In Starfield, you can upgrade various skills that directly affect the efficiency of different actions, weapons, medications, and more. The gameplay of the game depends directly on the proper skill upgrades. Additionally, skills determine the playstyle: 

• The types of weapons you prefer to use in combat (ballistic, laser, heavy, melee, etc.);
• The playstyle you prefer: high health and medium damage, low health but high damage, stealth, etc.;
• Ship management;
• Other aspects.

In this guide, we will explore the different combat skills in Starfield, what is required to improve them, and what benefits they provide.

Combat Skills in Starfield

Ballistics

This category is focused on significantly enhancing ballistic weapons (such as AR-99, for example). This type of weapon deals physical damage. By upgrading the "Ballistics" skills, you can get a significant buff to damage and range. 

Skill Level	Effect	Challenge to Unlock
1	Increases the damage of all ballistic weapons by 10%.	N/A
2	Increases the damage of all ballistic weapons by an additional 20%.	Requires killing at least x20 enemies using weapons of this category.
3	Increases the damage of all ballistic weapons by an additional 30%.	Requires killing at least x50 enemies using ballistic weapons.
4	Increases the firing range of all ballistic weapons by 30%.	Unlocked after killing at least x250 enemies using any type of ballistic weapons.

Lasers

Works with the same effect as the "Ballistics" skill but buffs laser weapons instead of ballistic ones. 

Skill Level	Effect	Challenge to Unlock
1	Laser weapons deal 10% more damage.	N/A
2	N/A	N/A
3	N/A	N/A
4	N/A	N/A

Pistols (Pistol Certification)

This skill is aimed at enhancing not a specific type of damage but all existing pistols in the game (such as the Ember pistol, for example). If you prefer playing with pistols, upgrading this skill will grant several useful effects.

Dueling

A combat perk designed for melee combat enthusiasts. Strengthens different types of melee weapons (such as the combat knife), increasing damage and other attributes. 

Shotguns (Shotgun Certification)

A useful skill for shotgun enthusiasts. It has 4 levels of upgrades and improves as you destroy enemies using shotguns (such as the Experiment A-7).

Demolitions

An advanced combat skill that increases the damage dealt by explosives. A good choice for those who frequently use fragmentation grenades and other explosive consumables in battle.

Heavy Weapons (Heavy Weapon Certification)

The skill enhances all heavy weapons like miniguns.

Particle Beams

An advanced skill that affects beam weapons.

Rifles (Rifle Certification)

The skill enhances rifles. If you prefer using this type of weaponry, this skill will come in handy.

Targeting

The skill improves hip-fire accuracy, providing various bonuses for this shooting style.

Sniper Certification

The skill for lovers of weapons with scopes. 

Rapid Reloading

The skill that speeds up weapon reloads.