Should You Repeat the Main Quest or Skip It in Starfield? A Starborn’s Dilemma
The question of whether to repeat the main quest or skip it in Starfield’s New Game Plus (NG+) boils down to personal preference and what you seek from your continued journey among the stars. There’s no objectively “right” answer, as both options offer unique experiences. However, skipping the main quest through the Starborn dialogue option with Sarah Morgan, or simply by acquiring all artifact locations from Vladimir, provides a more streamlined and power-focused run. Conversely, replaying the main quest allows you to make different choices, deepen relationships, and experience the narrative with the knowledge and abilities gained from your previous playthrough. If you value character development, nuanced storytelling, and the satisfaction of seeing how your choices impact the universe, stick with the main quest. If you’re primarily interested in maximizing your power, exploring alternate realities, and uncovering the mysteries of the Starborn, skipping is the faster route to those goals.
Understanding the Starborn Experience
Becoming Starborn in Starfield fundamentally changes the game. You gain access to a new ship and space suit, both with unique properties, and you’re granted Starborn Powers. However, it also resets your character level, skills, and inventory (with a few exceptions). This reset is the core of the NG+ experience, pushing you to rebuild and optimize your character with the added benefit of your accumulated knowledge.
Replaying the Main Quest: A Second Chance at Destiny
Choosing to replay the main quest offers a significant advantage: the chance to alter your decisions. Perhaps you regret a choice you made with a faction, or a relationship you pursued. NG+ gives you the opportunity to experience those moments differently, potentially unlocking new storylines and outcomes. Furthermore, you can deepen your relationships with the companions you care about, knowing the full scope of their personal stories and struggles. This allows for a richer, more emotionally resonant experience.
However, replaying the main quest means enduring the same missions and dialogues again, which can become tedious for some players. The early game can feel slow, especially when you’re eager to use your Starborn powers.
Skipping the Main Quest: Power and Efficiency
Skipping the main quest, either by revealing your Starborn status to Sarah or by acquiring artifact locations directly from Vladimir, is a shortcut to power. It allows you to immediately focus on collecting artifacts and upgrading your Starborn powers, skipping the lengthy narrative progression. This approach is ideal for players who are primarily interested in combat, exploration, and maximizing their character’s potential.
However, skipping the main quest comes at a cost. You miss out on the story, the character interactions, and the sense of progression that comes with completing the game. While you can still undertake side quests and faction missions, the core narrative arc will be absent.
Maximizing Your NG+ Playthrough
Regardless of whether you choose to replay or skip the main quest, there are ways to maximize your NG+ experience.
- Focus on Power Acquisition: Prioritize upgrading your Starborn powers by collecting artifacts and visiting temples.
- Experiment with Builds: Use the NG+ reset as an opportunity to try new character builds and playstyles.
- Explore Alternate Realities: Some NG+ universes offer unique variations on the main story, including different versions of Constellation members.
- Complete Faction Quests: Focus on completing faction questlines to earn powerful rewards and experience unique storylines.
- Engage in Side Quests: Starfield boasts a wealth of compelling side quests that offer valuable rewards and insights into the game’s world.
The choices you make in Starfield can impact your personal development. The Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org, explores how games can enhance learning and personal growth, offering resources that can help you reflect on your gaming experiences.
Starfield New Game Plus: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Starfield New Game Plus experience to help you make the most of your journey:
1. Should I complete the main quest before going to NG+?
Yes, it’s highly recommended. Completing the main quest allows you to fully experience the story and understand the implications of becoming Starborn. It also provides context for the changes and variations you might encounter in NG+.
2. What exactly carries over to NG+?
Very little. You retain your Starborn powers, ship, and suit. Your skills, level, inventory, credits, outposts, relationships, and quest progress are reset.
3. Are Starborn ships and suits worth the effort?
Absolutely. They offer unique advantages, such as increased damage resistance and special abilities. Each subsequent NG+ run grants you an upgraded version of the Starborn suit and ship, with better stats and effects.
4. Can I still do side quests in NG+?
Yes, all side quests and faction quests are available in NG+, even if you skip the main quest.
5. Do my choices from my previous playthrough matter in NG+?
Not directly. NG+ essentially resets the world state. However, your knowledge of the game and its systems will inform your decisions in subsequent playthroughs.
6. Can I romance companions again in NG+?
Yes, your romances are reset, and you can romance companions again in NG+. This offers the chance to deepen your relationships or pursue different romantic interests.
7. Are there any consequences for skipping the main quest?
The primary consequence is missing out on the main story. You’ll also have a different path to acquiring artifacts and upgrading your powers.
8. How many times can I go through NG+?
There is no limit. You can theoretically play through NG+ indefinitely, continually upgrading your Starborn powers and equipment.
9. Are there any unique NG+ universes?
Yes, there’s a chance of encountering alternate universes with different variations on the main story and characters. These can range from subtle changes to significant deviations.
10. Does the game get harder in NG+?
The base difficulty remains the same, but the increased power of enemies may become more noticeable if you don’t prioritize upgrading your gear and skills.
11. Can I change the difficulty in NG+?
Yes, you can adjust the difficulty at any time, just like in a regular playthrough.
12. What’s the fastest way to upgrade my Starborn powers?
The fastest way is to skip the main quest, focus on collecting artifacts, and visit temples. Consider using a guide to optimize your temple runs.
13. Is it worth building outposts in NG+?
Outposts can be useful for resource gathering and crafting, but keep in mind that they will be reset when you enter the next NG+ cycle. Consider their long-term value before investing heavily in them.
14. Can I find unique items or rewards in NG+?
While most items are consistent across playthroughs, some alternate universes may offer unique rewards or encounters.
15. Is Starfield better to repeat main quest or skip in NG+ based on build?
Starfield’s NG+ offers flexible options that can suit a variety of playstyles and character builds. Builds that focus on exploration and conversation will benefit greatly from replaying the main quest. This allows the player to experience and maximize different story outcomes based on these character builds. On the other hand, players who are interested in a power fantasy and combat-focused builds will greatly benefit from skipping the main quest. This allows them to focus on maximizing their skills, building relationships with faction characters, and powering up their ship and Starborn powers.
The Starfield Galaxy Awaits
Ultimately, the decision of whether to replay or skip the main quest in Starfield NG+ is a personal one. There is no single, correct answer. Consider what you enjoy most about the game – the story, the exploration, the character interactions, or the combat – and make a choice that aligns with your preferences. Embrace the freedom that Starfield offers, and forge your own unique path through the cosmos.