Skills

Unlock the secrets to character building in Starfield! Learn about backgrounds, traits, and the best skills to unlock first to dominate the galaxy.

Alright, so you're diving into Starfield, huh? Awesome choice! Bethesda's really outdone themselves with this one. It's a massive space RPG, and just like their other games, you'll be sinking a ton of hours into exploring, fighting, and just generally getting lost in the universe. This guide is here to help you get your bearings, especially when it comes to your character and how you'll be playing them.

Right at the start, you'll get to create your character. This isn't just about looks; you'll pick a background, some traits, and crucially, your starting skills. These choices really shape your early game and can even influence how you approach certain situations later on. Don't sweat it too much though, we'll break down what you need to know to make some solid choices.

This section is all about getting you started on the right foot, covering everything from the initial character creation choices to how you'll be leveling up and managing your inventory. We'll also touch on some of the more complex mechanics like crafting and even how to get rid of those pesky bounties.

Character Creation Deep Dive

When you first boot up Starfield, you'll go through a bit of a tutorial and then hit character creation. This is where you lay the foundation for your entire playthrough. Here's what you'll be looking at:

• Backgrounds: Think of these as your starting career. Picking a background gives you a few bonus skills right off the bat. For example, the 'Soldier' background might give you bonuses in combat skills, while 'Diplomat' could boost your social skills. It's a great way to get a head start in a particular playstyle.
• Traits: These are like special quirks or conditions that add flavor and sometimes unique gameplay effects. Some traits might give you extra starting credits but come with a drawback, like increased prices from certain vendors. Others might tie you to specific factions or give you unique dialogue options. You can usually pick a few, so choose wisely based on how you want to play.
• Skills: This is where the real customization comes in. You'll have a set of skills that you can invest points into as you level up. These skills cover everything from combat effectiveness and piloting to social manipulation and crafting. We'll get into which ones are best to unlock early in a bit.
• Appearance: Of course, you'll also get to customize your character's look, from facial features and hairstyles to body type and voice.

Which Background Should You Choose?

Your background is more than just a backstory; it grants you three starting skills. This can give you a significant edge early on, depending on your preferred playstyle. For instance, if you plan on being a combat powerhouse, picking a background that boosts combat skills is a no-brainer. If you're more into exploration and discovery, a background that enhances science or piloting skills might be better suited.

Which Traits Should You Choose?

Traits are optional modifiers that can add unique gameplay elements, both positive and negative. Some traits might offer immediate benefits, like extra starting credits or unique dialogue options, while others could introduce challenges, such as a recurring bounty or a specific faction that dislikes you. It's worth reading the descriptions carefully to see how they align with your intended playstyle.

How to Remove Traits

If you find a trait isn't working for you, or you simply want to change things up, it's often possible to remove them later in the game. This usually involves completing specific tasks or interacting with certain NPCs. Keep an eye out for opportunities to adjust your character's traits if you feel they're holding you back or just not fitting your vision anymore.

Which Skills Should You Unlock First?

This is a big one! Your initial skill choices can really define your early game experience. Think about what you enjoy most: are you going to be blasting enemies up close and personal, relying on stealth, talking your way out of trouble, or perhaps focusing on crafting and exploration? Prioritize skills that complement your chosen playstyle. For example, if you love combat, investing in weapon-specific skills or skills that enhance your survivability makes sense. If you're more of a trader or crafter, skills related to commerce or research might be more beneficial.

Every Skill in Starfield (& What They All Do)

Starfield features a wide array of skills across several categories: Physical, Social, Combat, Science, and Tech. Each skill has multiple ranks that you can unlock by completing specific challenges related to that skill. For instance, to rank up a combat skill, you might need to defeat a certain number of enemies with a specific weapon type. Understanding what each skill does is key to planning your character's progression.

How to Upgrade Skills

As you gain experience and level up, you'll earn skill points. You can then spend these points to unlock new skills or increase the rank of existing ones. To rank up a skill beyond its first level, you'll typically need to complete an in-game challenge associated with it. For example, you might need to kill a certain number of enemies with a specific weapon type to rank up a combat skill, or successfully persuade a number of people to rank up a social skill. Completing these challenges often requires deliberate effort, so keep them in mind as you play.

How to Get More Skill Points

Skill points are earned primarily by leveling up your character. The more experience you gain, the more levels you'll achieve, and the more skill points you'll earn. Certain backgrounds and traits might also provide a small initial boost or affect how you gain experience, but leveling up remains the main method for acquiring points to invest in your character's abilities.

The Best Skills in Starfield (Skills Tier-List)

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