Starbound
Starbound

Companion System — Starbound Guide

Master Starbound's companion system. Recruit unique crew members and pets to aid your exploration and combat across the galaxy. Enhance ship functionality.

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Companion System

The vast, procedurally generated universe of Starbound can be a lonely place, but you don't have to face its dangers alone! The Companion System allows you to recruit several allies, from loyal crew members to combat-ready pets, each offering unique benefits to your exploration, combat, and even your ship's functionality. This guide will walk you through acquiring, managing, and optimizing your companion roster.

Recruiting Your First Companions

Your journey to building a formidable crew begins early. Many companions are acquired through quests or by interacting with NPCs in settlements.

Crew Members

Crew members are essential for upgrading your ship and providing passive bonuses. They can be recruited from various racial settlements and outposts once certain conditions are met.

  • Racial Settlements: Visit villages and cities of different races (e.g., Human Colonies, Avian Temples, Glitch Castles, Hylotl Cities, Floran Hunting Grounds, Apex Research Labs, Novakid Saloons). Look for NPCs with a "Recruit" dialogue option.
  • Outpost: The main Outpost is a hub for many early-game quests that lead to crew recruitment. Complete quests for characters like Esther Bright or the various vendors, and you'll often find new recruits appearing on your ship or in the Outpost.
  • Specific Quests:
    • "The Erchius Mining Facility" (Main Story Quest): Completing this quest unlocks the ability to hire generic crew members from the Outpost.
    • "The Grand Pagoda Library" (Hylotl Main Story Quest): Successfully navigating this mission can lead to recruiting Hylotl scholars or guards.
    • "The Baron's Keep" (Glitch Main Story Quest): Liberating the Baron often results in Glitch knights or engineers offering their services.
  • Requirements: Most crew members require you to complete a small task for them (e.g., fetch quests, defeating a local threat) or have a certain amount of "friendship" built up by interacting with them repeatedly. Some will simply join after a specific main story quest is completed.

Pets

Pets are loyal combat companions that follow you on planets. They can be found in the wild or hatched from eggs.

  • Capturing Wild Pets:
    1. Craft or purchase a Capture Pod from the Pet Station at the Outpost.
    2. Locate a creature you wish to capture on a planet. Look for creatures with a green health bar, indicating they are capturable.
    3. Weaken the creature until its health is low (around 25% or less).
    4. Throw the Capture Pod at the weakened creature. A successful capture will add the pet to your inventory.
    5. To deploy your pet, drag the Capture Pod from your inventory to your hotbar and use it.
  • Hatching Eggs:
    • Finding Eggs: Creature eggs can be found rarely in chests, as drops from certain monsters, or purchased from the Terramart at the Outpost.
    • Incubating: Place the egg into a Pet Incubator (craftable at an Inventor's Table or purchased from the Pet Station) on your ship or in your base. After a short period, the egg will hatch into a random pet.

Managing Your Companions

Once you have companions, effective management is key to maximizing their potential.

Crew Management

Your ship's AI, S.A.I.L., is your primary interface for managing crew members.

  • Accessing Crew Menu: Interact with S.A.I.L. and select the "Crew" option.
  • Assigning Roles: Crew members automatically assume roles based on their type (e.g., Engineer, Medic, Janitor, Soldier). Each role provides a passive bonus to your ship or character:
    • Engineer: Increases ship speed or fuel efficiency.
    • Medic: Provides healing over time or increased health regeneration.
    • Janitor: Keeps your ship clean (cosmetic) and sometimes offers small buffs.
    • Soldier: Joins you in combat on planets, providing additional firepower.
    • Mechanic: Reduces the cost of ship upgrades.
  • Dismissing Crew: If you need to make space for new recruits or simply want to remove a crew member, you can dismiss them through the S.A.I.L. crew menu. Be aware that dismissed crew members are gone permanently.
  • Crew Quarters: Ensure your ship has enough beds or designated crew quarters for all your crew members. Insufficient housing can lead to crew members becoming unhappy or even leaving.

Pet Management

Pets are managed directly through your inventory and the Pet Station.

  • Pet Station: This crafting station at the Outpost (or craftable at an Inventor's Table) allows you to:
    • Craft Capture Pods.
    • Craft Pet Incubators.
    • Purchase Pet Healing Kits (essential for keeping your pets alive in combat).
    • Purchase Pet Leashes (allows you to control your pet's movement more precisely).
  • Pet Healing: Pets take damage in combat. Use a Pet Healing Kit from your inventory to restore their health. They will also slowly regenerate health over time when not in combat.
  • Pet Storage: Unused pets can be stored in their Capture Pods in your inventory or in storage containers. You can only have one active pet deployed at a time.

Companion Strategies

Optimizing your companion setup can significantly impact your gameplay.

  • Early Game Focus: Prioritize recruiting a Medic and an Engineer early on. The Medic's healing will save you on healing items, and the Engineer will make interstellar travel more efficient.
  • Combat Builds: If you prefer a more aggressive playstyle, recruit multiple Soldiers. Their combined firepower can make difficult planetary missions much easier. Equip them with the best gear you can find or craft for them.
  • Ship Upgrades: A Mechanic crew member is invaluable when planning major ship upgrades, as their bonus reduces the pixel cost. Recruit one before undertaking significant ship expansions.
  • Pet Synergy: Consider your pet's attack type and abilities. Some pets have ranged attacks, others melee. Choose a pet that complements your own combat style or covers your weaknesses. For example, a tanky melee pet can draw aggro while you attack from a distance.
  • Exploration: While crew members generally stay on your ship, having a pet accompany you on planets can be a lifesaver. They can detect hidden enemies, provide light in dark areas, and even dig for resources depending on their type.

By understanding and using the Companion System, you'll transform your Starbound experience from a solitary journey into an epic adventure shared with a loyal and capable team.