Focus on completing the main story quests initially to gain essential gear and access to key locations. Prioritize acquiring skills in combat, stealth, and persuasion for diverse gameplay options. Also, engage with factions to open up quest lines and rewards.
So, you’ve just dropped into the vast expanse of Starfield, and the possibilities feel endless. But where do you begin? This Starfield what to focus on early game guide will give you a great starting point. It’s easy to get lost in side quests, but you can achieve a lot by focusing on the most rewarding activities first.
Starfield What to Focus on Early Game Guide
Alright, space explorers! You’ve just jumped into the vast universe of Starfield, and it can feel a little overwhelming at first. So many planets, so many quests, and so much to see! Don’t worry, we’re here to help you get a great start. This guide will walk you through the important things to focus on in the early hours of the game, making sure you build a strong foundation for your interstellar journey. We’ll talk about which skills to pick, where to go, and how to make the most of your time among the stars. Get ready, let’s launch!
Choosing Your Background and Traits
The first big decision you’ll make in Starfield is choosing your background and up to three traits. These choices impact your starting skills and can even open up special dialogue options later on. It’s not about getting the perfect combination, but more about picking something that fits your playstyle and what you think sounds fun!
Backgrounds: Your Starting Point
Your background determines your initial three skills. Here are some recommendations for new players:
- Explorer: This is a great all-around option. It gives you skills in survey, astrodynamics (better space travel) and laser weapons. It’s a good choice if you like to see everything the game has to offer.
- Combat Medic: If you think you’ll be doing a lot of fighting but also like helping people, this background gives you skills in medicine, pistol and laser weapons.
- Industrialist: This background is for builders and resource gatherers, with skills in persuasion, crafting and outpost engineering.
- Bounty Hunter: Combat heavy option that offers piloting, targeting control systems and ballistic weapons
Don’t overthink it too much. Most skills can be learned later, no matter your background! Your starting skills just give you a little head start.
Traits: The Little Extras
Traits give you unique advantages and disadvantages. You can pick up to three, and they can really change the way you play. Here are some helpful ones to consider:
- Taskmaster: Makes your crew better while also making you worse. A good option if you like to have crew members.
- Kid Stuff: Your parents are alive and sometimes visit. A lighthearted choice with some interesting interactions.
- Empath: If a companion likes you, they fight harder. A good pick if you plan on keeping a crew.
- Introvert: You are better when playing alone. A good pick if you don’t plan on keeping crew.
Be sure to read the descriptions carefully. Some traits have some hefty drawbacks, so choose those you can deal with! Don’t worry if you don’t like your choices – you can always start a new game later.
Early Quest Priorities
Starfield has a lot to do right from the beginning. However, some quests are much better to start on than others. Here’s how to prioritize your time:
Main Story: Following the Path
The main story quests in Starfield are a great place to begin. These quests are introduced fairly soon and are clearly defined as “main story” tasks. They guide you to new locations, introduce important characters, and reward you with useful gear and abilities. Focus on progressing the main quests for the first few hours of playing.
The early story missions will have you exploring different settlements, completing short tasks that will familiarize you with the game’s mechanics, and give you useful weapons, spacesuits, and ship parts. It’s a fantastic way to see a bit of everything Starfield has to offer.
Factions: Joining the Ranks
Don’t put off joining a faction! The first faction you are likely to encounter is Constellation, and you will be invited to join after completing a few initial missions. Joining a faction early on offers you a large number of side quests which often will net you decent rewards, gear, and credits. Faction quests are often engaging and fun, and they provide a great change of pace from the main quests. They can help you learn about different areas of the galaxy as well. Faction quests are a good way to level up your character and get comfortable with combat, resource gathering, and interacting with other characters.
Side Quests: Finding Your Own Way
While you should focus on the main story and early faction missions, don’t be afraid to check out the side quests you see in cities and settlements. Some of them are really fun and rewarding. Keep an eye out for characters with unique names who have side quests available, they are usually worth your time. The side quests can teach you new game mechanics and provide valuable resources.
Skills to Invest In
Leveling up is key to improving your character in Starfield. Here’s a look at skills you should try to unlock early:
The Importance of Early Skills
Some skills will be more beneficial than others early in your playthrough. Some will assist you in combat, others with exploration, and some with building and crafting. These early skills help make you a more effective explorer, fighter, and spacefarer. So pick the ones that match your playstyle, but try to get a good mix.
- Boost Pack Training: This is a must-have skill for getting around faster and climbing to new areas. If you don’t have a Boost pack it is worth investing in.
- Piloting: Improving your piloting will allow you to fly better ships, which will make a huge difference as you go further in the game.
- Security: As you go to different planets, you will often find things that require a security level to unlock, increasing your security skill will mean you can get past these areas.
- Ballistics or Laser Weapons: Whichever one matches your playstyle, investing early on in this skill will improve your ability to fight enemies.
- Persuasion: This is incredibly useful for getting out of sticky situations. Sometimes it’s better to talk your way out of a fight instead of shooting your way out.
- Medicine: You will take damage and this skill will make it easier to heal yourself and be ready for the next fight.
How to Prioritize
Don’t try to max out everything at once. Focus on a few skills that really help you with how you like to play. A mix of combat, exploration, and social skills usually works best. It’s fine to experiment and see what feels good for you. Remember, you can always respec (change your skill points) later if you find that your choices are not working out.
Ship Management and Space Travel
Your ship is your home in Starfield. So it’s important to take care of it and keep upgrading it.
Ship Upgrades: Improving Your Ride
You will want to upgrade your ship as soon as you can. Upgraded shields, weapons, and engines are very helpful for fights, exploring, and getting around. Here are some recommended upgrades to look out for:
- Shields: Stronger shields will keep you alive longer in combat.
- Weapons: More powerful weapons will help you take down enemy ships quickly.
- Engines: Faster engines will get you where you are going more quickly.
- Grav Drive: Increasing your grav drive will allow you to jump to areas farther away.
Talk to ship technicians at spaceports to see what parts you can buy and how to customize your ship. Make sure to try out different combinations of parts for your ship to make it work best for you.
Navigating Space: Planning Your Route
Space travel can be a little tricky at first. Here are some tips for exploring space:
- Plan your jumps: Look at the galaxy map before you jump. Make sure you have enough fuel to get where you want to go.
- Scan planets: Scanning planets can reveal resources, unique locations, and new quests.
- Take care of your ship: If you get into a lot of space battles, remember to repair your ship after.
Exploring different planets is a big part of the fun, but sometimes you might need to return to a spaceport to upgrade your ship or replenish your ammo.
Gathering Resources and Crafting
Resources are very important in Starfield. They’re used for crafting, building outposts, and upgrading your equipment. Let’s take a look at how to get them!
Scanning Planets and Collecting Resources
You will find resources on planet surfaces by scanning them. Look for places that are easy to land, then hop out of your ship and scan! Each planet will have different resources available. You can scan plants, rocks, and other items. If you see something that can be scanned, go for it. It may lead to more loot later.
- Use your scanner: Your scanner is your best friend for finding resources.
- Look for resource markers: On your scanner, there will be markers that indicate an area with certain resources. Try to go to one or two on each planet.
- Harvest resources: Once you’ve found a resource, use your cutter to harvest them.
Crafting and Research
You can use resources to craft items and research new projects. This can give you a big advantage in combat and exploration. Here’s how to get started:
- Find workbenches: Workbenches are located at most cities and outposts. You’ll need them to craft items.
- Research new projects: At research stations you can discover new ways to craft better gear and upgrade your suit and weapons.
- Start small: Focus on crafting items that will help you right now. Better armor, med kits, ammo, and food are always good choices.
Don’t hoard your resources. If you find you are running low, return to planets you have previously scanned or try new ones that are nearby. Keep an eye out for resources when exploring. They are very valuable, and help you craft the best gear.
Combat Basics
Combat is a frequent part of Starfield. Here’s a quick rundown to help you survive:
Understanding Combat Mechanics
Starfield’s combat can be challenging at first. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Use cover: Don’t just run out into the open. Use walls and objects to protect yourself from attacks.
- Aim for weak points: Headshots and weak point hits do extra damage.
- Use different weapon types: Try different weapons to see what you like. A rifle, pistol, and shotgun are useful for multiple different ranges.
- Move around: Don’t stand still! Keep moving to make yourself a harder target to hit.
- Check your ammo: Remember to reload! There is nothing worse than being out of ammo in the middle of a fight.
- Check your health: Remember to use med kits or food if you get low on health.
Choosing the Right Gear
You will find all types of different gear in the game. Weapons, armor, helmets, and more. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:
- Weapon Damage: Find guns that have a high damage. Always use the best weapon available to you.
- Armor Rating: Armor will help keep you alive longer. Pick a suit that has decent defensive stats.
- Helmet rating: Helmets, similar to armor, will help you not die. Look for one that has good stats and fits your playstyle.
Making Money
Credits, Starfield’s form of currency, are important for buying ships, resources, and upgrades. Here are some ways to make money early in the game:
Completing Quests
The easiest way to earn cash is to complete quests. Every quest will reward you with credits. Even small ones add up over time. Always keep an eye out for people who have quests for you. Many are simple and easy and will net you some cash.
Selling Loot
You will find plenty of gear and loot as you explore. Much of it you won’t need. Sell this to merchants at spaceports and cities. It is a great way to make some extra credits.
Exploration
Exploring new areas will often lead to you finding credits and other items you can sell. There are many secrets and hidden areas that will lead to treasures. You’ll never know what is around the next corner.
By focusing on these key aspects of Starfield early on, you’ll set yourself up for a successful and enjoyable journey through the stars. Remember to take your time, explore, and have fun! The universe is waiting, and there are so many new things to experience.
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Final Thoughts
Focus on main quests first. Completing them grants vital resources and experience. Skill points should go into piloting and combat skills early on. These make survival much easier.
Prioritize exploring established areas. Loot containers and gather resources whenever possible. Selling excess items offers crucial early-game credits, helping you purchase better gear.
Remember, Starfield what to focus on early game guide emphasizes main quest progression and skill investments, and basic resource collection. These activities set you up for success.
