Getting started with Starfield

To get started in Starfield, prioritize the first main story missions to progress quickly, learn the game’s core mechanics, and unlock more advanced content. Focus on early-game skills like Boost Pack Training and Security, and join factions like the United Colonies or Crimson Fleet to gain access to new quests and rewards. Also, be mindful of your inventory and carry weight limits, use your scanner to navigate, and don’t hesitate to use the auto-hack and auto-persuade options in dialogue.

Early game priorities

• Follow the main story: Focus on the first few main quests, especially “One Small Step,” to open up the game and gain access to new missions and areas.
• Join factions: As soon as possible, join major factions like the United Colonies, Freestar Collective, Crimson Fleet, or Ryujin Industries to start their questlines and earn credits and other rewards.
• Learn skills: Prioritize getting the “Boost Pack Training,” “Security,” and “Persuasion” skills early on to make life easier. Other useful starting skills include “Medicine” and “Weight-Lifting”.
• Use auto-hacks and auto-persuades: Don’t spend too much time on difficult locks or conversations; use the automatic options to progress quickly, especially early on. 

This video explains what to do first in Starfield:

Important mechanics to understand

• Inventory and carry weight: Be aware that your character and your ship’s cargo hold have different weight limits. Moving when over your carry limit will drain your oxygen and can damage you if it depletes completely.
• Scanner and navigation: Use the scanner to find points of interest and objectives. The “Set Course” function in your menu is a helpful tool for fast travel.
• Quick slots: Favorite items like weapons and aid to a quick slot menu for easy access during combat or exploration.
• Loot and selling: Remember that an item’s “value” is not the same as its “sell price.” Use trade kiosks to sell items whenever you land on a planet. 

This video demonstrates how to manage inventory and use the scanner in Starfield:

Tips for exploration and combat

• Loot is your friend: Grab what you can, especially if you’re not carrying much. Some items, like certain types of ammo, are weightless.
• Equip multiple weapons: You can equip several different weapons and switch between them easily.
• Mine asteroids: Use your mining tool on asteroids for valuable resources.
• Find a house: You can purchase a house early in the game to have a place to store items and rest. 

You can watch this video to learn how to mine for resources in Starfield: