The best way to approach Starfield’s early game is to prioritize the main questline, complete faction quests for gear and skill points, and carefully explore planets for valuable resources.
Stepping into the vast universe of Starfield can feel overwhelming at first. You’re presented with a massive galaxy and countless options. Knowing where to begin is crucial for a smooth and engaging journey. Many players often wonder about Starfield best way to approach early game.
Focusing on the main story provides a solid foundation. It guides you through essential gameplay mechanics. This will introduce various locations and factions. It is a good method to help gain early momentum.
Starfield Best Way to Approach Early Game
So, you’ve jumped into the vastness of Starfield! It’s a big universe out there, and the first few hours can feel a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, everyone feels that way at first. This guide is all about setting you up for a great time by helping you navigate the early game. We’ll cover everything from character creation to making smart choices with your skills and resources. Let’s get started!
Character Creation: Your Journey Begins
Your journey in Starfield starts with making your character. This isn’t just about looks; it also affects your starting skills and background. Here’s what you should think about:
Backgrounds: Choosing Your Past
Starfield gives you many different backgrounds to pick from, and each background gives you three starting skills. These skills give you a little boost at the beginning of the game. Think about how you want to play:
- Explorer: Good if you like to roam around planets. You’ll start with skills like Surveying, which helps you gather resources, and Fitness which will help you to carry more items.
- Combat-Focused: If you enjoy fighting, backgrounds like Soldier or Bounty Hunter will be good. They give you skills like Ballistics and Targeting.
- Diplomacy & Stealth: If you like to talk your way out of trouble, try the Diplomat or Cyber Runner backgrounds. They come with skills like Persuasion, and Stealth.
- Space Explorer: For those who are drawn to space exploration, options like the Space Scoundrel or Long Hauler can be good. They grant initial skills in Piloting, Commerce, or Ship Repair.
There isn’t a “wrong” choice here. Pick the one that sounds the most fun to you.
Traits: Optional Quirks
Traits are optional things you can add to your character. They add some fun twists to your gameplay, offering both benefits and drawbacks. For example:
- Introvert: You are stronger when you are by yourself but weaker with a companion.
- Extrovert: You get a boost from being with a companion but are weaker when alone.
- Taskmaster: Your ship crew is more effective.
- Spaced: Better health and endurance in space, but worse on planet surfaces.
- Alien DNA: Start with increased health and oxygen, but heal slower
Read these carefully, because they will affect your game style. If you aren’t sure about them, you can skip them for your first run.
Early Skill Choices: Growing Your Abilities
As you play, you will gain experience and level up. Each time you level up, you get a skill point, which you can use to gain or improve your skills. Here are some skills that are really good to focus on in the beginning:
Essential Early Game Skills
- Piloting: Flying your ship is a big part of Starfield, so making this skill stronger early will help you fly better. You’ll be able to use better ships and explore more.
- Boost Pack Training: The boost pack is your personal jetpack! Learning to use it well is extremely helpful for getting around, climbing, and moving in combat.
- Weight Lifting: You will find a lot of items in Starfield. Leveling this up increases how much you can carry, and that means less time spent going back to your ship to drop stuff off.
- Persuasion: This skill makes it easier to talk your way through situations, and it is good for getting quests, discounts, or avoiding fights.
Consider These Too
- Wellness: This skill increases your health. Having more health early helps you survive fights more easily.
- Security: If you love opening locked doors and containers, Security will help you open more of them.
- Ballistics/Laser: If you want to fight with guns, you should get the skill that matches the type of weapon you like to use.
Don’t worry too much about making the “perfect” skill choices right away. You can always try out different things and adjust as you go.
Navigating the Early Missions
The main story missions will guide you, but there are lots of other things to do too. The early game is all about getting your bearings and understanding the game mechanics.
Main Story Quests
The main story quests help you learn about the world. They will introduce you to the main factions and characters. Follow them to unlock new areas, ships, and possibilities in the game.
Side Quests: Explore and Earn
Look for side quests in towns and settlements. These are a good way to level up, earn credits, and discover more about the universe. Talk to everyone and see if they have something that you can do. Always be open to helping people.
Faction Quests: Choose Your Allies
Pretty early on in the game, you will be introduced to a few factions. You can join any one of them. Each has its own series of quests and story. They also offer different rewards. Pick the faction that sounds most interesting to you.
Resource Gathering: Scavenging and Exploration
You need resources to build, upgrade, and survive in Starfield. Always be looking around for places to find resources. The best way to do this, of course, is exploration. Here’s some advice for getting those resources:
Scanning Planets: Where to Find What
Your scanner tool is very important. Use it to scan planets from your ship. This shows you what kind of resources you can find on the planet’s surface. Look for planets that have the resources that you need.
Surveying: Getting Resources on the Ground
When you land on a planet, use your scanner to find resource deposits. You will find them as patches of colored rock formations. You can mine these by using your cutter tool. Different resources are found in different areas, so keep searching.
Containers: Don’t Forget to Loot
You can find containers in all sorts of places – bases, ships, and even around resource spots. Always open every container you can, and take what you can use. You’ll find resources, crafting materials, credits, weapons, and more.
Trading: Buying and Selling
Traders are everywhere and offer a convenient way to both get resources you need and sell stuff you don’t. Check what they are selling for anything useful, especially crafting resources.
Combat Basics: Surviving the Dangers
You will run into fights, and it is important to know the basics of combat. Here are the basics to ensure you survive those encounters:
Understanding Weapon Types
There are many types of weapons, including ballistic guns, lasers, and melee weapons. Each does different types of damage and is useful against different types of enemies. Try different weapons to see what you like the best.
Using Cover and Movement
Don’t just stand out in the open during a fight. Use cover, such as crates and walls, to protect yourself. Move around and don’t let enemies stay in the same place.
Targeting Weak Points
Some enemies have weak spots. These areas can take more damage. Look for glowing spots or other visual differences, and try to aim for those.
Don’t Be Afraid to Run
If you are outmatched in a fight, it’s okay to run away. Getting to safety is the most important thing. You can always come back when you are more powerful.
Ship Management: Your Space Home
Your ship is your home in Starfield. It’s a tool to move from one location to another, a place to keep your items, and a way to engage in combat in space. So, it is important to understand its management. Here is an explanation:
Upgrading Your Ship
Use ship technicians at spaceports to upgrade your ship’s parts, like weapons, shields, and engines. Better parts help you survive space fights and travel farther.
Crewing Your Ship
Recruit people from settlements or bars to join your crew. Crew members have skills that help your ship, from fighting to repairing systems. Having a good crew makes a big difference.
Cargo Management
Your ship’s storage isn’t endless! Watch how much stuff you carry, and make sure that you don’t get overburdened. Upgrade your cargo space, or use personal storage containers in your ship.
Repairing Your Ship
Don’t forget to repair your ship after a fight. It is very important because you don’t want to be stuck in space with a broken ship. You can use your ship parts or visit a ship tech at a spaceport to get things fixed.
Exploring New Locations
One of the best parts of Starfield is the freedom to visit new places. Here’s how to make the most of your travels:
Planet Surfaces: Finding Resources and Points of Interest
Use the scanner to find places to land and explore. The scanner will show you points of interest, such as research stations, caves, or abandoned buildings. Be aware of the surroundings, and you may find valuable items or hidden locations.
Space Exploration: Visiting Stations and Spaceports
Visit space stations and spaceports to find traders, new missions, or just to explore what they have to offer. Don’t miss the opportunity to dock and find more locations.
Talking to People: Getting Information and Quests
Talk to all the people you meet. They will give you valuable information, tell you about locations you may not know of, and they may give you a new quest or mission. Always be open for new possibilities.
Making the Most of Your Early Game
Here are some final points to consider to get the most from the early part of Starfield:
- Take Your Time: Don’t rush through everything. Explore at your own pace, and enjoy the sights and sounds.
- Experiment: Try different skills, weapons, and ship upgrades. Discover what works best for you.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask: Don’t be afraid to ask people if you get confused or lost.
- Have Fun: Starfield is a massive game, but the most important thing is to have a good time.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to thriving in Starfield! The beginning can feel like a lot, but just remember to explore, learn, and most of all, have fun. The universe is waiting, so go get lost in it!
Starfield Guide: 15 Things You NEED To Do First
Final Thoughts
Focus on main quest, complete early missions, and collect resources. This approach quickly provides experience points and vital gear. Choose your starting skills wisely; consider skills like Piloting or Persuasion.
Exploration remains important but don’t get too sidetracked early on. Prioritize ship upgrades when possible. Remember, the ‘Starfield best way to approach early game’ involves a balance.
So keep focusing on these points. You will quickly find your footing in this new galaxy. Proper planning will help you have smooth initial playthrough.



