Should You Rush the Main Quest in Starfield? A Stellar Dilemma
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So, you’ve landed on the dusty plains of Kreet, joined Constellation, and are staring down the barrel of Starfield’s main quest. The burning question: do you mainline it straight to New Game Plus, or savor every asteroid, side quest, and alien encounter along the way? The answer, like the vastness of space itself, isn’t simple.
Generally, rushing the main quest in Starfield for your first playthrough is not recommended. While the allure of New Game Plus (NG+) and the promise of a different experience are tempting, you’ll likely miss out on the depth and breadth of what Starfield truly offers. The game is designed to reward exploration, experimentation, and getting lost in its myriad systems. Your first run should be about discovering what makes Starfield Starfield.
The Case Against Rushing
Let’s break down why taking your time is the wiser course:
- Missing the Magic of Discovery: Starfield’s greatest strength is its open-world freedom. Rushing the main quest means skipping countless side quests, faction storylines, and random encounters that make the universe feel alive. You’ll bypass the quirky characters, intriguing mysteries, and moral dilemmas that add flavor to the experience.
- Underdeveloped Character & Skills: The main quest is relatively short, roughly 30-40 hours if you’re focused. Trying to complete it with a low-level character and underdeveloped skills will lead to a frustrating experience, as you’ll be fighting enemies that are too powerful and unable to tackle certain challenges.
- Lack of Resources and Equipment: Starfield utilizes a somewhat harsh economy. Rushing the main quest means you’ll be underprepared for the challenges, missing out on opportunities to amass credits, find powerful weapons and armor, and upgrade your ship. A well-equipped adventurer is a successful one.
- Factions Funtastic: The game offers several major factions to join, like the Crimson Fleet (pirates) or the UC Vanguard. These offer unique storylines, perks, and experiences. Rushing will leave these unexplored.
- Companion Development: Starfield has four romanceable companions – Sarah Morgan, Barrett, Sam Coe, and Andreja – all from Constellation. Building relationships with them takes time and side questing, leading to deeper immersion and richer storytelling. You’ll miss that emotional connection if you zoom through the main story.
- The New Game Plus Paradox: While NG+ offers a fresh start and potentially new experiences, those experiences are often variations on a theme. Without the initial foundation of knowledge and appreciation for the world, the NG+ changes might not resonate as strongly. It’s like ordering the remix before you’ve heard the original song.
The Case For Rushing (in Subsequent Playthroughs)
There are situations where rushing might be a valid option:
- Subsequent Playthroughs (NG+): Once you’ve experienced the game “properly,” rushing the main quest in NG+ can be a way to experiment with different choices, optimize your build, or unlock specific rewards faster.
- Speedrunning/Challenge Runs: For players interested in pushing the game to its limits or creating unique challenges, a speedrun of the main quest can be a fun and rewarding goal.
- Burnout Recovery: If you find yourself getting overwhelmed or burned out by the sheer amount of content, focusing on the main quest can provide a sense of closure and allow you to move on to other games without feeling like you’re leaving things unfinished.
- Efficiency’s Sake: If you’ve already explored Starfield extensively and want to experience alternative NG+ scenarios, rushing can be efficient.
- Alternate Universe Seeker: New Game Plus offers alternate universes. If this entices you, rushing to NG+ might be valid.
Finding the Balance
The ideal approach for most players is to strike a balance. Don’t feel pressured to complete every single side quest or explore every single planet. But, at the same time, don’t treat the main quest as a checklist to be ticked off as quickly as possible.
- Follow Your Curiosity: If a side quest or location piques your interest, pursue it! Starfield rewards players who are willing to deviate from the beaten path.
- Prioritize Factions: Consider joining at least one or two factions and completing their questlines. These offer significant rewards and add depth to the game world.
- Engage with Companions: Take the time to get to know your companions. They have their own backstories, motivations, and quests, and they can provide valuable insights and perspectives.
- Set Your Own Goals: Don’t let the game dictate your experience. Set your own goals, whether it’s building the ultimate ship, becoming a master craftsman, or simply exploring the galaxy at your own pace.
- Embrace the Chaos: Starfield is a Bethesda game, which means it’s bound to have its share of bugs and glitches. Embrace the chaos, laugh at the absurdities, and remember that it’s all part of the experience.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to rush the main quest in Starfield is a personal one. There’s no right or wrong answer. But by understanding the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision that will maximize your enjoyment of this massive and ambitious game.
Starfield: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long is the main quest in Starfield if I do decide to complete it?
The main quest in Starfield typically takes around 30 to 40 hours to complete if you’re primarily focused on it with occasional side content.
2. What happens when you finish the main quest in Starfield?
Finishing the main quest allows you to enter New Game Plus, which restarts the game with your character’s skills but in a potentially altered universe.
3. Can you still play Starfield after completing the main quest?
Yes! Starfield can be played after completing the main quest. You can continue exploring, doing side quests, and building your character in the same universe before entering NG+.
4. Is there a level cap in Starfield?
No, there is no level cap in Starfield. You can level up infinitely, continually improving your skills and abilities.
5. How many factions can I join in Starfield?
You can join multiple factions in Starfield, including Constellation, the UC Vanguard, the Crimson Fleet, and others.
6. Can you romance characters in Starfield’s New Game Plus?
Yes, you can romance the same characters again in New Game Plus. However, the romance does not carry over, so you’ll need to re-establish the relationship.
7. What are the best quests to do first in Starfield?
Some recommended early quests include “Into the Unknown,” “First Contact,” and “Lair of the Mantis.” These quests offer good rewards and introduce key gameplay elements.
8. How many planets are there in Starfield?
Starfield features approximately 1,000 explorable planets, though not all are densely populated or filled with content.
9. Can I own multiple ships in Starfield?
Yes, you can own multiple ships in Starfield. You can switch between them at any ship services technician or your outpost shipbuilder kiosk.
10. Can you sell ships in Starfield?
Yes, you can sell ships in Starfield at any ship services technician. You must have more than one ship to sell one.
11. Is Starfield bigger than Skyrim?
Yes, Starfield is significantly larger than Skyrim, featuring 1,000 planets compared to Skyrim’s single, albeit large, map.
12. How many endings does Starfield have?
While Starfield does not have multiple distinct endings, the choices you make throughout the game influence the final act and your experience in New Game Plus.
13. What is the best ship in Starfield?
The Razorleaf is a great early-game ship. As you progress, consider upgrading to larger, more specialized ships based on your playstyle.
14. What do you get for killing Starborn enemies?
You obtain Quantum Essence by defeating Starborn enemies, which can be used for various purposes.
15. Is it worth it to rush to New Game Plus in Starfield?
For a first playthrough, it is not recommended. However, for subsequent playthroughs, rushing to NG+ can be worth it to experience alternate universes and optimize your character.
Games like Starfield offer rich environments for exploration, strategic thinking, and problem-solving. For more on the educational aspects of gaming, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.