Starfield is populated with several cities and points of interest (POIs) that serve as hubs for quests, commerce, and exploration. From bustling metropolises to abandoned research outposts, these locations offer unique challenges, rewards, and insights into the lore of the Settled Systems. Discovering and exploring these sites is a core part of the Starfield experience.
Major Cities in Starfield
The major cities in Starfield are sprawling hubs of activity, each with its own distinct culture, architecture, and set of opportunities:
- New Atlantis (Jemison): The capital of the United Colonies, New Atlantis is a gleaming metropolis with distinct districts like the Commercial District, Residential District, and the MAST District. It's a primary location for main quests and faction storylines.
- Akila City (Akila): The heart of the Freestar Collective, Akila City is a frontier town known for its unique architecture and the iconic rock formation at its center. It's a hub for the Freestar Rangers and offers a more rugged, independent feel.
- Neon (Kohara V): A vibrant, neon-drenched pleasure city built on an ocean, Neon is a hub for trade, entertainment, and illicit activities. It's the center for the Ryujin Industries faction and offers a distinctly different atmosphere from other cities.
- Cydonia (Mars): A mining colony and a key United Colonies outpost, Cydonia offers a more industrial and utilitarian environment. It's a good place to find resources and engage with UC-aled activities.
Points of Interest (POIs)
Beyond the major cities, the Settled Systems are dotted with countless Points of Interest, ranging from small outposts to vast derelict structures. These can be found on planets during exploration and often contain valuable loot, unique encounters, or quest objectives.
- Research Labs: Often found in remote locations, these labs may contain valuable research data, advanced technology, or dangerous experiments gone wrong.
- Mining Outposts: These sites are typically rich in specific resources and may be guarded by hostile forces or contain environmental hazards.
- Derelict Ships/Stations: Explore abandoned vessels or space stations for salvage, lore entries, or to uncover the fate of their former crews.
- Caves and Caverns: Many planets feature extensive cave systems that can hide rare resources, unique flora and fauna, or hidden enemy encampments.
- Abandoned Settlements: Discover the remnants of past colonization efforts, which might hold clues to historical events or contain useful supplies.
Exploring and Interacting with Locations
When you land on a planet, your scanner will highlight nearby POIs. Approaching these locations will often trigger dialogue, combat, or opportunities for interaction. Some POIs are procedurally generated, ensuring a degree of novelty even after many hours of gameplay.
| Location Type | Common Features | Potential Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Major City | Shops, quest givers, faction HQs, shipyards | Quests, gear, ship upgrades, information |
| Research Lab | Computers, experiments, notes, security systems | Research data, unique items, lore |
| Mining Outpost | Resource extractors, storage units, hostile miners | Raw materials, credits, weapons |
| Derelict Ship | Cargo holds, bridge, engine room, potential hazards | Salvage, loot, ship components |
| Cave | Ore veins, alien life, hidden passages | Rare resources, unique flora/fauna samples |
Always be prepared when exploring new POIs. Equip appropriate gear, stock up on medical supplies, and ensure your weapons are ready. Many locations can present unexpected dangers.