Early game Starfield success hinges on quickly completing main quests for experience and ship upgrades, prioritizing resource gathering, and focusing skill points on combat and persuasion.
Stepping into the vast expanse of Starfield can feel overwhelming at first. The galaxy is brimming with possibilities, but knowing where to start is vital. This guide dives straight into what truly matters to help you gain early game traction. We’re here to provide guidance on Starfield the best strategies for early game.
Focusing on the main storyline grants valuable rewards that significantly improve your character. Don’t get sidetracked too much. Remember to collect materials and improve your skills in crucial areas. This foundation will propel your adventure forward.
Starfield: The Best Strategies for Early Game
So, you’ve just jumped into the vast universe of Starfield, huh? It’s a pretty big place, and it can feel a little overwhelming at first. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! The beginning of your space adventure is super important, so let’s talk about the best ways to get a good start. This guide will help you get a handle on things and make the most out of your early game experiences.
Understanding Character Creation and Backgrounds
Before you even take your first step on a new planet, you need to create your character! This is where you decide who you’ll be in Starfield. It’s not just about looks, though. Your character’s background and traits play a significant role in how the game unfolds.
Choosing Your Background
Your background is like your past life. It gives you three starting skills that can help you in different ways. For example, if you choose the “Bounty Hunter” background, you’ll start with skills in piloting, targeting, and weapon use. These will be useful when you’re fighting space pirates! Here’s a small table to show you a few examples:
| Background | Starting Skills |
|---|---|
| Diplomat | Persuasion, Commerce, Wellness |
| Explorer | Surveying, Astrodynamics, Gastronomy |
| Chef | Gastronomy, Dueling, Scavenging |
| Cyber Runner | Stealth, Security, Theft |
Think about what kind of gameplay you prefer. Do you want to be a smooth talker, a tough fighter, or a sneaky explorer? Pick a background that fits your style. Don’t worry too much though, you will be able to improve all skills in the game later. This just gives you a bit of a boost to begin with.
Selecting Your Traits
Traits are like special bonuses, but they often come with a downside. For example, you might choose the “Introvert” trait, which makes you stronger when you’re alone, but weaker when you have companions. Another trait, “Taskmaster”, increases the efficiency of your crew but they are not happy about it! Some traits are fun to play with but some can be annoying at times. Carefully read what each trait does before picking. Some traits can be removed later in game as well.
- Consider traits that complement your background.
- Don’t overload on negative traits just for a small bonus.
- Remember that some traits cannot be changed once chosen.
The First Few Hours: What To Do
Okay, you’re finally in the game! The first few hours are your chance to learn the basics and start building your character. Here’s what you should focus on:
Following the Main Quest
The main quest is your friend in the early game. It will guide you through the basic mechanics, help you earn some money and experience and introduce you to the important places and people. It also gives you your first spaceship and some starter gear. Don’t worry about getting sidetracked too much in the start. The main storyline has some key quests that you need to complete to progress. After that you can start exploring more.
Looting Everything!
Seriously, check every container, every box, every fallen enemy. You’ll find ammo, credits, crafting materials, and all sorts of other useful stuff. In Starfield, even what looks like junk can be valuable for crafting or selling. This is one of the most crucial things to do in Starfield’s early game, and to some extent, throughout the whole game! Always loot enemies and do not leave any containers unchecked.
- Check everywhere for hidden containers.
- Sell unnecessary items for extra credits.
- Store valuable crafting materials for later use.
Talking to NPCs
Talking to people is crucial in Starfield! Some NPCs give you quests, others will give you important information, and some may become your friends and companions. Pay attention to what they say. Sometimes, the best opportunities are hidden in conversations. By talking to them, you will also learn more about the lore of Starfield.
Basic Crafting and Research
Crafting and research stations are available right from the start. Collect those materials mentioned above because they will be used here! Use these stations to create med packs, mods for your weapons, and even new foods! These are extremely helpful in early game. Also, keep an eye on research projects. Early research will help you with crafting and character development.
- Start researching basic mods as early as possible.
- Craft med packs whenever you can to conserve money.
- Explore different research projects to find the best upgrades.
Combat Basics
You will run into enemies pretty quickly in Starfield, so you’ll need to learn how to fight. Here’s a quick guide to combat:
Choosing Your Weapons
Different guns have different stats. Some are good at long range, while others work better up close. Experiment with different weapons to see which ones you like. Ammo management is also important, so keep an eye on the amount of ammo you have and try to carry different type of weapons with different ammo types. You can also pick weapons from your defeated enemies.
- Use pistols or shotguns in close combat.
- Rifles are good at medium range.
- Snipers are useful for long-range fights.
Utilizing Cover
Don’t run out into the open! Use cover like walls, crates, and rocks to avoid getting shot. Popping out of cover to shoot enemies will keep you alive in any fight. Always stay behind cover to be able to survive longer. Try to avoid fighting in the open in early game.
Boost Packs are Your Best Friend
Your boost pack is not just for jumping higher. You can use it in combat to move quickly and avoid enemy attacks. You will get a boost pack early on and you will realize quickly how helpful it is. Use it to flank enemies and also escape from dangerous situations. It will also help you navigate the environment easily.
Healing and First Aid
Always carry med packs. They can save you when you’re low on health. In early game, med packs are the most important items you can have. When you are hurt, use a med pack as soon as possible to avoid dying in battle.
Space Travel and Ship Management
Exploring space and owning a spaceship are a big part of Starfield, and here are some early game tips related to it.
Understanding Your Ship
Your ship is your home and your transportation. It has different systems that you need to pay attention to, including shields, weapons, and engine power. The more you level up in skills, the more you can do with your spaceship. You also get to upgrade your spaceship at the technician present on different spaceports. In early game, your ship might not be the best, but you will eventually have better ones.
Navigating the Star Map
The star map shows you different planets, moons, and systems you can travel to. Start by exploring the nearby systems and complete the quests on them. The star map can also provide you with important information on the planets. You need to make sure you’ve enough fuel to reach the destination. So keep a check on the fuel gauge.
Fighting in Space
Space battles are intense! Use your ship’s weapons and shields to take down enemy ships. Target the enemy’s engines and weapons, and take them down. When the enemy shields are low, unleash your weapons to get them down. Maneuvering is also important during space fights, as it helps to evade incoming missiles.
Boarding Ships
You can board enemy ships and loot them for valuable items. Be prepared to fight a bit before taking the ship down. Boarding ships can be a great way to get new ships or some rare loot. The most important aspect of boarding a ship is to disable its engine, before you can dock it.
Skills and Character Progression
As you play, you’ll earn experience and level up. Use your skill points to improve your character. Here are some essential skill categories to focus on in the early game:
Combat Skills
Improve your proficiency in different weapon types. Investing in combat skills will increase your effectiveness during battles. Combat skills like Ballistics, or Stealth, will significantly help you in your adventure.
Technology Skills
Skills like security and piloting are important, they allow you to progress through quests and to open locked doors or terminals. You should put some skill points in this category early in the game.
Physical Skills
This category will help you improve your overall survivability. Having better skills in this category can increase your health and stamina, as well as give you some other passive benefits.
Social Skills
Skills like persuasion and intimidation can help you resolve quests peacefully. This can also help you get extra benefits from the NPCs. Investing some early skill points can give you some bonuses during conversations.
Making Money (Credits)
Credits are the currency in Starfield, and you’ll need them for everything from buying weapons and ships, to crafting and upgrading your gear. Here are some ways to earn some:
Completing Quests
Quests often reward you with credits. The main quests will give you a lot of credits. Side quests are also a reliable source of income in early game. Always complete quests to earn some credits.
Selling Loot
Vendors will buy almost anything you have to sell. Sell weapons, items, crafting materials, and even junk to get some extra credits. Keep an eye on the prices that vendors offer for certain items. If they are not good enough, you can simply travel to a different vendor.
Mining Resources
Mining is a great way to gather resources and sell them for profit. Planets are full of different resources that you can mine. By scanning planets, you will see what resources are available to you. You can either sell the resources or use them for your own crafting needs.
Bounty Hunting
Accepting bounty missions can be a fun way to earn money. Bounty hunting missions are available on mission boards found on planets and spaceports. This is also a fun way to test your combat skills as you will face various enemies on the way.
Surveying Planets
Scan and survey different planets to sell the survey data to vendors. Surveying planets is also a great way to earn experience and upgrade your skills. If you like exploring, then it’s the best way to earn credits.
Managing Inventory and Resources
You have limited storage space in your character’s inventory and your ship’s cargo hold. Here’s how to manage it effectively:
Storing Items in Your Ship
Use your ship’s cargo hold to store extra weapons, armor, and crafting materials. You can access your cargo hold from your ship or in some cities/stations as well. Storing items in your ship will help keep your inventory light.
Using the Player Home
You can get a player home after a certain part in the main story. This can provide unlimited storage, and can be used to keep your items safe. You can also start decorating your home. This is the best option if you don’t want to lose your valuable items.
Prioritizing Items
Decide what items are essential and what are not. You don’t need to carry everything with you. Prioritize what is important to you and your playstyle. You can also use the crafting and upgrade items to mod your weapons and gear, instead of just storing it.
Remember, the early game in Starfield is all about learning the ropes and finding your footing. Don’t be afraid to experiment, explore, and make mistakes. Every journey is different, and yours is just beginning. Take your time to learn the mechanics and enjoy this massive game!
Starfield Tips And Tricks That Will Make You Overpowered Early (Starfield Things To Do First)
Final Thoughts
Focus on main questline first; doing so provides valuable experience and early game resources. Prioritize upgrading your ship’s grav drive so you can travel to more systems. Engage in simple resource gathering missions to gain credits and crafting components.
Choosing the right skills early significantly impacts your character’s progression. Invest in piloting and combat skills to improve your survivability. These strategies will greatly improve your early game experience in Starfield. Follow these suggestions, and you’ll have a strong start.
In summary, these ‘Starfield the best strategies for early game’ include quest priority, grav drive upgrades, resource collection and smart skill choices; these steps guarantee good progress.



