The best methods to start Starfield involve choosing your desired background, completing the initial story missions, and exploring nearby planets for resources and quests.
Embarking on a new adventure can be daunting, especially when it’s as vast as Bethesda’s latest epic. Figuring out where to begin can feel overwhelming for many players. With so many choices presented right at the outset, players often wonder, “Starfield what are the best methods to start?”
The game presents several options, but focusing on the main story and simple exploration early on makes a big difference. This approach helps build your character and get a feel for gameplay systems before tackling more complex tasks.
Starfield: What Are the Best Methods to Start?
So, you’re ready to jump into the vast universe of Starfield! That’s fantastic. But with so much to do and explore, it can feel a little overwhelming at first. Don’t worry, though! This guide will walk you through some of the best ways to begin your space adventure and help you get a strong start.
Choosing Your Background and Traits: Shaping Your Character
Before you even set foot on a planet, Starfield asks you to make some important choices that impact your gameplay: your background and your traits. This is more than just picking a name and a hairstyle. It’s about choosing a little bit of your story and the skills you’ll begin with. Think of it like picking a class in other role-playing games, but with more flexibility.
Understanding Backgrounds
Backgrounds are like your character’s past career. Each one provides a set of three starting skills. For instance:
- Bounty Hunter: Starts with Piloting, Targeting Control Systems, and Fitness. Great for combat-focused players.
- Explorer: Starts with Surveying, Astrodynamics, and Geology. A fantastic pick for players who want to scan and learn about the planets.
- Diplomat: Starts with Persuasion, Commerce, and Wellness. This is a good choice for people who want to talk their way out of situations.
It’s good to consider how you envision playing the game. Do you picture yourself as a gun-slinging space ranger, a sneaky thief, or a smooth-talking negotiator? Your background will influence how easily you can progress with different gameplay styles right from the beginning.
Considering Traits
Traits are extra characteristics you select that offer a benefit, but often come with a slight drawback. They’re like little bonuses or challenges that add depth to your playthrough. Here’s a glimpse at some traits:
- Introvert: You’re more effective when adventuring solo, but less so with companions.
- Extrovert: The opposite of Introvert, you’re better with companions but not as good alone.
- Taskmaster: Your crew’s health is increased, but you get less experience from your own actions.
You can select up to three traits, and you can always remove one at the start to avoid any unwanted challenges. Think carefully about how you want to play when choosing. They can really change the game.
Respeccing Your Skills
It is important to know that, later in the game, you can change these choices slightly. You can reassign skills using points as you level up. So, while this decision is important for your start, it is not permanent. You are not locked into anything.
Early Game Priorities: What to Focus On First
After creating your character, you’ll be dropped into the thick of things. There’s a lot to learn, so having a focus can help. Here are some key priorities for your early game.
Understanding the Main Questline
The main story in Starfield provides a structure to your exploration. It also teaches you about the different mechanics of the game. Following the main story is not only enjoyable; it also introduces you to important locations and characters. This helps you navigate this massive world.
- Visit the Lodge: It’s in New Atlantis. This is a hub for the main story and a great place to get quests and gear.
- Meet the Constellation crew: They are the first group of people you will encounter. You will learn many of the core mechanics through them.
Gathering Resources
Resources are essential for crafting, upgrading, and even building outposts. Pay attention to what you collect.
- Scanning: Use your scanner on all the rocks, plants, and creatures you find. This will not only help you find resources, but will also help you learn about the planet.
- Mining: Find minerals and mine them. You can find many of these on the starting planets.
- Looting: Don’t be shy about exploring containers and defeated enemies. You’ll often find valuable items and resources.
Managing Your Inventory
Your inventory space is limited, so manage it carefully. Here are some important things to keep in mind.
- Weight: Different items have different weights. Check what the carry limit is before picking up more items.
- Storage: You can find storage in your spaceship, at your home base, and at shops.
- Organizing: Try to keep your resources organized to make crafting and upgrading easier.
Space Exploration and Combat: Navigating the Stars
A huge part of Starfield is exploring space and the planets. This can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to know the basics to have a smoother time.
Learning to Fly
Piloting your ship is the main way you move around the galaxy. There are a few important steps when piloting:
- Take Off and Landing: It may seem basic, but mastering take-offs and landings is the first step to becoming a good pilot.
- Grav Jumping: Jumping between solar systems can be scary at first. But with practice you can travel across the star system easily.
- Ship Customization: Over time you will be able to buy and customize your ship. Experiment with different parts.
Engaging in Space Combat
Space combat can be challenging at first, but it is a very rewarding part of the game.
- Targeting: Use the targeting system to focus on different ship parts, like shields or engines.
- Using Boost: Boost is your friend when it comes to chasing and avoiding damage.
- Upgrading Weapons: Make sure to upgrade your ship’s weapons as you play the game, this will help with tougher enemies later.
Planet Exploration
Planets in Starfield can be large. Here are some tips for smoother exploration:
- Scanning: Scan everything to learn about the resources and life on the planets.
- Outposts: Build outposts to collect resources automatically, this makes gathering resources easier.
- Safe Zones: Use shelters to rest and recover before exploring more dangerous regions.
Character Growth: Skills and Leveling
As you explore and do quests, you will get experience and level up. Your levels allow you to get new skills that are very important to get as you play.
Skill Progression
Your skill system will influence your style of play. Here are a few skills that are recommended to get first.
- Boost Pack Training: The ability to use a boost pack adds movement, it helps with mobility in combat and exploration.
- Security: This will help you with picking locks and accessing different places.
- Stealth: For the sneaky players, this skill is very powerful to avoid getting into fights.
- Persuasion: If you want to talk your way out of situations, this skill is a must-have.
Leveling Up Effectively
When you level up, make sure you use your skill points wisely.
- Plan Your Build: Think about how you want to play the game when spending your skill points.
- Don’t spread thin: Focus on skills that fit your main style of play.
- Explore the system: There are a lot of different skills, try out different ones for different playthroughs.
Side Quests and Factions: Expanding Your Story
Starfield’s universe has a ton of side content. Side quests and factions add a lot to the game. Here’s why you should invest in them.
The Value of Side Quests
Side quests aren’t just filler. They often lead to rewards, lore, and new experiences.
- Rewards: Most side quests have rewards, including items, credits, and experience.
- Story: Side quests give more information about the world and the people who live in it.
- Variety: Side quests offer different styles of gameplay that help you with your skills.
Joining Factions
Factions offer unique questlines and benefits. Consider joining one or two that match your style.
- Benefits: Each faction has its own rewards and benefits, like discounts and unique quests.
- Story: Factions provide deeper lore about the different groups within the galaxy.
- Playthroughs: You can join multiple factions over multiple playthroughs.
How To Get The Best Possible Start in Starfield
Final Thoughts
For a strong beginning in Starfield, prioritize the main quest early. This grants access to crucial resources and skills.
Engage with side content thoughtfully; these quests often offer valuable gear and experience. Pick a background that complements your play style. This helps shape character development.
Careful resource management is also important. Exploring different locations efficiently will help you. Therefore, consider these options when thinking about ‘Starfield what are the best methods to start’.



