What Not To Do in Starfield: A Veteran Explorer’s Guide
Starfield, Bethesda’s sprawling space RPG, offers unparalleled freedom. But with such immense possibilities come potential pitfalls. Jumping in without a plan can lead to frustration and missed opportunities. So, before you launch into the cosmos, heed this advice: Don’t hoard useless junk, ignore weapon stats, rush the main quest, neglect factions, skip essential skills, or underestimate the importance of your ship and companions. Following these simple guidelines will make your journey through Starfield far more rewarding.
Common Starfield Mistakes to Avoid
1. Becoming a Pack Rat of Pointless Provisions
In the vast expanse of Starfield, encumbrance is your constant enemy. While collecting every shiny object might seem appealing, most food items are simply not worth the carry weight. Their buffs are minimal and their sell value is negligible. Prioritize weapons, spacesuits, ammo, digipicks, and resources. Workshop items like random tools and duct tape should also be left behind unless you enjoy clutter. These are essentially “junk” items with limited practical use.
2. Judging a Weapon by its Cover (and Damage Number)
Starfield’s combat is deeper than it appears. Don’t solely rely on the displayed damage number when choosing a weapon or armor. Read the item descriptions carefully. Many weapons have hidden perks, such as increased critical hit chance, armor penetration, or elemental damage. Similarly, armor pieces may offer unique resistances or buffs that are far more valuable than a slight increase in defense. A low-damage weapon with a powerful status effect can be devastating in the right hands.
3. Rushing Headlong Through the Main Story
While Starfield’s main storyline is compelling, diving straight into it can be a mistake. The game truly opens up as you explore side quests, join factions, and discover hidden locations. The main story unlocks crucial content, but pacing yourself allows you to level up, acquire better gear, and learn essential skills. Treat the main quest as a guide, not a race, and the universe will reward your curiosity.
4. Ignoring the Allure of Factions
The various factions in Starfield offer unique questlines, rewards, and gameplay experiences. Joining factions like the United Colonies, Freestar Collective, or Crimson Fleet grants access to exclusive missions, valuable loot, and new companions. Don’t be afraid to experiment and see which faction aligns with your playstyle. Completing faction questlines offers some of the best storylines and gear in the game.
5. Neglecting Early Skill Investments
Your starting skills can significantly impact your early game experience. Investing in essential skills like Boost Pack Training, Piloting, and Security (for digipicks) will make your life much easier. The Boost Pack skill is crucial for exploration and combat maneuverability. Piloting allows you to fly better ships. Security unlocks containers filled with loot. Don’t spread your skill points too thin – focus on the skills that will benefit you the most.
6. Underutilizing Your Ship and Companions as Pack Mules
Your ship and companions are invaluable assets. Use your ship’s cargo hold to store excess loot and resources. Companions can also carry a significant amount of weight. Recruit companions early and often, as they provide combat support, carry extra items, and offer unique perspectives on the world. Don’t burden yourself when you have reliable pack mules at your disposal.
7. Hoarding Credits Instead of Investing in Your Future
Credits are the lifeblood of Starfield’s economy. Don’t be afraid to spend them. Invest in better ships, weapons, armor, and resources. Upgrading your ship is particularly important, as it allows you to travel further, carry more cargo, and engage in more challenging combat. Buying resources can save you valuable time and effort when crafting or building outposts.
8. Forgetting to Sleep Before Important Missions
Sleeping provides a temporary XP boost. This is a simple but effective way to accelerate your leveling progress. Always sleep before embarking on challenging missions or lengthy exploration sessions. The extra XP will help you level up faster and unlock new skills.
9. Neglecting Activities and Side Quests
Starfield is full of optional activities and side quests that offer valuable rewards and world-building. Engage with these activities to uncover hidden locations, earn XP, acquire rare items, and learn more about the game’s lore. Don’t just focus on the main quest – explore the universe and discover its secrets.
10. Ignoring Random NPCs
While not every NPC is crucial, many offer side quests, information, or even unique items. Don’t dismiss random conversations. Talking to people can lead to unexpected discoveries and rewarding experiences. Some NPCs might even become valuable crew members for your ship or outpost.
11. Skipping Buff Items
Starfield is filled with items that offer temporary buffs, from food and drinks to chems. Pay attention to these items and use them strategically. A well-timed buff can make the difference between success and failure in combat or during challenging skill checks.
12. Not Unloading Loot at Your Ship Regularly
It’s easy to get caught up in exploration and forget to unload your loot. Make regular trips back to your ship to offload excess items. This will prevent you from becoming encumbered and missing out on valuable resources.
13. Not Marking Missions
With so many quests and activities available, it’s easy to lose track of your objectives. Always mark missions in your quest log to keep your priorities straight. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting sidetracked.
14. Delaying Smuggling Contraband
Smuggling contraband is a high-risk, high-reward activity. Start smuggling early to earn extra credits and experience the thrill of evading the authorities. Just be sure to invest in skills that increase your smuggling success rate and equip your ship with shielded cargo holds.
15. Forgetting to Remove Bounties
Having a bounty on your head can make life difficult. Pay off your bounties as soon as possible to avoid being harassed by bounty hunters. You can pay off bounties at Trackers Alliance terminals found in various settlements.
Starfield: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What loot should I always pick up in Starfield?
Weapons, Spacesuits, Packs, Helmets, Credits, Resources, and Ammo. These items are consistently valuable and essential for survival.
2. Can I skip the main story in Starfield?
Yes, but you’ll acquire artifacts differently. Vladimir will give you all the locations for the quests.
3. Should I rush to New Game Plus in Starfield?
Focusing on the main story and rushing to New Game Plus may actually be the best way to approach Starfield, allowing you to experience side quests with a more powerful character.
4. Is Earth worth exploring in Starfield?
While Earth is mostly barren, there are 10 landmarks representing historical architecture to discover. It’s not resource-rich, but offers a unique exploration experience.
5. Can I romance characters in Starfield?
Yes, you can romance Sarah Morgan, Barrett, Sam Coe, and Andreja, all members of the Constellation faction.
6. How early can I go to Earth in Starfield?
You can travel to Earth very early in the game, possibly during the second mission, “The Old Neighborhood.” Ensure your ship has enough fuel.
7. How do I get the most out of Starfield’s factions?
Join a faction early to gain access to unique missions, loot, and rewards. Experiment with different factions to find the one that suits your playstyle. Completing faction quests is worth it for the awards.
8. What skills should I prioritize early in Starfield?
Invest in Boost Pack Training, Piloting, and Security (digipicks) early. These skills enhance exploration, combat, and looting opportunities.
9. Can you manually land in Starfield?
No, you cannot manually land your ship in Starfield.
10. What is the best way to make money (Credits) in Starfield?
Smuggling contraband is a high-risk, high-reward method. Sell valuable loot, complete faction quests, and fulfill mission board contracts.
11. How do I steal ships in Starfield?
You need at least one rank in the Targeting Control Systems (Tech) skill to target an enemy ship’s systems and take it over.
12. What should I do if I have a bounty on my head in Starfield?
Pay off your bounties at Trackers Alliance terminals to avoid being harassed by bounty hunters.
13. What are the best ships to buy in Starfield?
Early on, consider buying a smaller ship to improve cargo capacity and combat effectiveness. The Razorleaf is a good choice for all players, especially early on.
14. Are all side quests worth doing in Starfield?
Completing side quests will reward you some XP, and the very best missions will get other sweet rewards like weapons, spacesuits, or in rare cases even ships.
15. What’s the deal with Contraband in Starfield?
Contraband can be very profitable, but it can get you into a lot of trouble with the authorities. Shielded cargo bays and the Deception skill can help you get away with smuggling.
By avoiding these common mistakes and heeding this advice, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a seasoned explorer in the vast and exciting universe of Starfield. Remember to embrace the freedom, explore the world, and most importantly, have fun!
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