Starfield Launches on Xbox Series X|S and PC with Game Pass

The highly anticipated game, Starfield, is finally here! Available on Xbox Series X|S and PC with Game Pass, this massive game is packed with intricate systems, mysteries, and mechanics. As fellow gamers, we understand your desire to learn more about the game and get prepared for your own galactic adventure. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive four-part guide called Starfield Starters, designed to help you navigate and succeed in the game’s most essential, complex, and lesser-known features. Be sure to check out our other Starfield Starters guides on character customization, planet hopping, and space combat.

Welcome to the Vastness of Space

Stepping into the world of Starfield can be overwhelming at first. With so much to explore and discover, it’s easy to miss important details or become distracted by the stunning scenery. You might find yourself picking up side quests without even realizing it or accumulating an inventory full of items. And let’s not forget about managing your starship! To help you make sense of it all, we’ve compiled a list of crucial things to know as you embark on your Starfield adventure. While this list isn’t exhaustive, it will certainly point you in the right direction and alleviate some of the initial overwhelm.

1: Invest in Your Character

Character progression in Starfield differs from previous Bethesda RPGs. To unlock benefits for your characters, you’ll need to focus on Skill Challenges rather than traditional experience points. For example, if you want to play as a Stealth-based character, you must invest in the Stealth skill to unlock the Stealth meter for your character. To further upgrade Stealth, you’ll need to complete specific challenges. This principle applies to many other skills as well. Keep an eye on the UI, as it will indicate which skills are ready for progression upgrade. Some recommended early investments include Stealth (for the Stealth meter), Wellness (for increased max health), Commerce (for better prices at shops), Boost Pack Training (to use Boost), Persuasion (for conversation bonuses), Medicine (for more effective healing), and Surveying (for a zoom feature on the hand scanner).

2: Explore the Vast Universe

If you’re not in a rush to follow the main story, Starfield allows you to roam freely once you have your starship in orbit. Engaging in the critical path will introduce companions, crew members, and progress the overall narrative. However, it’s not necessary if you prefer to explore the open universe at your own pace. You can uncover exciting features early on, such as checking mission boards in port cities for bounties, goods transportation, and passenger ferrying. Additionally, various faction quests with unique storylines are available. We recommend completing a few core story missions initially to familiarize yourself with the game before venturing further. Starfield is a vast game, and the choice is yours.

3: Manage Your Inventory and Cargo

Looting in Starfield is a satisfying endeavor. You can pick up almost everything you come across, leading to an inventory filled with various items. To clear your inventory, open the Ship menu and transfer items to your ship’s spacious cargo hold. You can transfer items even when you’re near the ship, eliminating the need to board it. Selling excess items will earn you wealth for your next destination. Keep in mind that the Resources section of your inventory can become heavy due to the large quantity of items. Regularly transferring these items to your cargo hold is advisable. If you find yourself quickly reaching maximum capacity, you can temporarily drop excess items on the ground of your ship. However, be cautious when modifying your ship’s components in the Ship Builder, as the modified items will automatically go into your cargo hold. To expand your ship’s inventory, consider adding cargo containers but balance it with additional thrusters to avoid impacting maneuverability.

4: Utilize the Favorites Bar

To streamline the process of accessing items in your inventory during gameplay, familiarize yourself with the Favorites bar early on. This feature allows you to assign three items to each major direction of the D-Pad or number rows on your keyboard (PC). Our recommended setup includes one bar for key weapons, one for throwables, and one for aid items. This leaves you with three slots for hot-swapping equipment, which proves useful during intense firefights. For example, you can equip a helmet that reduces ballistic damage in the midst of combat. The Favorites bar is a convenient tool to enhance your gameplay experience.

5: Embrace Faction Quests

To narrow your focus and make progress in the game, taking on Faction Quests early on is a wise choice. These quests not only allow you to earn money but also provide a better understanding of the universe and its various factions. Engaging in Faction Quests may lead you to discover intriguing side quests that offer deeper involvement. These missions can be initiated by overhearing conversations in major cities like New Atlantis, Akila City, and Neon. Once started, these quests will be assigned to specific Faction sections in your Mission menu. You can join different factions, such as the UC Vanguard, Freestar Rangers, and Ryujin, and embark on exciting journeys.

Embark on your Starfield adventure well-prepared and navigate the vastness of space with confidence. Remember, this guide provides a starting point, and the possibilities in Starfield are endless. Explore, discover, and forge your own path in this incredible game.