Unveiling the Best Starfield Background: A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Choosing the best Starfield background is a crucial decision that significantly impacts your early gameplay experience and roleplaying opportunities. While there’s no single “best” option for everyone, considering your playstyle, desired skills, and preferred starting experience is paramount. If pushed to name an all-around strong pick, the Bounty Hunter background emerges as a versatile and engaging choice, offering a blend of combat prowess, exploration capabilities, and unique dialogue options. It grants immediate access to Piloting, Targeting Control Systems, and Boost Pack Training, providing a solid foundation for various playstyles, from spacefaring mercenary to intrepid explorer.
Understanding Starfield Backgrounds
In Starfield, backgrounds are more than just flavor text. They define your character’s pre-Starfield life, granting three starting skills that can dramatically alter your early game progression. Each of the 21 available backgrounds comes with unique dialogue options, allowing for deeper roleplaying immersion and influencing interactions with NPCs. This initial choice is critical, setting the stage for your character’s journey through the Settled Systems.
Top Backgrounds to Consider
While the Bounty Hunter is a solid choice, let’s explore other compelling backgrounds:
- Diplomat: Perfect for players who prefer resolving conflicts through dialogue and negotiation. Starting with Persuasion, Diplomacy, and Commerce, this background unlocks unique conversation options and allows you to talk your way out of tricky situations.
- Space Scoundrel: A fun and flexible background for those who enjoy a bit of larceny and adventure. It gives you a head start in Piloting, Persuasion, and Stealth, making you a capable pilot, negotiator, and infiltrator.
- Industrialist: If you envision yourself as a resource tycoon or base builder, the Industrialist background, with its skills in Persuade, Security, and Weapon Engineering is an excellent choice. It provides a strong foundation for crafting, research, and outpost management.
- Ronin: For those drawn to a solitary, stealth-focused playstyle, the Ronin, gives you Blade Weaponry, Stealth, and Survival, allowing you to navigate treacherous environments and eliminate enemies silently.
- Combat Medic: Offers a blend of combat and healing skills that start with Medicine, Shotgun Certification, and Wellness. This allows you to survive longer in combat situations and provides advantages with dealing medicine.
- Soldier: For the combat-focused player, the soldier gives you Fitness, Ballistics, and Boost Pack Training. This maximizes your damage potential early in the game.
- Professor: Starts the game with Astrodynamics, Geology, and Research Methods. This is a good background to boost your research skills early on.
Ultimately, the best background depends on your personal preferences and desired gameplay experience. Do you prefer to be a charismatic negotiator, a stealthy assassin, or a skilled combatant? Consider your preferred playstyle and choose a background that aligns with your vision.
Essential Skills to Prioritize Early On
Regardless of your background, certain skills are universally beneficial in the early game.
- Persuasion: Crucial for resolving conflicts peacefully and unlocking unique quest options.
- Security: Allows you to unlock chests and doors, granting access to valuable loot and hidden areas.
- Medicine: Improves the effectiveness of healing items and reduces the duration of afflictions.
- Piloting: Essential for navigating space and upgrading your ship.
- Boost Pack Training: Enables the use of boost packs for enhanced mobility and combat maneuverability.
Traits: Adding Another Layer of Customization
In addition to backgrounds, traits offer another layer of character customization. These optional choices provide both benefits and drawbacks, further shaping your gameplay experience.
- Extrovert: Makes traveling with companions more effective, boosting your combat prowess.
- Hero Worshipped: Provides a dedicated (and sometimes annoying) fan who follows you around.
- Raised Enlightened/Universal: Offers unique dialogue options and access to faction-specific content related to your chosen religion.
- Dream Home: Grants ownership of a luxurious home but requires paying off a significant mortgage.
- Kid Stuff: Adds a fun dynamic with your in-game parents, offering unique interactions and occasional gifts.
Carefully consider the pros and cons of each trait before making your selection. Some traits, like Hero Worshipped, can be humorous but ultimately inconvenient, while others, like Extrovert, provide tangible gameplay benefits.
Factions: Choosing Your Allegiance
Starfield features several major factions, each with its own unique storyline, quests, and rewards. Joining a faction can significantly impact your gameplay experience, opening up new opportunities and influencing your relationships with other factions.
- United Colonies (UC): A militaristic and technologically advanced faction focused on maintaining order in the Settled Systems.
- Freestar Collective: A collection of independent settlements that value freedom and individual liberty.
- Ryujin Industries: A powerful corporation specializing in advanced technology and espionage.
- Crimson Fleet: A group of ruthless pirates who prey on traders and settlements.
- Constellation: An organization dedicated to exploring the mysteries of the galaxy.
You can join multiple factions in Starfield, but your choices may have consequences. Consider your character’s values and goals when deciding which factions to align with.
Balancing Exploration and Story
Starfield offers a vast and diverse universe to explore, filled with countless planets, settlements, and encounters. While the main story is compelling, taking the time to explore side content and level up your character is essential.
Companions and Romance
Along your journey, you’ll encounter numerous companions who can join your crew, each with their own unique skills, personalities, and backstories. Building relationships with your companions can unlock new quests, dialogue options, and even romantic possibilities.
Andreja, Barrett, Sam Coe, and Sarah Morgan are the romanceable companions in Starfield. Develop strong relationships with these companions to unlock romantic options.
Ultimately, the best Starfield background is the one that aligns with your personal preferences and desired playstyle. Experiment with different backgrounds and traits to find the perfect combination for your unique character. Immerse yourself in the world, explore its vast reaches, and create your own unforgettable Starfield adventure.
To further your knowledge of gaming and its impact on society, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many backgrounds are there in Starfield?
There are 21 different backgrounds to choose from in Starfield, each offering a unique starting point for your character.
2. Can I change my background after starting the game?
No, you cannot change your background after you’ve created your character. Choose wisely!
3. What’s the best background for a stealth build?
The Ronin background is an excellent choice for a stealth-focused character, thanks to its starting skills in Stealth and Blade Weaponry. Another good option is the Cyber Runner background.
4. Is the Diplomat background viable for combat-focused players?
While the Diplomat background isn’t inherently combat-oriented, its Persuasion skill can be used to de-escalate conflicts and avoid fights altogether. You can also develop your combat skills later in the game.
5. What are the best traits for a new player?
Extrovert and Raised Enlightened/Universal are generally good choices for new players. Extrovert provides a consistent combat boost when traveling with companions, while Raised Enlightened/Universal offers unique dialogue options and access to faction-specific content.
6. Is the “Dream Home” trait worth it?
The Dream Home trait provides a large and luxurious home but requires you to pay off a mortgage. It’s a good choice if you enjoy base building and customization, but be prepared for the ongoing financial burden.
7. How long is the main story in Starfield?
The main story in Starfield is estimated to be 30 to 40 hours long.
8. Can I join the Crimson Fleet and still be a “good” character?
Yes, you can join the Crimson Fleet and still maintain a relatively “good” reputation by choosing dialogue options that minimize harm and focusing on undercover work.
9. What are the best skills to invest in early in Starfield?
Prioritize skills like Persuasion, Security, Medicine, Piloting, and Boost Pack Training early on to enhance your exploration, combat, and social interactions.
10. Can I have multiple romantic relationships in Starfield?
No, you can only have one romantic relationship at a time in Starfield.
11. Is the “Hero Worshipped” trait a good choice?
The Hero Worshipped trait is a matter of personal preference. It adds a humorous element to the game, but the constant presence of an adoring fan can become annoying for some players.
12. What are the best weapons in Starfield?
Some of the best weapons in Starfield include the Revenant (Rifle), Eternity’s Gate (Particle Beam Rifle), and Unmitigated Violence (Laser Rifle).
13. Can I get married in Starfield?
Yes, you can get married to certain companions in Starfield, such as Sarah Morgan.
14. What factions should I join first?
That depends on your play style. However, joining Constellation first is essential as part of the main questline. Other than that, join factions that align with your desired story arc and moral compass.
15. How does Alien DNA affect my gameplay?
Alien DNA grants an HP boost and extra endurance early in your adventure but makes healing items less effective. It’s a decent choice for early survivability, but consider the long-term implications.