Starfield is an upcoming open-world role-playing space game developed by Bethesda Game Studios. The game allows players to freely explore over 1000 planets and customize their character with various traits that impact gameplay. This article provides an in-depth guide on how to view and analyze the different settler traits available in Starfield.
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What are Settler Traits?
Settler traits in Starfield are optional modifiers that players can pick during character creation to give their character certain advantages and disadvantages. There are 17 settler traits to choose from, with each trait having unique effects. Players can pick up to 3 traits for their character.
Some examples of settler traits include:
- Alien DNA: Increases health and oxygen, but healing items are less effective
- Dream Home: Starts game with a luxurious house, but must make mortgage payments
- Empath: Companions become more effective in combat when pleased, less effective when upset
- Extrovert: Uses less oxygen with companions, more oxygen when alone
Viewing and Analyzing Settler Traits
When creating your character in Starfield, the settler traits can be viewed and analyzed under the “Traits” tab in the character creation menu.
Here are some tips for viewing and analyzing settler traits:
Read Trait Descriptions Carefully
The brief descriptions provided for each trait give a quick overview of the advantages and disadvantages. Read through these closely to understand how each trait will impact gameplay. Consider how the effects align with your preferred playstyle.
Understand Trait Exclusivity
Some traits cannot be combined, like Introvert and Extrovert. The trait descriptions indicate exclusivity. Plan your trait selections carefully with this in mind.
Consider Roleplaying Value
Beyond gameplay effects, traits can provide roleplaying value by giving your character an interesting backstory. The Alien DNA or Kid Stuff traits may not be the most powerful, but they can add flavor.
Plan for Removal
Most traits can eventually be removed in-game if you change your mind, usually for a fee. However, certain traits like faction allegiances may be irreversible. Consider if a trait aligns with your long-term character goals before selecting.
Research Optimal Builds
There are many powerful trait combinations that optimize different playstyles, like a stealth hacker build or tank build. Research forums and wikis to find optimal trait selections for your preferred combat style.
Best Settler Traits
Based on gameplay previews and early impressions, here are some of the most beneficial settler traits in Starfield:
Kid Stuff
- Pros: Can visit parents for free items and credits. Small weekly allowance cost. Nice roleplaying flavor.
- Cons: Slightly reduced earnings from jobs and activities.
Dream Home
- Pros: Luxurious player home available immediately. Lots of safe storage.
- Cons: Need to pay weekly mortgage fees. Home location is remote.
Extrovert
- Pros: Saves oxygen with companions. Unlocks companion quests.
- Cons: Uses more oxygen when alone.
Hero Worshipped
- Pros: Bonus damage against low health enemies. Unique roleplaying opportunities.
- Cons: Occasional mercenary attacks. Bounty payments increased.
Alien DNA
- Pros: Large health and oxygen bonuses early on. Interesting backstory.
- Cons: Healing items less effective. Reduced food benefits.
Analyzing Traits for Your Playstyle
When reviewing the many settler traits Starfield provides, consider how each will support or hinder your preferred style of play:
For Explorers
Focus on oxygen efficiency, mobility, and survival traits like Extrovert, Alien DNA, and Kid Stuff. Inventory upgrades will also help explorers carry more valuable finds.
For Fighters
Pick traits like Hero Worshipped and Neon Street Rat that improve combat capability. Supporting traits like Empath can further optimize follower damage output.
For Traders
Go for money-saving traits like Dream Home, then leverage faction allegiances for better quest rewards and merchant prices. The Spaced trait also improves prices.
For Roleplayers
Select traits like Kid Stuff, Alien DNA, or Wanted that provide unique backstories over raw gameplay advantages. These will provide more interesting roleplaying opportunities.
Changing Traits Later On
While traits cannot be directly changed after character creation, there are ways to remove traits you decide you don’t like:
- Visit Reliant Medical centers and pay 10,000 credits to remove many traits
- Complete certain quests and interact with specific NPCs to remove select traits
- Use console commands and save editing on PC to remove traits, but this disables achievements
So while you can’t directly swap out traits, you can change your selections later on by removing traits and picking more suitable ones for your playstyle on your next playthrough.
Conclusion
With a wide range of settler traits with meaningful impacts, Starfield encourages carefully considering which options best fit your character build and roleplaying style. Traits like Kid Stuff, Dream Home, and Alien DNA seem to provide early game advantages, while faction allegiances and combat-focused traits offer benefits for mid and late game. While no traits are essential, they help add flavor and direction to your journey through the Settled Systems. Analyze each trait and how it supports your preferred playstyle as you embark on your adventure.
