When starting out in Starfield, focus on character customization and skill allocation to have a better kickstart. Exploring the game's vast universe is also important, so investing in reliable ships and understanding its mechanics can make a significant difference in your Starfield experience.

A well-prepared character will be more adaptable to various challenges, and a reliable spacecraft will allow for more efficient exploration and combat. These 15 foundational tips below will help you get started in Starfield.

Things To Do	Instructions
Join a Faction	Research, align, join, engage.
Recruit All Crewmembers	Identify NPCs, talk, recruit, make room.
Increase Your Carryweight	Check limit, invest skills, find mods, use ship storage.
Learn to Trade	Find hubs, study market, buy/sell goods.
Become a Pirate	Learn piracy, get ship, find targets, engage.
Invest in Weapons	Identify needs, research, acquire, test.
Equip Scanner	Equip, scan, analyze, act.
Stock Up on Digipicks	Find locks, acquire Digipicks, carry multiple, use wisely.
Steal a New Ship	Learn classes, improve skill, do 'Mantis' quest, get ship.
Upgrade Your Ship	Learn classes, choose class, do quests, upgrade systems.
Explore Nearby Planets	Check map, prioritize, prepare, explore.
Use Fast Travel	Find points, weigh costs, use sparingly, confirm.
Mark Missions	Open menu, find logs, mark objective, follow path.
Sleep Before Missions	Find spot, sleep, activate perk.
Follow Up With Activities	Check tab, evaluate, complete, claim rewards.

Join a Faction

1. Research Factions: Learn about the different factions available in the game.
2. Align Interests: Choose a faction that aligns with your character's skills and interests.
3. Initiate Membership: Complete the initial quests or tasks required to join the faction.
4. Engage in Faction Activities: Participate in faction-specific missions and events.

Joining a faction early in the game can provide you with unique missions, rewards, and a sense of belonging in the Starfield universe. Take some time to research the different factions available and see which one aligns with your character's skills and interests. Each faction will have its own set of requirements for joining, usually involving completing an initial quest or task.

Once you're a member, you'll have access to faction-specific missions, events, and rewards. These can range from unique weapons and gear to valuable information and allies. Being part of a faction can significantly enrich your Starfield experience, offering a deeper layer of engagement and opportunities.

Recruit All Crewmembers

1. Identify Named NPCs: Look for named NPCs during quests.
2. Engage in Dialogue: Exhaust their dialogue options.
3. Check for Recruitment: See if the NPC offers an option to recruit them.
4. Make Room on Ship: Ensure your ship has enough space for new crew members.

Recruiting crew members adds depth to your Starfield experience. The article suggests that players should look for named NPCs during quests, as these are often recruitable companions. Engage in dialogue with these NPCs and exhaust all their dialogue options to see if they offer a recruitment option.

Once you identify recruitable companions, make sure your ship has enough space to accommodate them. Recruiting a diverse crew can offer unique dialogue options and may even unlock special quests or provide gameplay advantages, making it a worthwhile endeavor.

Increase Your Carryweight

• Identify Weight Limit: Check your current carrying capacity or mass limit.
• Invest in Skills: Use skill points to increase your carrying capacity.
• Find Mods: Look for mods that can increase your spacesuit's carrying capacity.
• Use Ship Storage: Store items in your ship if it has enough Cargo Hold mass.

Managing your carryweight is crucial in Starfield, especially given the game's loot-heavy nature. The article advises players to invest skill points in physical traits or find mods for their spacesuits to increase carrying capacity. This is particularly useful for players who like to pick up every item they come across.

Your ship can also serve as additional storage. Check if your ship has enough Cargo Hold mass to spare and use it to store items that you don't immediately need. This allows you to continue looting without being burdened by weight limitations.

Learn to Trade

1. Identify Trade Hubs: Locate major trading hubs in different systems.
2. Study the Market: Understand the demand and supply for various goods.
3. Invest in Goods: Buy low-demand goods in one system to sell in another.
4. Engage in Trade: Visit different trade hubs to sell your goods at a higher price.

Trading is another way to make a living in the Starfield universe. The article advises players to identify major trading hubs in different systems and study the market to understand the demand and supply for various goods. This knowledge will allow you to make informed decisions when buying and selling items.

Once you've studied the market, invest in goods that are in low demand in one system but high demand in another. Transport these goods to different trade hubs and sell them at a higher price. This can be a lucrative way to earn currency, especially if you become adept at identifying profitable trade routes.

Become a Pirate

1. Learn About Piracy: Research in-game lore and mechanics related to piracy.
2. Acquire a Suitable Ship: Choose a ship that is well-equipped for piracy.
3. Find Targets: Identify vulnerable ships or locations that are ripe for piracy.
4. Engage in Piracy: Attack and loot the targets, but be prepared for the consequences.

Embracing the pirate lifestyle is an option in Starfield, and the article suggests that players can choose this path for a different kind of gameplay experience. To become a pirate, you'll first need to understand the in-game mechanics related to piracy, such as how to identify vulnerable targets and what kind of loot you can expect.

Choosing the right ship is crucial for a successful piracy career. Opt for a ship that is well-equipped for combat and has enough storage for loot. Once you've acquired a suitable ship, identify vulnerable targets and engage in piracy. However, be prepared for the consequences, as piracy can make you a wanted individual in certain systems.

Invest in Weapons

1. Identify Needs: Determine what types of combat you'll be engaging in most frequently.
2. Research Options: Look into the different types of weapons available.
3. Acquire Resources: Gather the necessary currency or materials to purchase or craft weapons.
4. Test and Tweak: After acquiring new weapons, test them out and make any necessary adjustments.

Starfield offers a plethora of weapons to suit various combat styles. Whether you prefer long-range sniping or up-close melee combat, there's something for everyone. Start by identifying what types of combat situations you'll find yourself in most often, and then research the weapons that are best suited for those scenarios.

Once you've made your choices, the next step is to acquire these weapons. This could involve purchasing them from vendors, crafting them yourself, or even looting them from defeated enemies. After you've acquired new weapons, spend some time testing them out and making any necessary adjustments to ensure they're a good fit for your combat style.

Equip Scanner

1. Equip Scanner: Make sure your scanner is equipped and ready to use.
2. Scan Environments: Use your scanner to identify resources, enemies, and points of interest.
3. Analyze Data: Review the data collected to make informed decisions.
4. Act Accordingly: Use the information to avoid threats or locate valuable resources.

Your scanner is an invaluable tool in Starfield, according to the article. It can be used to identify resources, enemies, and other points of interest in your immediate environment. Make sure your scanner is equipped and use it frequently to scan your surroundings.

The data collected by your scanner can be crucial for your survival and success. Review the data to make informed decisions, such as avoiding potential threats or locating valuable resources. The scanner can also help you find hidden treasures or shortcuts, making it a must-use tool for any player.

Stock Up on Digipicks

1. Identify Lockpick Locations: Keep an eye out for locked safes or doors that require Digipicks.
2. Purchase or Craft Digipicks: Acquire Digipicks through vendors or crafting.
3. Carry Multiple Digipicks: Always have a good supply in your inventory.
4. Use Wisely: Use Digipicks when you encounter valuable loot behind locked safes.

Digipicks are essential items for lockpicking in Starfield. As you explore, you'll come across locked safes and doors that may contain valuable loot. To unlock these, you'll need Digipicks, which can be purchased from vendors or crafted.

It's advisable to carry multiple Digipicks in your inventory as they are consumed upon use, regardless of whether the lockpicking attempt is successful or not. Having a good supply ensures that you won't miss out on valuable loot.

Steal a New Ship

1. Identify Ship Classes: Learn about the different classes of ships and their pros and cons.
2. Improve Piloting Skill: Invest skill points in your Piloting skill.
3. Complete 'Mantis' Quest: This quest can be picked up by looting a 'Secret Outpost' slate from any Spacer.
4. Acquire New Ship: Complete the quest to get a new ship and some gear.

If you're looking to upgrade your ship early in the game, the article recommends completing the 'Mantis' quest. This quest can be picked up by looting a 'Secret Outpost' slate from any Spacer and will lead you to a new ship and some gear.

While you may be under-leveled for this quest, it's still doable and offers a significant reward. Don't forget to invest some skill points into your Piloting skill to handle better ships later on. This new ship will serve you well while you save up for an even better one.

Related: Best Ship in Starfield

Upgrade Your Ship

1. Identify Ship Classes: Learn about the different classes of ships available.
2. Choose a Class: Opt for B or C-Class ships for a more robust experience.
3. Complete Quests: Undertake quests that reward you with powerful ships.
4. Upgrade Systems: Focus on upgrading your ship's weapons and shields.

Your ship is your primary mode of travel in Starfield, and upgrading it is crucial for a better gameplay experience. The article recommends looking for B or C-Class ships at spaceports for a more robust experience. Some quests even offer powerful ships as rewards.

Upgrading your ship's systems, especially the weapons, is essential if you plan on engaging in space combat. The article mentions that upgrading is cheaper than you might think, so don't hesitate to invest in better shields, guns, and aesthetics for your ship.

Explore Nearby Planets

1. Consult Your Map: Open your star map to see the planets within your immediate vicinity.
2. Prioritize: Choose planets that are relevant to your current quests or interests.
3. Prepare for the Journey: Stock up on fuel, weapons, and supplies.
4. Land and Explore: Once you arrive, begin your exploration cautiously, keeping an eye out for resources and points of interest.

In the expansive universe of Starfield, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the number of planets you can explore. To make your journey more manageable, start by focusing on the planets that are closest to your starting location. Open your star map, prioritize planets based on your current quests or interests, and prepare for your journey by stocking up on essential supplies.

Landing on a new planet is always a thrilling experience, but it's important to proceed with caution. Keep an eye out for valuable resources, hostile entities, and points of interest that could be crucial for your quests or character development. Take your time to explore and understand the unique aspects of each planet.

Use Fast Travel

1. Identify Fast Travel Points: Familiarize yourself with fast travel points on the map.
2. Weigh the Costs: Consider the fuel and time costs associated with fast travel.
3. Use Sparingly: Opt for fast travel only when absolutely necessary.
4. Confirm Destination: Double-check your destination before confirming the fast travel.

Fast travel is a convenient feature in Starfield, but it comes with its own set of costs, including fuel and time. Familiarize yourself with the fast travel points available on your map and weigh the costs associated with using this feature.

While it may be tempting to use fast travel frequently, it's advisable to use it sparingly. Opt for fast travel only when the benefits outweigh the costs, such as when you need to quickly return to a previously visited location for a mission. Always double-check your destination before confirming to avoid any costly mistakes.

Mark Missions

1. Open Stats Menu: Navigate to the Stats Menu in the game.
2. Locate Mission Logs: Find the mission logs section.
3. Designate Objective: Mark your current mission objective.
4. Follow Virtual Path: A virtual path will guide you to your next mission-related destination.

Starfield allows players to undertake multiple missions simultaneously. To keep track of your objectives, it's crucial to mark your current mission. Open the Stats Menu and locate the mission logs section, where you can designate your current objective.

By marking your mission, a virtual path will appear on your scanner, guiding you toward your next mission-related destination. This feature is particularly useful in preventing disorientation and ensuring that you efficiently complete your missions.

Sleep Before Missions

1. Find a Safe Spot: Locate a safe area where you can sleep.
2. Sleep for an Hour: Rest your character for at least one hour in the game.
3. Activate Well-Rested Perk: Gain the "Well-Rested" perk, which boosts your XP gain by 10%.

Sleeping before missions in Starfield can give you a significant advantage by activating the "Well-Rested" perk, which boosts your XP gain by 10%. Find a safe spot in the game where you can let your character rest for at least an hour.

While the effect of the perk won't last long, it's beneficial to activate it before engaging in mainline missions or farming activities. This simple action can help you level up faster and gain an edge in your gameplay.

Follow Up With Activities

• Check Activity Tab: Look for side quests in the Activity tab of your menu.
• Evaluate Rewards: Consider the potential rewards for each activity.
• Accept and Complete: Choose activities that offer unique items or additional Credits.
• Claim Rewards: Complete the activities and claim your rewards.

In Starfield, side quests that appear in the Activity tab can offer valuable rewards. While these missions may initially seem unimportant based on their titles, many of them provide unique items and additional Credits for minimal effort.

Always check the Activity tab in your menu and evaluate the potential rewards for each listed activity. Choose those that align with your current needs and objectives, complete them, and claim your rewards. This is an easy way to accumulate valuable items and Credits.