All combat abilities in Starfield: effects, bonuses, how to unlock

3 aug 2023 at 12:33

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.

 The article will be updated as new information becomes available!

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 LevelEffectChallenge to Unlock
1
Increases the damage of all ballistic weapons by 10%.
N/A
2Increases 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 LevelEffectChallenge to Unlock
1
Laser weapons deal 10% more damage.
N/A
2N/AN/A
3N/AN/A
4N/AN/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.

Skill LevelEffectChallenge to Unlock
1All pistols (regardless of damage type) deal 10% more damage.N/A
2Kill x25 characters using any pistol.
3
4

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. 

Skill LevelEffectChallenge to Unlock
1Melee weapons deal 10% more damage.N/A
2
3
4

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).

Skill LevelEffectChallenge to Unlock
1
2
3
4

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.

Skill LevelEffectChallenge to Unlock
1Grenades and other explosive consumables deal 10% more damage. The explosion radius is increased by 10%.
2The damage and radius of grenades are further increased by 20%.Kill 20 enemies using explosives.
3The damage and radius of explosives are increased by 30%.Kill 125 enemies using explosives.
4

Heavy Weapons (Heavy Weapon Certification)

The skill enhances all heavy weapons like miniguns.

Skill LevelEffectChallenge to Unlock
1Heavy weapons deal 10% more damage.
2Heavy weapons deal an additional 20% more damage.Kill 20 enemies using heavy weapons.
3Heavy weapons deal an additional 30% more damage.
4When aiming with a heavy weapon, the hero gains +30 resistance to damage. Kill 250 enemies using heavy weapons.

Particle Beams

An advanced skill that affects beam weapons.

Skill LevelEffectChallenge to Unlock
1
2Kill 20 enemies using beam weapons.
3
4

Rifles (Rifle Certification)

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

Skill LevelEffectChallenge to Unlock
1
2Kill 20 enemies using rifles.
3
4

Targeting

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

Skill LevelEffectChallenge to Unlock
1
2
3Improves accuracy and range for hip-fire shots.Kill 125 enemies without aiming down sights.
4

Sniper Certification

The skill for lovers of weapons with scopes. 

Skill LevelEffectChallenge to Unlock
1Weapons with scopes are more stable. Less sway when aiming.
2
3
4

Rapid Reloading

The skill that speeds up weapon reloads.

Skill LevelEffectChallenge
1
2
3
4


Author: Swordself14
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