Starfield: 10 things the game doesn’t tell you
BethesdaStarfield is a massive RPG packed with various mechanics, systems, gameplay elements, and more. However, the game doesn’t always do a great job of explaining them. With this in mind, here are 10 things Starfield doesn’t tell you.
Starfield is an expansive journey, but one that can be overwhelming at first. Being a Bethesda RPG, the game is huge in terms of size and scale. From the astronomical amount of explorable planets to its long-spanning list of missions, there’s no shortage of content.
But while it doesn’t skimp out on providing plenty of things to do, it does lack the explanation of useful gameplay elements at times. These range from streamlining space exploration to selling your gear for maximum value. Fortunately, we have you covered.
Here’s a list of 10 essential things Starfield doesn’t tell you.
Opening red bolted doors in Starfield
In Starfield, players will often be greeted by bolted red doors with the word ‘Emergency’ painted on them. While they may seem like set dressing at first, these doors are actually accessible. Simply pull out your Cutter and blast away at the bolts. Doing so will slice them open, and unlock a new route.
Selling survey data in Starfield
Surveying planets in Starfield doesn’t just update your glossary. In fact, you can even earn credits from selling your collected data. Just head to The Eye in the Alpha Centauri system and talk to Vladimir to sell your survey data.
Alternatively, players can sell data collected from habitable planets to Phill Hill, who is located in Cydonia on Mars. He will offer more value for the data if it meets his requirements.
Immersive space travel in Starfield
Traveling across space in Starfield can lose its novelty after some time. Sorting through menus and sitting through loading screens doesn’t help either, but there is a way to make things more seamless and immersive. Instead of opening the menu to travel to your object, players can point the cursor at the waypoint, and instantly jump to the location. Remember to press A on Xbox or E on PC to ensure that the prompt pops up.
Jumping to distant star systems in Starfield
Starfield’s star map presents multiple star systems that players can explore. However, the game demands an upgraded grav drive to bend space and jump to these locations. To skip out on the upgrade, players can jump to systems closer to their location, and carry on the process until eventually reaching their desired destination.
Benefits of sleep in Starfield
Sleeping has always carried plenty of advantages in BGS games, and Starfield is no different. By sleeping, players can replenish all of their health, and it even cures most status effects. Players can also recover health while exploring dungeons by clearing an area of enemies and locating a bed nearby.
If you manage to romance one of the game’s companions, sleeping next to them will grant a buff called ‘Emotional Security.’ This buff will provide a 15% XP boost that lasts for 24 minutes.
Greater control over ships in Starfield
Spaceships in Starfield can be tricky to maneuver. At full speed, it’s relatively easy to ram into objects, especially while attempting to dock with other vessels. A more effective way of controlling your ship is by using RB on controller, or Space bar on keyboard to only use your thrusters to move. This allows you to register more precise movements and dock without damaging your ship’s hull.
BethesdaTo earn this ability, players must upgrade their Pilot skill to Rank 1.
Increase carrying capacity in Starfield
Getting over-encumbered in Starfield is far too easy and as annoying as ever. To avoid this effect, players can store gear on their ships, or give them to companions. However, the most effective way of carrying more stuff is by investing in the Weight Lifting skill. Players can increase carrying capacity by 100 kilograms by ranking up the skill to level four.
Advanced weapons in Starfield
Weapons in Starfield are separated by four different tiers. These tiers are essentially different versions of the weapon including:
- Standard
- Calibrated
- Refined
- Advanced
Players will run into weapons with one of these qualifications quite frequently. It’s important to keep in mind that Advanced versions of weapons are normally their best iterations.
Selling and hiding Contraband in Starfield
Carrying Contraband is an easy way to land yourself in a heap of trouble in Starfield. These items offer good value but at the risk of attracting trouble from the authorities. To ensure that you aren’t wandering aimlessly with Contraband on board, keep in mind that these illegal items can be sold at The Den located in the Wolf Star system.
To hide Contraband from being detected in the first place, head to The Red Mile in Porrima III and talk to Lon Anderssen. You can purchase Shielded Cargo Holds from here, which hide any Contraband items stored inside them.
BethesdaPicking up items in Starfield
Almost every item in Starfield can be picked up, rotated, and moved around by players. To do this, point the cursor at the item and hold A on a controller or E on a keyboard. All items have their own physics and can be kept on shelves for display.
Those were 10 essential things Starfield doesn’t tell you. For more Starfield, check out our other guides:
Does Starfield have multiplayer or co-op? | Does Starfield have mod support at launch? | Does Starfield have New Game Plus? | Is Starfield on Steam Deck? | Does Starfield have DLC or expansions | Starfield Outposts explained: How to build bases | Every religion in Starfield explained | Starfield plants explained: All types & how to scan | Who is the Adoring Fan in Starfield? | Starfield jail system explained