What is the Best Class to Pick in Starfield? A Deep Dive into Backgrounds, Traits, and Builds
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The absolute “best” class in Starfield doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It hinges entirely on your desired playstyle. However, for a balanced, engaging, and powerful start, the Bounty Hunter background emerges as a top contender for many players, followed closely by the Ronin, Combat Medic, and Industrialist. The Bounty Hunter offers a blend of combat prowess, social skills, and ship customization potential, making it a versatile choice for navigating the dangers and opportunities of the Settled Systems. Each background impacts your starting skills, which influence your early game experience and character development trajectory. It’s a crucial decision!
Understanding Starfield’s Backgrounds: More Than Just a Class
Starfield eschews traditional class systems in favor of Backgrounds. These backgrounds are essentially character origins that provide you with three starting skills, offering a distinct flavor to your initial hours in the game. Think of them as templates designed to kickstart a specific roleplaying fantasy. The Bounty Hunter, for example, immediately arms you with Piloting, Targeting Control Systems, and Boost Pack Training. This combination translates to early access to powerful ship maneuvers, enhanced targeting during dogfights, and increased mobility on foot.
But backgrounds aren’t rigid restrictions. You can evolve your character in any direction, supplementing your initial skills with others as you level up. They simply provide a head start in certain areas. Choosing a background that aligns with your envisioned gameplay style from the outset can save you time and skill points in the long run, allowing you to specialize more quickly.
Why the Bounty Hunter Stands Out
The Bounty Hunter shines due to its well-rounded skill distribution and synergy with common gameplay loops.
- Piloting: Essential for space exploration, combat, and trade. Upgrading piloting skills is crucial for unlocking higher-tier ships and maneuvers, allowing you to dominate space battles.
- Targeting Control Systems: This skill unlocks a ship targeting system that allows you to target specific ship components during combat, such as engines or weapons. This gives you a huge advantage in space combat.
- Boost Pack Training: Jetpacks are a game-changer for traversal. You can easily scale structures, reach inaccessible areas, and gain a tactical advantage in combat.
These skills not only complement each other but also provide immediate benefits in areas that are crucial for early game progression. Earning credits, exploring planets, and defending yourself against space pirates all become significantly easier with these skills at your disposal.
Alternative Backgrounds: Other Solid Choices
While the Bounty Hunter is a strong all-around pick, other backgrounds cater to specific playstyles:
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Ronin: If you envision a stealthy, melee-focused character, the Ronin is an excellent choice. Its starting skills in Stealth, Swordplay, and Scavenging make you a deadly assassin.
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Combat Medic: For players who prefer support roles and utilizing medical knowledge in combat, Combat Medic is an excellent background. Its starting skills in Medicine, Combat, and Research will make you a valuable asset in any team.
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Industrialist: Focusing on crafting, resource gathering, and outpost building, the Industrialist background is perfect for players who enjoy the economic and construction aspects of the game. It starts with skills in Persuasion, Security, and Research.
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Soldier: This is the straightforward combat class and provides a strong starting point for players who want to primarily focus on firefights. It starts with skills in Fitness, Ballistics, and Boost Pack Training.
The Importance of Traits
In addition to backgrounds, Starfield features Traits. These are optional character quirks that provide both benefits and drawbacks. Unlike backgrounds, traits are permanent choices that cannot be changed during the game. Some of the most popular and impactful traits include:
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Kid Stuff: Grants you parents that you can visit and interact with, sending you gifts. However, you send 10% of your credits to them weekly.
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Dream Home: You start with a luxurious dream home, but you have to pay a large weekly mortgage to keep it.
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Alien DNA: Provides increased health and endurance but reduces the effectiveness of healing items.
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Empath: You are highly attuned to the emotions of others. Performing actions your companion appreciates gives a temporary boost to combat effectiveness. But performing actions they dislike has the opposite effect.
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Extrovert: Exerting yourself uses less O2 when adventuring with human companions, but more when alone.
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Hero Worshipped: You gain an Adoring Fan who follows you around and can carry items for you.
Choosing traits is a matter of personal preference. Consider the trade-offs carefully and select traits that align with your intended playstyle. Some traits, like Kid Stuff and Dream Home, add roleplaying depth and unique interactions, while others, like Alien DNA, offer tangible gameplay advantages.
Crafting Your Perfect Starfield Build
The true beauty of Starfield lies in its freedom. You are not locked into any predetermined path. Your background and traits provide a foundation, but you are free to develop your character in any direction you choose.
Experiment with different skills, weapons, and ship modifications to discover what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to deviate from your initial plan. The Settled Systems are vast and full of surprises, and the most rewarding experiences often come from unexpected detours.
Remember that there is no objectively “best” build. The best build is the one that you enjoy playing the most. Embrace the freedom that Starfield offers and create a character that is uniquely your own.
Games Learning Society also offers a wealth of resources on game design and learning principles, which can provide a deeper understanding of the mechanics at play in Starfield and other games. Check them out at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Starfield Classes and Character Creation
1. Can I change my starting class (Background) in Starfield?
No, once you choose your background during character creation, you cannot change it later in the game. This is a permanent decision, so consider your options carefully.
2. Are there traditional classes in Starfield like Warrior, Mage, or Thief?
No, Starfield doesn’t have traditional class systems. Instead, it uses Backgrounds to define your starting skills and roleplaying flavor.
3. What are the best starting traits in Starfield?
The “best” traits are subjective and depend on your playstyle. However, Kid Stuff, Dream Home, and Alien DNA are popular choices due to their unique benefits and roleplaying opportunities.
4. Is the Chef background a viable option?
Yes, the Chef background is a viable option, especially for players interested in crafting and melee combat. It starts with skills in Gastronomy, Dueling, and Wellness.
5. Can I be a trader in Starfield without choosing a specific background?
Yes, you can be a trader regardless of your background. However, backgrounds like the Industrialist will give you a head start in skills like Persuasion and Commerce, making it easier to buy and sell goods at favorable prices.
6. Is the Dream Home trait worth it in Starfield?
The Dream Home trait offers a huge, customizable house early in the game, but it comes with a significant weekly mortgage payment. Whether it’s worth it depends on your preference for player housing and your ability to manage your finances.
7. Can I sell ships in Starfield?
Yes, you can sell ships at any ship services technician or your outpost shipbuilder kiosk. You must own more than one ship to sell one, and selling stolen ships requires a few extra steps.
8. How many ships can I own in Starfield?
You can own up to ten ships at once in Starfield.
9. What are some of the best ships in Starfield?
Some of the best ships in Starfield include the Narwhal, Starborn Guardian, Abyss Trekker, Razorleaf, and Star Eagle.
10. What factions can I join in Starfield?
You can join several factions in Starfield, including the United Colonies, Freestar Collective, Ryujin Industries, Crimson Fleet, and Constellation.
11. Is the Ronin background a good choice?
Yes, the Ronin is a solid background, particularly for players who enjoy stealth, melee combat, and scavenging.
12. Is there a level cap in Starfield?
No, there is no level cap in Starfield. You can continue leveling up and improving your skills indefinitely.
13. Can you have pets in Starfield?
Currently, there are no pets in Starfield.
14. Can you be a pirate in Starfield?
Yes, you can become a pirate by joining the Crimson Fleet faction. This allows you to engage in piracy activities and pursue a life of crime in space.
15. Can you fly on planets in Starfield?
While Starfield allows you to technically fly to planets, manual landing is not supported. Most planet exploration relies on fast travel to designated landing zones.