In Starfield, a big war called the Colony War happened 20 years ago, and it changed how these factions feel about each other. Joining a faction is one of the first things to do in Starfield. You might not become the leader, but you can still learn all faction stories and pick sides.

There are a total of 5 main factions in Starfield. They are Constellation, Ryujin Industries, United Colonies, Freestar Collective, and Crimson Fleet. You can choose to join or fight against these and your choices will affect how these factions see you, and you can join and explore any faction's story.

Constellation

Constellation stands as the beacon of space exploration. Based in New Atlantis on Jemison, this faction is driven by the quest for knowledge, especially about mysterious artifacts that are believed to be mythical. Players will initially find themselves as part of Constellation, led by the ex-soldier Sarah Morgan. This affiliation offers a vantage point to explore other factions or to deepen ties with Constellation's crew.

• Description: Constellation is a central faction in the game and is heavily tied to the main story. Players automatically join this faction as part of the main narrative.
• How to Join: Players join Constellation automatically during the main story. They need to travel to the Lodge in New Atlantis’ MAST District after leaving Vectera and speak with Sarah Morgan. After a discussion about artifacts, players are inducted as new members.
• Quest Focus: The missions associated with Constellation make up the main story quests, and players need to complete them to progress in the game.
• Notable Members: Sarah Morgan, Barrett, Noel, Matteo, Walter, Vlad, and Sam Coe.

Ryujin Industries

Ryujin Industries controls the neon-lit cities on Neon in the Volii System. What began as a humble fishing platform has now transformed into a pleasure city known throughout the settled systems. Players can join this mega-corporation and experience the glitz and glamour of Neon City.

• Description: Neon's premier corporation. The questline for this faction delves into corporate espionage and reveals some dark business practices.
• How to Join: Players can join early in the game by traveling to New Atlantis’ Commercial District and interacting with a red kiosk to apply to Ryujin Industries. The next phase takes place in Neon on Volii Alpha, where players meet their new boss, Imelde.
• Quest Focus: The questline revolves around corporate espionage, with missions that uncover the darker side of business in the Starfield universe.
• Key Locations: Neon.

United Colonies

The United Colonies represent a coalition of various colonies that once clashed with the Freestar Collective during the Colony War. With New Atlantis as its capital, this faction is a blend of diverse races, ethnicities, and beliefs. They pride themselves on their legacy, considering themselves the "true children of Earth." Their vast territories include Cydonia on Mars and Pontem in the Wolf system. Envisioned as a utopian space republic, the United Colonies stand as the most powerful military and political entity in the game.

• Description: Associated with the marines, the UC Vanguard offers a variety of mission types and provides insight into the conflicts that shaped the game's lore.
• How to Join: Players head to MAST Headquarters in New Atlantis and speak with Commander John Tuala to express interest in joining the marines. After a series of tests, players are inducted into the faction.
• Quest Focus: The questline provides a mix of objectives, from combat missions to lore exploration, shedding light on the game's backstory.
• Key Locations: New Atlantis (largest city in Starfield) and Cydonia on Mars.

Freestar Collective

The Freestar Collective stands for individual freedom and autonomy. Originating from the walled Akila City, this faction once waged war against the United Colonies in the Colony War and now prioritizes the well-being of their own, calling themselves as "peacekeepers.". Their belief in individual rights and freedom is evident in their governance and policies. Players can join the Freestar Collective rangers and play a role in upholding the law in their Wild West-inspired town.

• Description: This faction allows players to delve into crime investigations and political conspiracies within the game.
• How to Join: In Akila City on Akila, players need to diffuse a situation at a bank during the “Empty Nest” main mission. Afterward, they meet Emma at The Rock bar, who introduces them to the Freestar Rangers.
• Quest Focus: The questline starts with crime investigations but evolves into a political conspiracy narrative, offering players a mix of action and intrigue.
• Key Locations: Akila City, home to the alien species, the Ashta.

Crimson Fleet

The Crimson Fleet challenges the dominance of the United Colonies, and "The Key" space station is their base in the Kyrx System, which serves as a testament to their defiance. For players who like risky adventures, Crimson Fleet has a life of piracy. These space pirates are known for raiding Starfield spaceships. However, players can choose to align with them and still maintain a moral compass by acting as undercover informants. Their motto suggests a life of loyalty and commitment: "The only way out is in death."

• Description: Offering a pirate fantasy experience, the Crimson Fleet questline revolves around treasure hunting and navigating the complexities of piracy.
• How to Join: Players need to progress the Vanguard story to unlock the “Deep Cover” mission, which allows them to join the Crimson Fleet. This mission involves going undercover to infiltrate the fleet.
• Quest Focus: The questline centers on the search for a grand treasure and the challenges of balancing pirate activities with other faction relationships.
• Key Locations: The Key space station in the Kyrx System.

Other Factions

• House of Va’ruun: Space zealot cult.
• Enlightened: Religious group.
• The Red Mile: "Runners" from Porrima III.
• Sanctum Universum: Church of the Universal.
• Great Serpent worshippers: Another space religious sect.
• Ecliptic Mercenaries: Mercenary group.
• Spacers: Marauders.