Should You Betray Mathis in Starfield? A Pirate’s Dilemma

In the vast expanse of Starfield, players are constantly faced with difficult choices that shape their character and the story around them. One such dilemma arises during the “Echoes of the Past” questline within the Crimson Fleet. Should you betray Mathis Castillo, a fellow Crimson Fleet recruit? The short answer is: No, you shouldn’t betray Mathis. While the game doesn’t punish you severely for doing so, siding with him offers more benefits and doesn’t lock you into any irreversible negative outcomes.

Siding With Mathis: A Pathway to Benefits

While your initial choice regarding Mathis’s plan to betray Delgado doesn’t ultimately matter (as Mathis himself gets cold feet), how you treat him during his recruitment into the Crimson Fleet does matter. Expressing that Mathis has been helpful and competent will convince Delgado to accept him. This seemingly small act has significant repercussions later.

Failing to support Mathis will lead to his expulsion from the Fleet. He’ll later attempt to harm you. Successfully vouching for him, however, allows you to potentially recruit him as a valuable companion.

Mathis as a Companion: A Worthwhile Addition

Despite potential reservations some of your more morally upright companions might have, Mathis is a worthwhile addition to your crew. He provides useful skills and can add another layer of depth to your gameplay experience. To secure Mathis as a companion, you must side with him during “Echoes of the Past” and convince Delgado to let him join the Crimson Fleet.

While Mathis isn’t one of the romanceable companions in Starfield, he still offers unique dialogue, mission insights, and combat assistance. This is more valuable than any perceived benefit from betraying him.

The Illusion of Choice: Understanding the Narrative Impact

Starfield often presents choices that appear monumental but have minimal long-term consequences. The situation with Mathis is a prime example. While the game teases the possibility of betrayal and power struggles within the Crimson Fleet, the core narrative remains relatively consistent regardless of your choice.

This design decision allows players to experiment with different roleplaying approaches without fear of completely derailing the main storyline. However, it’s crucial to recognize that some choices, like siding with Mathis, offer tangible benefits, while others lead to dead ends.

Crimson Fleet: A Faction of Opportunity

The Crimson Fleet offers a unique experience in Starfield, allowing you to explore the darker side of the galaxy. Choosing to join and navigate the internal politics of this faction presents a rich roleplaying opportunity. Mathis, as a character, adds to the complexity of this dynamic.

By siding with Mathis, you not only gain a potentially valuable crew member but also demonstrate your ability to navigate the treacherous waters of pirate society. This is a valuable skill to develop within the Crimson Fleet’s storyline. As the GamesLearningSociety.org highlights in their research, even in games with violent or morally grey factions, players often seek to establish meaningful relationships and find ways to optimize their social standing within the group.

Final Verdict: Embrace Loyalty (to a Point)

While Starfield allows for morally ambiguous decisions, betraying Mathis offers little to no reward. Siding with him, on the other hand, unlocks the potential to gain a valuable companion and further immerse yourself in the complex world of the Crimson Fleet. In the grand scheme of Starfield, loyalty can be a valuable asset, especially when it comes to navigating the dangerous world of space piracy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Mathis and the Crimson Fleet in Starfield:

What happens if I betray Mathis’s plan to kill Delgado?

Regardless of your choice, Mathis will back out of the plan. Your initial decision has no lasting impact on the questline.

How do I get Mathis as a companion?

During the “Echoes of the Past” mission, tell Delgado that Mathis has been helpful. This will allow Mathis to join the Crimson Fleet and eventually become a recruitable companion.

Is Mathis a romanceable companion?

No, Mathis is not one of the four romanceable companions in Starfield. Those are Sarah Morgan, Andreja, Barrett, and Sam Coe.

What are the benefits of having Mathis as a companion?

Mathis provides useful skills, combat assistance, and unique dialogue options. His skills can improve your ship’s performance and give you an edge in combat.

Should I kill Delgado?

There’s no major advantage to killing Delgado other than potentially looting his unique weapon, Tempest, and his outfit. You can also let him rot away in a jail cell.

How do I join the Crimson Fleet?

You can join the Crimson Fleet by getting caught committing crimes in United Colonies space or having contraband on your person. This will trigger a questline that leads to your recruitment.

What are the rewards for completing the Crimson Fleet questline?

Completing the Crimson Fleet questline grants you access to valuable resources, unique gear, and the opportunity to establish yourself as a powerful figure within the pirate underworld.

Where is the best place to sell contraband in Starfield?

The best place to sell contraband is at The Den space station in the Wolf system. It is devoid of UC ships and scans.

Can I sell ships in Starfield?

Yes, you can sell ships at any ship services technician or your outpost shipbuilder kiosk. You must have more than one ship to sell one.

What is the best ship in Starfield?

The Razorleaf is a fantastic ship to acquire early in the game, known for its maneuverability and decent starting weaponry. However, the “best” ship depends on your playstyle.

What factions can you join in Starfield?

The major factions in Starfield are the United Colonies, Freestar Collective, Ryujin Industries, Crimson Fleet, and Constellation.

Can you marry in Starfield?

Yes, you can marry Sarah Morgan, Andreja, Barrett, and Sam Coe. You can only have one romantic relationship at a time.

Are there legendary ships in Starfield?

Yes, there are Legendary ship battles in Starfield against extremely powerful ships.

How many cities are in Starfield?

There are four major cities in Starfield: New Atlantis, Akila City, Neon, and The Key (the Crimson Fleet’s space station headquarters).

Is stealing allowed in Starfield?

Yes, stealing is an optional activity in Starfield, allowing players to obtain weapons, spacesuits, and other valuable items illegally. Be aware that there are consequences if you are caught.