Bethesda Games Studios' highly anticipated sci-fi RPGStarfieldhas finally released, with players eager to explore a brand-new universefull of unique lore and original narratives. In addition to the many characters and environments players will interact with, there are also complex political and diplomatic situations at play within the Settled Systems.
Throughout the many worlds ofStarfield,players will encounter a variety of different factions, each with their own specific objectives, histories and ideological positions. Much likein previous Bethesda games, players can join several of these factions and will be offered quests associated with each one. Many of these factions will be opposed to one another, so increasing a standing with one may lead to the deterioration of another faction’s approval.
9Constellation
Constellation is a group of space explorers whose primary focus is the recovery of Artifacts. Founded in 2275 by Sebastian Banks, the primary concern of Constellation is a quest for knowledge, and uncovering the deeper mysteries of the universe wherever they are to be found.
Players will be able to join Constellation shortly after the opening the mission.Visiting The Lodge in New Atlantiswill start the quest “The Old Neighborhood,” in which players will get to visit Earth’s home solar system. Completing this mission with Sarah will grant full admission to the Constellation faction.
8United Colonies
The United Colonies are the most powerful faction inStarfield,and represent the bulk of humanity as they have progressed since their departure from Earth. The capital city, New Atlantis, is part of their controlled territories which include the Alpha Centauri, Sol, and Wolf star systems.
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Players will be able to join this faction by becoming a UC Vanguard, one of the elite ship specialists of the United Colonies. First, players will need to register for the UC by speaking with Tuala in the MAST district of New Atlantis. Following this, they must complete a Vanguard test and a probationary mission before gaining full access.
7Freestar Collective
The Freestar Collective is a libertarian governmentwithin the Settled Systems, and controls the systems Cheyenne, Narion, and Volii. The capital of the Freestar Collective is located in Akila City, where players will visit relatively early in the game’s story alongside Sam Coe.
Players can become an enforcement agent for the Freestar Collective (known as a Freestar Ranger) by heading to The Rock in Akila City and speaking with Emma Wilcox. First, they will have to complete a few tasks will have to to prove loyalty to the faction, after which the player will officially be declared a member.
6Ryujin Industries
Ryujin Industries is a technocratic mega-corporation whose headquarters are located in the cyberpunk city of Neon on the planet Volii-Alpha. While all the factions may have elements that are ethically questionable, Ryujin Industries is slightly less discreet in this regard, and place profit above all else.
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Players will get the opportunity to join Ryujin Industries during the quest “Back To The Grind.” Upon arriving in Neon, players can fill out a job application in one of the city’s terminals, after which they will beinvited to an interviewand made to run a few errands before joining.
5House of the Enlightened
The Enlightened are a group of atheistic dogmatists who believe in the divinity of the human spirit above all else. Primarily devoted to charitable humanitarian work, they work throughout the Settled Systems to try to help bring a basic level of equality to all of its inhabitants.
Players can join the House of the Enlightened by selecting the “Raised Enlightened” trait. This will grant them unique dialogue options when conversing with certain members of the faction, as well as access to a unique loot chest withintheir church in The Well district of New Atlantis.
4Sanctum Universum
The Santum Universum are an organized religion directly opposed to the House of the Enlightened. This monotheistic faith worships God and believe that humanity is being guided on its destiny to meeting Him. They believe that the invention of grav-drive is sufficient evidence to support this ideology.
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Players can join the Sanctum Universum by selecting the “Raised Universal” trait in character customization. This will grant them unique dialogue options with the faction, as well as access to an exclusive loot chest locatedwithin the Santum Universum church in New Atlantis.
3House Va’ruun
House Va’ruun is a cultic religion whose primary belief centers around the cataclysmic return of the Great Serpent. The origins of the cult are uncertain, but it is said that during a grav-jump, a ship full of colonists encountered a divine entity known as the Great Serpent who demanded their service and worship.
The player can choose to align with House Va’ruun at the start of the game by selecting the “Serpent’s Embrace” trait during character creation. This will grant them boosts after using grav-jumps, and penalties for not using them after a period of time.
2Crimson Fleet
The Crimson Fleet is a notoriousgang of space piratesand one of the primary rivals of the United Colonies. Their headquarters, The Key, is located in the Kryx star system. Players will have to encounter them at several points throughout the main questline.
During the mission “Deep Cover,” players will actually get the opportunity to join the Crimson Fleet. Players who are caught committing crimes such as smuggling contraband or pickpocketing will be taken to meet Commander Ikande of UC Security, who will offer them an infiltration mission.
1Other
There are several other factions throughout the game that players can take up work for, even without officially joining them or following a deep quest line. These includeThe Trade Authority, Trackers, Galbank, and Stroud-Ecklund. Players can pick up contracted missions for these factions and carry out freelance work for them.
Trade Authority missions might include the delivery of cargo or the ferrying of passengers, while Galbank and the Trackers may request certain targets and bounties to be taken out. Players will work alongside Stroud Ecklund, a ship-building company, during the quest “Overdesigned,” which will yield them one of thebest ships in the game.
Starfieldis available now on Xbox Series X/S and PC.
