Is There Combat in Starfield? A Deep Dive into Bethesda’s Space RPG

Yes, absolutely. Combat is a significant and integral part of Starfield. From the moment you emerge from the mine at the beginning of the game, you’re thrust into a firefight, setting the stage for the countless encounters you’ll experience throughout your interstellar journey. Starfield doesn’t shy away from action; it actively encourages it, incorporating combat both on the ground and in the vast emptiness of space. It’s a core mechanic that shapes much of the gameplay experience. Whether you’re battling pirates, facing off against hostile creatures, or engaging in space dogfights, combat is a constant presence in the Starfield universe. While exploration and discovery are also key pillars of the game, combat serves as a vital and exciting component, adding depth and challenge to your adventure.

Ground Combat: A Mix of Strengths and Weaknesses

Gunplay and Weapon Variety

Starfield’s ground combat is arguably the best Bethesda has ever produced, offering a step up from previous titles like Fallout 4. You’ll find a variety of firearms, each with different tiers offering progressive stat increases. This encourages players to constantly seek out better weapons, adding a layer of progression to the combat experience. While there is a good selection of ranged weapons, melee combat leaves something to be desired.

Melee Combat: Limited Options

Melee combat, while present, is not a strong focus. There are no blunt weapon options, and bladed weapons are largely limited to knives. This lack of variety makes melee a less appealing option for many players. The article excerpt suggests that melee weapons are subpar, stating, “Many enemies will be able to burst the player down before they get close enough to use the melee weapon.” Investing in the Dueling skill is crucial for players who still want to focus on melee builds. In short, melee combat options are quite limited in Starfield, lacking both variety and overall effectiveness compared to ranged weapons.

Enemy AI: A Significant Downside

A noteworthy weakness in Starfield’s ground combat is the artificial intelligence (AI) of the enemies. The game has been criticized for having “downright atrocious” AI, which can sometimes make combat feel less challenging and immersive than it could be. Enemies can often be predictable and easy to manipulate, which can detract from the overall experience for some players.

Space Combat: A Different Battlefield

Ship-to-Ship Engagements

Space combat provides a completely different experience from ground combat. It requires players to master piloting skills and utilize their ship’s weapons and systems effectively. While it can be initially challenging, space combat becomes significantly more rewarding as you level up your character and upgrade your ship. This progression system is vital, as the article states that, “Until that point, space combat is an exercise in patience.”

Customization and Upgrades

The opportunity to customize and upgrade your ship is a major factor in space combat. You can tailor your vessel to suit your playstyle, focusing on speed, firepower, or defense. You can even target specific ship systems (like engines and weapons) if you’ve invested in the appropriate skills, allowing for more tactical encounters. The ability to steal ships from enemies also offers further customization and progression opportunities.

Escaping Combat

You don’t always have to fight it out in space. Grav Jumping to another star system is the sole method for escaping space combat encounters. This allows players to disengage from particularly challenging or unwanted fights, adding a strategic element to space navigation.

Overall Combat Experience: A Balanced Approach

Starfield presents a combat experience that is varied, yet still evolving. Ground combat, while technically improved from previous Bethesda games, is hampered by poor AI. Space combat, on the other hand, offers a unique and rewarding experience that can be tailored to individual playstyles. Both types of combat are a major part of the game, and a balanced approach to both will serve most players well. While the lack of VATS is noticeable for fans of Fallout, this may allow for more fluid engagements. Starfield’s combat system isn’t perfect, but it’s still an integral part of the experience that adds excitement and depth to the game.

Starfield Combat: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Starfield’s combat better than Fallout 4?

Yes, generally, Starfield’s combat is considered an improvement over Fallout 4. While Fallout 4 had its strengths, Starfield introduces a more refined shooter experience.

2. Is there VATS in Starfield?

No, VATS is not present in Starfield. Bethesda chose not to include it because they felt it would disrupt the flow of combat encounters.

3. Can you dual-wield weapons in Starfield?

No, dual-wielding is not an option in Starfield. Players can only equip one weapon at a time.

4. Are there weapon levels in Starfield?

Yes, there are five weapon tiers in Starfield. Higher tiers offer better stats and higher resale value.

5. Is there melee combat in Starfield?

Yes, but it is limited and less effective compared to ranged combat. There are no blunt weapons, and blade options are scarce.

6. Can you steal ships in Starfield?

Yes, you can steal enemy ships after investing at least one rank in the Targeting Control Systems skill.

7. Can you avoid space combat in Starfield?

Yes, the only way to avoid ship combat is to use a Grav Jump to another star system.

8. What is the best free ship in Starfield?

The Starborn Guardian is generally considered the best free ship, but there are other good options like the Razorleaf and Star Eagle.

9. Does Starfield have realistic combat?

Starfield aims for a more realistic combat feel compared to Fallout, but it’s still a video game with its own stylized elements.

10. Is melee combat viable in Starfield?

Melee combat is challenging and less viable than ranged attacks. It is best suited to a specific build and supported by the correct perks.

11. How do you upgrade your ship in Starfield?

You can upgrade your ship using ship parts found or purchased at vendors in spaceports, enhancing various ship capabilities.

12. What is the role of skill points in Starfield combat?

Skill points are crucial, allowing players to improve combat efficiency, such as weapon proficiency and ship piloting skills.

13. What are some combat-related skills?

Key combat-related skills include weapon skills, targeting skills, piloting, and ship maintenance.

14. Are there any special combat abilities?

Yes, along with skills, the game has powers that the player unlocks that can greatly influence how combat is played.

15. How significant is combat compared to other gameplay elements?

Combat is a major component of Starfield, on par with exploration and discovery, and is an integral part of progressing through the game.