2 recovery only affects your character’s stamina. It does not directly impact the rate at which your Jetpack fuel regenerates.
7. Which trait is better for a stealth build?
Neither trait directly benefits a stealth build. However, Raised Universal’s faster O2 recovery can be helpful for sneaking and navigating environments quickly, as it allows you to sprint and climb more efficiently.
8. How does Alien DNA compare to Raised Enlightened or Universal?
Alien DNA offers a larger immediate HP boost than Raised Enlightened, along with increased endurance, but also reduces the effectiveness of healing items. This trade-off makes it a risky choice for players who rely heavily on healing. Raised Enlightened provides a smaller, but consistent, benefit without any downsides. Raised Universal is for increased stamina and has no impact on hit points.
9. What are some other good traits to choose in Starfield?
Popular and effective traits include:
- Kid Stuff: Allows you to interact with your parents throughout the game, providing unique quests and dialogue.
- Dream Home: Grants you a pre-built house but requires you to pay off a mortgage.
- Empath: You can more easily increase relationship levels.
- Extrovert: When adventuring with human companions, exert less O2, and carry more. But when adventuring alone, exertion uses significantly more O2.
10. Can I explore both the House of the Enlightened and the Sanctum Universum even if I don’t choose their respective trait?
Yes, you can explore both locations and interact with their members regardless of your trait selection. However, you won’t be able to access the unique chest or the special dialogue options associated with the trait.
11. Does joining a faction prevent me from joining other factions?
No, you can join all major factions in Starfield without penalty. Your actions with one faction may affect your reputation with others, but you are free to participate in their storylines as you see fit.
12. Which faction is the best to join in Starfield?
There is no “best” faction, as each offers unique quests, rewards, and storylines. The United Colonies is a good starting point due to its strong narrative and broad appeal.
13. Are there romance options in Starfield?
Yes, Starfield features romance options with four specific companions: Sarah Morgan, Barrett, Sam Coe, and Andreja.
14. What is the best background to choose in Starfield?
The best background depends on your desired playstyle. The Diplomat, Space Scoundrel, Bounty Hunter, and Industrialist are all solid choices with useful starting skills.
15. Is Starfield really as big as they say it is?
Yes, with 1,000 planets to explore, Starfield is significantly larger than previous Bethesda titles like Skyrim. However, not all planets are equally detailed or populated.