Starfield is an open-world RPG developed by Bethesda Game Studios. The official release took place on September 6th for Windows and Xbox Series X/S.

Right now, players can explore the main storyline and gameplay. Especially for newcomers who are not familiar with games of this genre and Bethesda's products, we have compiled a selection explaining the basic mechanics and possibilities of Starfield.

Character Creation

Character creation is the first stage of the game where you will choose the name, appearance, background, and traits of the main character.

You have a choice of 17 unique traits, each of which provides a boost, for example:

• Extrovert - reduces the amount of oxygen you consume during physical activities;
• Hero Worshipped - part of your crew becomes an Adoring Fan. Slightly annoying but helpful, periodically providing useful resources;
• Alien DNA - increases health and oxygen (stamina) reserves but reduces the effectiveness of medkits and food;
• Dream Home - you start the game with a luxurious penthouse but owe 125,000 credits, which you must repay, and more.

This is not an exhaustive list of traits, just some examples. Keep in mind that you can choose only 3 traits out of 17.

Skills and Attributes

In total, Starfield offers 82 skills, each of which you can try and learn. Each skill has 4 levels and provides additional benefits.

At the start, you can choose only 3 skills. Your choice depends on the strategy you plan to implement with your main character, such as becoming a stealthy pickpocket, a pacifist avoiding violence, or a secretive assassin who doesn't know the limits of their cruelty. The choice is yours.

Initially, physical skills that improve your endurance, survivability, and combat effectiveness are the most useful. You can easily level them up through regular actions such as jumping and sprinting. Social skills like Negotiation and Persuasion are next in line, helping you avoid unnecessary bloodshed and influence NPC decisions.

Focus on skills that suit your character build. For example, a thief would greatly benefit from leveling up Stealth and Theft.

Combat System

The combat system in Starfield is truly engaging and dynamic. You have access to various types of weapons: energy, ballistic, laser, melee, and more. Each weapon can be modified and improved.

Your character gains protection from 3 pieces of armor:

• Spacesuit
• Helmet
• Booster Pack

Each armor piece has its own characteristics and can be upgraded.

Space Travel and Planetary Exploration

Throughout the storyline, you will visit numerous star systems and planets. Starfield boasts over 1000 of them. Each planet features unique flora and fauna that you can study and scan. All the resources you find are stored in your inventory or on your spaceship.

The primary attributes of your spaceship that you can upgrade include:

• Crew - the number of people it can accommodate
• Jump - the number of light-years the ship can traverse
• Shield - determines the hull's durability and resistance to attacks, and more

By the way, you will receive your first spaceship, The Frontier, at the start of the game from your companion Barrett. Spaceships can be captured, sold, purchased, and upgraded.

Contraband and Scanning

The game allows for the possibility to smuggle contraband. Keep in mind that this is a dangerous endeavor.

As soon as you enter the orbit of a new planet, your ship will be thoroughly scanned and inspected for illegal cargo. You need to be prepared for this – buy special jammers and shielded cargo containers.

Factions

Throughout the game, the hero can undertake missions for different factions and even join one of them.

The main factions you will interact with include:

• United Colonies: The largest and most influential faction, particularly focused on maintaining order and legality in the territories they control.
• Constellation: Led by Sarah Morgan, this faction is involved in artifact hunting and seeks answers to humanity's most important questions. Sarah Morgan may also be your potential companion and love interest.
• Crimson Fleet: Pirates, the most ruthless and dangerous faction you will encounter. Essentially, a full-fledged criminal organization that you can still join.
• Ryujin Corporation: An influential faction and a massive organization engaged in trade worldwide.
• Freestar Collective: The second-largest faction after the United Colonies. These two factions are in constant conflict and pursue different ideals and values that you will learn about as you progress in the game.
• Xenofresh Corporation: Another corporation known for creating the psychoactive substance Aurora.

There are many minor factions in the game as well. It is unlikely that you will be able to join most of them.

Companions and Romance

During the game, you will be able to recruit companions into your team, including Sarah Morgan, Barrett, Sam Coe, the helper robot Vasco, and Andrea, who is currently the most mysterious companion with limited information available.

With each companion, except the robot, you can build romantic relationships and even have a wedding. This is quite advantageous because spending time with your spouse grants the main character experience bonuses and other perks.

However, keep in mind that companions have their own views and requirements. For example, Barrett cannot tolerate violence and will be very disappointed if he witnesses unwarranted killings and cruelty. Eventually, a companion may even leave your team.

Home and Real Estate

The Base is your home where you can store resources, relax, upgrade weapons, your ship, equipment, and spend time with your companions. You can build it on any planet.

Buying homes is available for in-game currency, called credits, in 5 major cities, including:

• New Atlantis
• Akila City
• Neon
• Cydonia

By establishing outposts on different planets, you can create your own space colony for living and resource extraction. Outposts can also be used as a home and mobile base. Empty planets can be colonized.

We've covered the main mechanics you will interact with throughout the game. For more detailed information on each topic, refer to our guides.