Starfield Factions: Can You Join All Factions in Starfield?
Updated Sep 07, 2023
Starfield
Starfield is an eagerly anticipated action role-playing game being developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. Unveiled at Bethesda's E3 presentation in 2018, the game is set in a space-themed environment and marks Bethesda's first entirely new intellectual property in almost three decades.
Scheduled for release on September 6, 2023, for Windows and Xbox Series X/S platforms, the game's early access release has already garnered critical acclaim. Starfield promises an exciting new addition to the gaming landscape, combining Bethesda's renowned RPG expertise with a futuristic space setting to create a captivating gaming experience.
Starfield Factions
In Starfield, players have the opportunity to align themselves with five primary factions, each offering distinct missions, narratives, and rewards in exchange for their allegiance. Some factions are intertwined with the main storyline, while others require players to actively seek them out.
Additionally, there are numerous smaller factions, corporations, and religious groups, though they play a smaller role in terms of gameplay compared to the primary five. Factions are a central element of the game, providing players with insight into the Starfield universe, opportunities for progression, and valuable rewards as they explore the galaxy.
In Starfield, players have the option to align with the following primary factions:
Constellation: A space exploration organization and the central faction driving the game's storyline.
Crimson Fleet: A group of space pirates.
Freestar Collective: A coalition of separatist systems located on the galactic frontier.
Ryujin Industries: A prominent tech-oriented megacorporation based in the city of Neon.
United Colonies: A formidable, militarized, and bureaucratic republic comprising settled planets, supported by the voluntary Vanguard force.
Can You Join All Factions in Starfield?
Yes, you have the freedom to join all the factions in Starfield, and in some cases, you can even rise to leadership positions within these organizations. It's worth noting that choosing faction-related traits, such as "United Colonies Native," won't prevent you from joining other factions.
However, as you become deeply involved with multiple factions, you may encounter conflicting interests, as some of these groups have strained relationships or even consider each other enemies.
Constellation
Constellation in Starfield is a revered group of space explorers on a mission to collect a series of mysterious alien artifacts believed to be part of a larger enigma. This faction boasts a diverse cast of members, including the experienced spacefarer Sarah Morgan, the charming rascal Barrett, the gruff financier Walter Stroud, and the curious scientist Noel, among others.
Players have the opportunity to recruit numerous Constellation members to join their ship or outpost crew or have them as loyal followers. Interestingly, many denizens of the galaxy remain unaware of Constellation's continued existence, so mentioning your affiliation with them often garners positive reactions.
To become a part of Constellation, players will automatically join this faction as they progress through one of the initial main story missions. Therefore, it's virtually impossible to avoid joining Constellation unless one deliberately avoids engaging in the main storyline.
Crimson Fleet
The Crimson Fleet in Starfield is a formidable armada comprised of space pirates that roam the cosmos. Among the game's primary antagonistic forces, which also include Spacers and Ecliptic, the Crimson Fleet is the sole faction players can actually join. This notorious group was originally founded by an individual named Jasper Kryx, but it is currently under the leadership of the fearsome pirate known as Delgado.
To become a member of the Crimson Fleet, players have a couple of main options. One approach is to get caught smuggling, while another involves joining the UC Vanguard in Jemison. Both paths ultimately lead to working for UC SysDef as an undercover pirate within the Crimson Fleet's ranks.
The Freestar Collective and Rangers
The Freestar Collective in Starfield is a faction rooted in the frontier, known for its past struggle for independence from the larger United Colonies. They receive protection from the Freestar Rangers, who specialize in maintaining law and order within the untamed regions of space.
To join the Freestar Collective and Rangers, players should head to Akila City in the Akila, Cheyenne system. Over time, they will encounter a Ranger in need of assistance. Completing the mission assigned by the Ranger will lead to induction into the Freestar Rangers. While selecting the Freestar Collective Settler trait during character creation won't grant immediate access to the Rangers, it is likely to be beneficial when dealing with Ranger-related matters.
Ryujin Industries
Ryujin Industries in Starfield is a massive corporation that operates across various star systems, with its headquarters located in the city of Neon. This faction offers a glimpse into the gritty, cyberpunk-inspired, corporate underbelly of the Starfield universe, often involving missions centered around stealth and corporate espionage.
To join Ryujin Industries, players can explore major Starfield cities where they might come across an announcement from a small red Ryujin Industries kiosk, indicating job openings. Simply hearing this announcement initiates the starter mission known as "Back to the Grind," which involves applying for a position at the megacorporation. Filling out the application through the kiosk is the first step to qualify for an interview at Ryujin Tower in Neon.
The United Colonies
The United Colonies (UC) in Starfield represents a significant political and military power, primarily centered in the capital city of New Atlantis on the planet Jemison. New Atlantis is not only the largest city in the game but also one of the largest ever created by Bethesda. At the beginning of Starfield, the United Colonies exist in an uneasy peace with the Freestar Collective, following the conclusion of the Colony War, which occurred roughly 20 years before the game's events.
To join the United Colonies, players can become members of the UC Vanguard. One way to do this is by voluntarily signing up for the UC Vanguard early in the game, which involves visiting the Vanguard representative located in the MAST building in New Atlantis.
Another method involves getting arrested by the UC, leading to an alternative path into the organization. It's important to note that simply choosing the United Colonies Native trait during character creation does not automatically grant UC membership, as you are not considered a true citizen, making the Vanguard the primary option for joining.
List of Small Factions in Starfield:
In Starfield, there are several smaller factions and groups that players can come across. Some of these affiliations can be joined through specific character traits, while others offer minor mission threads and activities. Here is a list of these smaller factions:
Argos Extractors: A mining company where players initially work at the beginning of the game.
Ecliptic Mercenaries: A mercenary organization that operates in space and abandoned facilities related to the Colony War.
Enlightened: A religious organization that opposes Sanctum Universum.
House Va'ruun: A religious order that worships the Great Serpent and uses grav drives for space travel. Players can join this faction by selecting the Serpent’s Embrace trait during character creation.
Sanctum Universum: A religious organization that opposes the Enlightened.
Spacers: Spacefaring raiders who are distinct from the Crimson Fleet and can be encountered in space and abandoned facilities connected to the Colony War.
Trade Authority: They’re a collection of vendors who will buy and sell anything—even contraband
Starfield Gameplay
In Starfield, players will immerse themselves in an expansive action role-playing experience set in an open-world environment within the Milky Way galaxy. The game offers a seamless transition between first-person and third-person perspectives, allowing players to choose their preferred viewpoint at any time. With a vast universe at their disposal, players can explore over 1,000 planets, numerous moons, and space stations, both fictional and inspired by real-life celestial bodies.
The game's landscapes are primarily procedurally generated, with handcrafted content enhancing the planetary experiences. Players will encounter diverse non-playable characters (NPCs) during their journey, some of whom may become part of the player's crew, aiding in various ways such as combat support, item carrying, and dialogue interactions.
These NPCs may offer insights and comments based on the player's choices, adding depth to the game's narrative. Additionally, some NPCs are available for romantic relationships, enriching the player's social interactions.
Starfield Factions - FAQs
Yes, you can join multiple factions in Starfield.
No, faction-related traits don't limit your faction choices.
Yes, as you get deeply involved in multiple factions, conflicts of interest may arise due to their differing goals.
Yes, you can rise to leadership positions within some Starfield factions.
You can join all the major factions in Starfield, and even some smaller ones, granting you diverse gameplay experiences.