Bethesda’s space RPG Starfield is leaving no stone unturned regarding character development and skill progression. Starfield’s skill system offers something for every playstyle, whether you’re a space pirate, galactic diplomat, or the ultimate jack-of-all-trades. But how does it all work? With a blend of traditional XP-based progression and performance-based challenges, let’s break it down for you.
Starfield Offers Five Different Skill Categories
Starfield organizes its vast array of skills into five major categories:
- Physical: Includes carrying capacity, endurance, and more.
- Social: Think of dialogue options and NPC interactions.
- Combat: All about weapon skills, damage, and combat maneuvers.
- Science: Features healing, research, crafting, and even gastronomy.
- Tech: From robotics to Starfield ship customization.
In Starfield, you earn experience points (XP) from almost anythingkills, quest completions, dialogues. This XP is translated into skill points that can be utilized to unlock or upgrade existing skills.
Backgrounds Affect Your Starting Skills
Before you even launch into the cosmos, Starfield offers players a choice of character backgrounds, each coming with pre-selected skillsbe it medic, chef, diplomat, and so on.
Skill Tiers and Ranks
Starfield adds another layer of intricacy by splitting each category into four tiers, each requiring a set number of skill points in the category skill tree (4, 8, 12) to progress to the next. Each skill also has four Ranks, with the first automatically unlocked upon selection. Subsequent Ranks demand the completion of specific challenges to unlockgiving players something to aim for and a way to become truly adept at their chosen skills. Then, you must spend a skill point to rank up after the next Rank is unlocked.
All Starfield Skills
In the expansive universe of Starfield, players will embark on a journey of exploration and adventure, armed with a diverse array of skills encompassing every facet of survival and interaction.
Starfield’s complete list of skills encompasses five categories: Physical, Social, Combat, Science, and Tech. Each skill presents a range of abilities that cater to different playstyles, enabling players to customize their characters and approach challenges uniquely.
Whether honing combat techniques, mastering social interactions, delving into scientific research, or leveraging advanced technology, these skills are the building blocks that define a character’s capabilities.
Starfield Physical Skills
Physical skills in Starfield will be crucial for survival and combat effectiveness. Choose your skills wisely to enhance your physical prowess, endurance, and survivability in the harsh environments of the universe.
| Skill Name | Tier | Rank 1 | Rank 2 | Rank 3 | Rank 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxing | 1 | Unarmed attacks do 25% more damage. | Unarmed attacks do 50% more damage. | Unarmed attacks do 75% more damage. | Unarmed attacks do 100% more damage and have a chance to knock down opponents. |
| Fitness | Tier 1 | You have 10% more oxygen available. | You have 20% more oxygen available. | You have 30% more oxygen available. | Sprinting and power attacks now use significantly less oxygen. |
| Stealth | Tier 1 | Adds a Stealth Meter. | Upgrades the Stealth Meter. | Upgrades the Stealth Meter. | You are 100% more difficult to detect when sneaking. Suppressed weapons do an additional 20% sneak attack damage. Doors you interact with while in stealth no longer alert enemies. |
| Weight Lifting | Tier 1 | Increase total carrying capacity by 10 kg. | Increase total carrying capacity by 25 kg. | Increase total carrying capacity by 50 kg. | Increase total carrying capacity by 100 kg. Gain 50% resistance to stagger. |
| Wellness | Tier 1 | Increase your maximum health by 10%. | Increase your maximum health by 20%. | Increase your maximum health by 30%. | Increase your maximum health by 40%. |
| Energy Weapon Dissipation | Tier 2 | Energy damage is reduced by 5%. | Energy damage is reduced by 10%. | Energy damage is reduced by 15%. | 25% chance to reflect energy damage back to an attacker when your health is below 50%. |
| Environmental Conditioning | Tier 2 | Gain 10 resistance to Airborne environmental damage. | Gain 10 resistance to Thermal environmental damage. | Gain 10 resistance to Corrosive and Radiation environmental damage. | Reduced chance to gain afflictions from environmental damage sources. |
| Gymnastics | Tier 2 | Unlock the ability to combat slide. | Move faster in Zero-G. | Become more stable when firing in Zero-G. | Increased jump height. Run faster after combat sliding or mantling. |
| Nutrition | Tier 3 | Food and drink are 10% more effective. | Food and drink are 20% more effective. | Food and drink are 30% more effective. | Food and drink are 50% more effective. |
| Pain Tolerance | 4 | Physical damage is reduced by 5%. | Physical damage is reduced by 10%. | Physical damage is reduced by 15%. | 5% chance to ignore physical damage when your health is low. |
| Cellular Regeneration | Tier 3 | Slightly increased chance to recover from injuries naturally. | Moderately increased chance to recover from injuries naturally. | Noticeably increased chance to recover from injuries naturally. | 20% chance of not gaining an injury when you otherwise would. |
| Decontamination | Tier 3 | Slightly increased chance to recover from infections naturally. | Moderately increased chance to recover from infections naturally. | Noticeably increased chance to recover from infections naturally. | 20% chance of not gaining an infection when you otherwise would. |
| Martial Arts | Tier 4 | 15% increased chance to crit with a melee or unarmed attack. | 15% increased chance to disarm an opponent with a melee or unarmed power attack. | While unarmed or wielding a melee weapon, take 10% less damage. | Reflect 50% damage back when blocking a melee or unarmed attack. |
| Concealment | Tier 4 | You no longer set off enemy mines. | Running while sneaking doesn’t affect stealth. | You gain a Chameleon-like ability when completely still and sneaking. | Engaging stealth causes distant enemies to lose you. |
| Neurostrikes | Tier 4 | 10% chance to stun an NPC with an unarmed attack. | Unarmed attacks now do additional EM damage. | 20% chance to stun an NPC with an unarmed attack. | After stunning an enemy, you also knock down any enemies within close range. |
| Rejuvenation | Tier 4 | Slowly regenerate health outside of combat. | Regenerate health more quickly outside of combat. | Regenerate health much faster outside of combat. | Regenerate health even faster outside of combat. |
Starfield Social Skills
Social skills in Starfield will play a crucial role in navigating the complexities of relationships, negotiations, and interactions in the universe. Choose your social skills wisely to build alliances, manipulate situations, and become a master diplomat in the vast expanse of space.
| Skill Name | Tier | Rank 1 | Rank 2 | Rank 3 | Rank 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commerce | Tier 1 | Buy for 5% less and sell for 10% | Buy for 10% less and sell for 15% | Buy for 15% less and sell for 20% | Buy for 20% less and sell for 25% |
| Gastronomy | Tier 1 | Craft speciality food, research additional recipes | Craft gourmet food and drinks | Craft food delicacies, conserve crafting resources | Craft exotic recipes |
| Persuasion | Tier 1 | 10% increased chance of success | 20% increased chance of success | 30% increased chance of success | 50% increased chance of success |
| Scavenging | Tier 1 | Chance to find extra credits | Chance to find extra ammo | Chance to find extra aid items | Tracked resources highlighted with hand scanner |
| Theft | Tier 1 | Unlock pickpocket ability | 10% greater chance to successfully pickpocket | 30% greater chance to successfully pickpocket | 50% greater chance to pickpocket holstered weapons |
| Deception | Tier 2 | Stronger ships surrender, less effective scans | Stronger ships surrender, less effective scans | Stronger ships surrender, less effective scans | Stronger ships surrender, less effective scans |
| Diplomacy | Tier 2 | Force target NPC to stop fighting briefly | Force target NPC to stop fighting briefly | Force target NPC to stop fighting briefly | Force target NPCs to permanently stop fighting |
| Intimidation | Tier 2 | Force target NPC to flee briefly | Force target NPC to flee briefly | Force target NPC to flee briefly | Intimidated targets flee for substantial time |
| Isolation | Tier 2 | +10% weapon damage, +15 DR without companion | +20% weapon damage, +30 DR without companion | +30% weapon damage, +45 DR without companion | +40% weapon damage, +60 DR without companion |
| Negotiation | Tier 2 | Access to Bribery in speech challenges | 25% reduced bribery cost | 50% reduced bribery cost | Occasional bribery with no cost |
| Instigation | Tier 3 | Force target NPC to attack allies briefly | Force target NPC to attack allies briefly | Force target NPC to attack allies briefly | Enemies attack allies until they are dead |
| Leadership | Tier 3 | Companions gain affinity 25% faster | Companions gain health, carrying capacity | Companions heal you at low health | Doubled Combat and Physical Crew Skills bonuses, chance to self-recover |
| Outpost Management | Tier 3 | Additional cargo links at outposts | Additional robots at outposts | Additional crew at outposts | Doubled outpost extractor production speed |
| Manipulation | Tier 4 | Force target NPC to obey commands briefly | Force target NPC to obey commands briefly | Force target NPC to obey commands briefly | Manipulated targets obey commands for substantial time |
| Ship Command | Tier 4 | Up to four active crew members | Up to five active crew members | Up to six active crew members | Up to eight active crew members |
| Xenosociology | Tier 4 | Force alien creature to flee briefly | Force alien creature to stop fighting briefly | Force alien creature to attack allies briefly | Force creature to obey commands briefly |
Starfield Combat Skills
Combat is an essential aspect of Starfield, and these skills will play a pivotal role in shaping your approach to battles, whether you’re engaging in ground combat, ship-to-ship battles, or a combination of both. Choose your skills wisely, and let the stars witness your triumph as you conquer the challenges that lie ahead.
| Skill Name | Tier | Rank 1 | Rank 2 | Rank 3 | Rank 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballistics | Tier 1 | Ballistic weapons deal increased damage. | Ballistic weapons deal 20% more damage. | Ballistic weapons deal 30% more damage. | Ballistic weapons range is increased by 30%. |
| Dueling | Tier 1 | Melee weapons deal increased damage. | Take 10% less damage while wielding a melee weapon. | Melee kills make you run 20% faster for 10 seconds. | Melee weapons deal 50% more damage. |
| Lasers | Tier 1 | Laser weapons deal increased damage. | Laser weapons deal 20% more damage. | Laser weapons deal 30% more damage. | Laser weapons have a 5% chance to set a target on fire. |
| Pistol Certification | Tier 1 | Pistols deal increased damage. | Pistols deal 25% more damage. | Pistols deal 50% more damage. | Pistol kills grant +25% critical hit chance for 5 seconds. |
| Shotgun Certification | Tier 1 | Shotguns deal increased damage. | Shotguns deal 20% more damage. | Shotguns deal 30% more damage. | Shotgun kills grant a small chance to stun additional targets with shotguns for a limited time. |
| Demolitions | Tier 2 | Grenades show a trajectory arc and explosives are more effective. | Explosives deal 25% more damage. | Reduce damage taken from explosives by 25%. | All previous bonuses are doubled. |
| Heavy Weapons Certification | Tier 2 | Heavy weapons deal increased damage. | Heavy weapons deal 20% more damage. | Heavy weapons deal 30% more damage. | Gain 25% physical resistance while aiming down sights with a heavy weapon. |
| Incapacitation | Tier 2 | EM weapons deal 5% more damage. | EM weapons deal 10% more damage. | EM weapons deal 15% more damage. | EM weapons have a 15% chance to do 300% EM damage. |
| Particle Beams | Tier 2 | Particle beam weapons deal increased damage. | Particle beam weapons deal 20% more damage. | Particle beam weapons deal 30% more damage. | Particle beam weapons have +5% crit chance. |
| Rifle Certification | Tier 2 | Rifles deal increased damage. | Rifles deal 20% more damage. | Rifles deal 30% more damage. | Reload rifles 30% faster while standing still. |
| Marksmanship | Tier 3 | Increased crit hit chance with non-automatic weapons by 3%. | Increased crit hit chance by 8%. | Increased crit hit chance by 15%. | Critical hits with non-automatic ranged weapons without a scope do double damage, and those with scopes knock down enemies on the next shot. |
| Rapid Reloading | Tier 3 | Reload Ballistic weapons 30% faster. | Reload Energy and EM weapons 30% faster. | Reload Particle Beam weapons 30% faster. | 50% chance to avoid getting interrupted while reloading. Chance on hitting enemies to increase reload speed for all weapons by 50% for 15 seconds. |
| Sniper Certification | Tier 3 | Scoped weapons are steadier and deal increased damage. | You can hold your breath longer with scoped weapons. | Headshots while aiming with a scoped weapon have a +25% critical hit chance. | Scoped weapons deal 50% more damage while using the scope. |
| Targeting | Tier 3 | Increased hip fire accuracy and range, while marking enemies that damage you. | Notably increased accuracy and range, marking up to two enemies within 50m. | Greatly increased accuracy and range, marking up to three enemies within 75m. | 10% chance to disarm targets hit when shooting without aiming, marking up to four enemies within 100m. |
| Armor Penetration | Tier 4 | Attacks ignore 15% of a target’s armor. | Attacks ignore 30% of a target’s armor. | Attacks ignore 50% of a target’s armor. | Enemy armor is decreased by 25% for 6 seconds. |
| Crippling | Tier 4 | Human enemies have an increased chance of being downed. | Humanoid enemies have an increased chance to not recover from a downed state. | Human enemies can enter a downed state earlier. | Previous ranks now apply to all enemy types. You do 100% more damage to downed enemies. |
| Sharpshooting | Tier 4 | Increase headshot critical damage by 50% with ranged weapons. | Increase critical damage to enemy legs by 50%. | Increase all critical damage to enemies by 50%. | Ranged critical hit kills increase your critical hit chance with all ranged weapons by 25% for 20 seconds. |
Starfield Science Skills
Science skills in Starfield will be instrumental in exploring, understanding, and adapting to the complex systems of the universe. Choose your skills wisely to harness the power of science and embark on a journey of discovery and innovation.
| Skill Name | Tier | Rank 1 | Rank 2 | Rank 3 | Rank 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astrodynamics | Tier 1 | Increase grav jump range by 15% | Reduced fuel cost by 15% | Increased range by 30%, reduced fuel cost by 30% | Reduced fuel cost by 50% |
| Geology | Tier 1 | Get more common/uncommon inorganic resources | Get more rare inorganic resources | Get more exotic inorganic resources | Occasionally harvest additional rare resources |
| Medicine | Tier 1 | Restore 10% additional health 10% faster with Med Packs, Trauma Packs, and Emergency Kits | Restore 20% additional health 20% faster with Med Packs, Trauma Packs, and Emergency Kits | Restore 30% additional health 30% faster with Med Packs, Trauma Packs, and Emergency Kits | Restore 50% additional health 50% faster, chance to cure affliction with Med Packs, Trauma Packs, and Emergency Kits |
| Research Methods | Tier 1 | Reduce resource requirements by 10% | Reduce resource requirements by 20% | Reduce resource requirements by 40% | Doubled chance of sudden developments, 60% reduced requirements |
| Surveying | Tier 1 | Add zoom and +20m scan distance to hand scanner | Add another zoom level and +30m scan distance | Add another zoom level and +40m scan distance | Add another zoom level and +50m scan distance |
| Botany | Tier 2 | Get more common/uncommon organic resources, learn extra info, allow cultivation | Get more rare organic resources, quicker info learning | Get more exotic organic resources, quicker info learning | Occasionally harvest extra rare resources, quicker info learning |
| Scanning | Tier 2 | Detect uncommon inorganic resources, ship details | Detect rare inorganic resources, detailed ship info | Detect exotic inorganic resources, combat ship info | Detect unique inorganic resources, complete ship cargo list |
| Spacesuit Design | Tier 2 | Craft improved spacesuit, helmet, and pack mods, research for new mods at a Research Lab | Craft superior spacesuit, helmet, and pack mods | Craft cutting-edge spacesuit, helmet, and pack mods | Occasionally free spacesuit, helmet, and pack mod construction |
| Weapon Engineering | Tier 2 | Craft improved weapon mods, research for new mods at a Research Lab | Craft superior weapon mods | Craft cutting-edge weapon mods | Craft master-level weapon mods |
| Zoology | Tier 2 | Get more common organic resources, harvest non-harmfully, extra info, outpost production | Get more uncommon organic resources, quicker info learning | Get more rare organic resources, quicker info learning | Occasionally harvest extra rare resources, quicker info learning |
| Astrophysics | Tier 3 | Scan moons, 10% chance to discover trait | Scan any planet/moon, 20% chance for trait | Scan any planet/moon within 16 LY, 30% chance for trait | Scan any planet/moon within 30 LY, 50% chance for trait |
| Chemistry | Tier 3 | Create improved chems, research chems | Craft superior chems | Craft cutting-edge chems | Triple chem creation occasionally |
| Outpost Engineering | Tier 3 | Construct improved outpost modules, research modules | Construct superior modules | Construct cutting-edge modules | 50% fewer resources for outpost modules |
| Aneutronic Fusion | Tier 4 | Ship reactors produce 1 extra unit of power | Ship reactors produce 2 extra units | Ship reactors produce 3 extra units | Ship reactors produce 5 extra units |
| Planetary Habitation | Tier 4 | Build on extreme temp planets, +4 max outposts | Build on extreme pressure planets, +8 max outposts | Build on toxic/corrosive planets, +12 max outposts | Build on high-gravity planets, +16 max outposts |
| Special Projects | 4 | Research experimental projects | Craft rare manufactured components | Craft exotic manufactured components | Craft unique manufactured components, chance for extra outpost resources |
Starfield Tech Skills
Tech skills in Starfield will empower you to navigate the technological landscape of the universe. Whether you’re focused on piloting ships, hacking security systems, or enhancing your ship’s weaponry, these skills will be essential in your journey through the stars. Choose your tech skills wisely to become a master of technology and innovation.
| Skill Name | Tier | Rank 1 | Rank 2 | Rank 3 | Rank 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballistic Weapon Systems | Tier 1 | Ballistic ship weapons deal increased damage and are more efficient. | Increased damage and faster recharge. | Further increased damage and faster recharge. | Ballistic weapons deal 50% more damage to individual systems. |
| Boost Pack Training | Tier 1 | You can use Starfield boost packs and they are more efficient. | Boost pack fuel consumption reduced. | Boost pack fuel regenerates faster. | Doubles previous bonuses, enhancing boost pack capabilities. |
| Piloting | Tier 1 | You can use ship thrusters and pilot higher class ships. | Increased ship turning rate and unlock Class B ships. | Unlock the ability to pilot Class C ships. | Gain advanced piloting techniques and enhanced maneuverability. |
| Security | Tier 1 | Attempt to hack higher level locks and bank auto attempts. | Attempt to hack Expert locks and bank more auto attempts. | Attempt to hack Master-level locks and bank even more auto attempts. | Use a digipick to eliminate unnecessary keys and gain 5 auto attempts. |
| Targeting Control Systems | Tier 1 | Unlock ship targeting function and make it more efficient. | Reduced time to lock onto enemies. | Further reduced time to lock onto enemies. | Deal 20% increased system damage in targeting mode. |
| Energy Weapon Systems | 2 | Energy ship weapons deal increased damage and are more efficient. | Increased damage and reduced usage costs. | Further increased damage and even more efficiency. | Energy ship weapons recharge 30% faster. |
| Engine Systems | Tier 2 | Ship’s top speed increased and boosts last longer while cooling down faster. | Ship boosts last longer and cooldown is shorter. | Ship’s top speed further increased. | While boosting, enemies disengage and reacquire you only after stopping. |
| Payloads | Tier 2 | Ship cargo holds have increased capacity. | Ship cargo holds have even more capacity. | Ship cargo holds have further increased capacity. | Ship cargo holds have 50% more capacity. |
| Shield Systems | Tier 2 | Ship has increased shield capacity. | Ship has even greater shield capacity. | Ship’s shield capacity is further increased. | Shields occasionally resist 100% of all damage. |
| Missile Weapon Systems | 3 | Ship missile weapons deal increased damage and are more efficient. | Increased damage and reduced targeting mode cost. | Further increased damage and even more efficiency. | Ship missiles have 20% increased Range, Travel Speed, and Reload Speed. |
| Particle Beam Weapon Systems | Tier 3 | Ship particle beam weapons deal increased damage and are more efficient. | Increased damage and reduced targeting mode cost. | Further increased damage and even more efficiency. | Increased critical hit chance with ship particle beam weapons. |
| Robotics | Tier 3 | Deal increased damage to robots and turrets, and force a target robot to stop fighting. | Deal more damage and force higher-level robots to flee. | Deal even more damage and force robots to attack their allies. | Force a higher-level robot to obey your commands for a limited time. |
| Starship Design | Tier 3 | Allows installation of improved ship modules. | Allows installation of superior ship modules. | Allows installation of cutting-edge ship modules. | Allows installation of experimental ship modules. |
| Starship Engineering | Tier 3 | All ship systems repair faster and are more resilient. | Ship systems have increased damage mitigation. | All ship systems repair even faster. | Repairing one block of a system repairs the entire system occasionally. |
| Automated Weapon Systems | Tier 4 | Automated ship weapons deal increased damage and are more efficient. | Increased damage, reduced targeting mode costs, and decreased ship damage in targeting mode. | Further increased damage, even more efficiency, and enhanced critical hit chances. | Ship turret weapons recharge 40% faster and do more damage to targeted sub-systems. |
| Boost Assault Training | Tier 4 | Can damage or knockdown enemies when using boost. | Chance to knockdown nearby enemies when boosting. | Aiming down sights while boosting allows hovering. | While hovering, time slows down and world moves slower around you. |
| EM Weapon Systems | Tier 4 | EM ship weapons deal increased damage and are more efficient. | Increased damage and reduced usage costs. | Further increased damage and even more efficiency. | EM ship weapons have a small chance of instantly disabling enemy engines. |
The 10 Must-Have Skills in Starfield
While the best skills will largely depend on your preferred playstyle, specific skills are universally beneficial:
- Boost Pack Training: Propel yourself to new heights with enhanced jetpack capabilities, enabling agile movement and faster exploration.
- Stealth: Allocating at least one skill point to stealth is mandatory as it unlocks an pretty essential game mechanic, the stealth meter, and allows you to sneak, while it also makes you 20% harder to be seen. Without Stealth you are not getting the full Bethesda RPG experience.
- Targeting Control Systems: Master ship combat with precise targeting, faster lock-on times, and improved overall effectiveness in space battles.
- Weight Lifting: Expand your inventory space to collect resources, gear, and treasures without the burden of encumbrance.
- Rejuvenation (Health Regen): Accelerate your health regeneration, allowing you to swiftly recover after encounters and stay resilient during your cosmic journey.
- Piloting: Command diverse ship classes, from warships to cargo vessels, granting you flexibility and adaptability in interstellar pursuits.
- Fitness: Improve your sprint oxygen efficiency, enabling prolonged exploration and traversal across oxygen-deprived environments.
- Security: Hone your lockpicking skills to gain access to hidden treasures, shortcuts, and valuable resources scattered throughout the cosmos.
- Theft: A great way to acquire additional resources and ammo without engaging in combat.
Boost Pack Training, for example, is particularly helpful for navigating physical obstacles or gaps. Targeting Control Systems can give you a decisive edge in ship combat.
How to Level Up Skills in Starfield
Leveling up in Starfield involves a combination of earning experience points (XP) and completing skill challenges. As players engage in various activities such as combat, exploration, and interactions with NPCs, they earn XP, contributing to their overall level progression.
Leveling up grants players a skill point that can be allocated to unlock new skills or improve existing ones across the five skill categories: Physical, Social, Combat, Science, and Tech.
In addition to XP, players must complete skill challenges associated with specific skills they’ve chosen to level up. These challenges are tailored to the respective skill and may require fulfilling specific criteria, like using the skill several times or achieving specific milestones. Completing challenges unlocks the skill’s next rank, enhancing the skill’s effectiveness or adding new capabilities. Once the next skill rank is unlocked, you can rank up the skill by spending a skill point.
It’s important to note that skill challenges provide a sense of progression and mastery, encouraging players to actively engage with the skills they’ve chosen to develop. Careful consideration should be given to which skills align with a player’s preferred playstyle and the challenges they are willing to undertake.
By strategically allocating skill points and tackling challenges, players can steadily evolve their characters, becoming more adept and versatile in their chosen fields of expertise.
This leveling system creates a dynamic and immersive gameplay experience that rewards player investment and encourages exploration of the diverse skill offerings within the game.
Starfield Skill Challenges List
| Skill Type | Skill | How to Unlock Rank 2 | How to Unlock Rank 3 | How to Unlock Rank 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical | Boxing | Kill 20 enemies with an unarmed attack | Kill 50 enemies with an unarmed attack | Kill 100 enemies with an unarmed attack |
| Physical | Fitness | Use oxygen 20 times | Use oxygen 50 times | Use oxygen 100 times |
| Physical | Stealth | Perform 10 sneak attacks | Perform 20 sneak attacks | Perform 40 sneak attacks |
| Physical | Weight Lifting | Sprint 1000m at 75%+ capacity | Sprint 2500m at 75%+ capacity | Sprint 5000m at 75%+ capacity |
| Physical | Wellness | Heal 200 damage | Heal 500 damage | Heal 1000 damage |
| Physical | Energy Weapon Dissipation | Take 150 energy damage | Take 350 energy damage | Take 750 energy damage |
| Physical | Environmental Conditioning | Take 100 env. damage | Take 250 env. damage | Take 500 env. damage |
| Physical | Gymnastics | Take 100 fall damage | Kill 5 enemies in Zero G environments | Kill 20 enemies in Zero G environments |
| Physical | Nutrition | Consume 10 food/drink items | Consume 30 food/drink items | Consume 75 food/drink items |
| Physical | Pain Tolerance | Take 250 physical damage | Take 500 physical damage | Take 1000 physical damage |
| Physical | Cellular Regeneration | Recover from 5 injuries | Recover from 10 injuries | Recover from 30 injuries |
| Physical | Decontamination | Recover from 5 infections | Recover from 15 infections | Recover from 30 infections |
| Physical | Martial Arts | Deal 250 damage with unarmed attacks | Disarm 10 enemies with melee attacks | Disarm 30 enemies with melee attacks |
| Physical | Concealment | Perform 10 melee sneak attacks | Perform 30 melee sneak attacks | Perform 75 melee sneak attacks |
| Physical | Neurostrikes | Stun 10 enemies with unarmed attack | Stun 30 enemies with unarmed attack | Stun 75 enemies with unarmed attack |
| Physical | Rejuvenation | Fall below 25% health and heal | Fall below 25% health and heal | Fall below 25% health and heal |
| Social | Commerce | Buy/sell 25 unique items | Buy/sell 75 unique items | Buy/sell 150 unique items |
| Social | Gastronomy | Create 5 food/drink items | Create 25 food/drink items | Create 50 food/drink items |
| Social | Persuasion | Succeed in 3 speech challenges | Succeed in 5 speech challenges | Succeed in 10 speech challenges |
| Social | Scavenging | Loot 25 containers | Loot 75 containers | Loot 150 containers |
| Social | Theft | Successfully pickpocket 5 times | Successfully pickpocket 10 times | Successfully pickpocket 20 times |
| Social | Deception | Convince 5 ships to surrender | Convince 10 ships to surrender | Convince 20 ships to surrender |
| Social | Diplomacy | Successfully use Diplomacy 5 times | Successfully use Diplomacy 25 times | Successfully use Diplomacy 50 times |
| Social | Intimidation | Successfully Intimidate 5 people | Successfully Intimidate 25 people | Successfully Intimidate 50 people |
| Social | Isolation | Kill 20 enemies without a follower | Kill 50 enemies without a follower | Kill 100 enemies without a follower |
| Social | Negotiation | Bribe 3 times through persuasion | Bribe 5 times through persuasion | Bribe 10 times through persuasion |
| Social | Instigation | Successfully Instigate 5 people | Successfully Instigate 25 people | Successfully Instigate 50 people |
| Social | Leadership | Sprint 1000m with active follower | Sprint 2500m with active follower | Sprint 5000m with active follower |
| Social | Outpost Management | Build cargo links 6 times on different planets | Construct 8 robots at outposts | Construct 10 crew stations at outposts |
| Social | Manipulation | Successfully Manipulate 5 people | Successfully Manipulate 25 people | Successfully Manipulate 50 people |
| Combat | Ballistics | Kill 20 enemies with a ballistic weapon | Kill 50 enemies with a ballistic weapon | Kill 100 enemies with a ballistic weapon |
| Combat | Dueling | Kill 20 enemies with a melee weapon | Kill 50 enemies with a melee weapon | Kill 100 enemies with a melee weapon |
| Combat | Lasers | Kill 20 enemies with a laser weapon | Kill 50 enemies with a laser weapon | Kill 100 enemies with a laser weapon |
| Combat | Pistol Certification | Kill 20 enemies with a pistol | Kill 50 enemies with a pistol | Kill 100 enemies with a pistol |
| Combat | Shotgun Certification | Kill 20 enemies with a shotgun | Kill 50 enemies with a shotgun | Kill 100 enemies with a shotgun |
| Combat | Demolitions | Kill 20 enemies with explosives | Kill 50 enemies with explosives | Kill 100 enemies with explosives |
| Combat | Heavy Weapons Certification | Kill 20 enemies with a heavy weapon | Kill 50 enemies with a heavy weapon | Kill 100 enemies with a heavy weapon |
| Combat | Incapacitation | Deal 400 EM damage | Deal 1000 EM damage | Deal 2500 EM damage |
| Combat | Particle Beams | Kill 20 enemies with a particle beam weapon | Kill 50 enemies with a particle beam weapon | Kill 100 enemies with a particle beam weapon |
| Combat | Rifle Certification | Kill 20 enemies with a rifle | Kill 50 enemies with a rifle | Kill 100 enemies with a rifle |
| Combat | Marksmanship | Deal 10 ranged critical hits | Deal 30 ranged critical hits | Deal 75 ranged critical hits |
| Combat | Rapid Reloading | Reload 30 empty magazines | Reload 75 empty magazines | Reload 150 empty magazines |
| Combat | Sniper Certification | Kill 50 enemies with a scoped weapon | Kill 125 enemies with a scoped weapon | Kill 250 enemies with a scoped weapon |
| Combat | Targeting | Kill 50 enemies without aiming with a ranged weapon | Kill 125 enemies without aiming with a ranged weapon | Kill 250 enemies without aiming with a ranged weapon |
| Combat | Armor Penetration | Kill 20 enemies with a non-automatic weapon | Kill 50 enemies with a non-automatic weapon | Kill 250 enemies with a non-automatic weapon |
| Combat | Crippling | Put 20 enemies into the bleedout state | Put 50 enemies into the bleedout state | Put 100 enemies into the bleedout state |
| Combat | Sharpshooting | Deal 50 ranged critical hits | Deal 125 ranged critical hits | Deal 250 ranged critical hits |
| Science | Astrodynamics | Make 5 grav jumps | Make 15 grav jumps | Make 30 grav jumps |
| Science | Geology | Harvest inorganic resources from 20 sources | Harvest inorganic resources from 50 sources | Harvest inorganic resources from 100 sources |
| Science | Medicine | Use healing items 20 times | Use healing items 50 times | Use healing items 100 times |
| Science | Research Methods | Craft 5 unique items | Craft 10 unique items | Craft 15 unique items |
| Science | Surveying | Scan 10 unique resources | Scan 25 unique resources | Scan 50 unique resources |
| Science | Botany | Harvest 20 organic resources from plants | Harvest 50 organic resources from plants | Harvest 100 organic resources from plants |
| Science | Scanning | Scan 5 planets or moons | Scan 15 planets or moons | Scan 30 planets or moons |
| Science | Spacesuit Design | Craft 5 mods | Craft 15 mods | Craft 30 mods |
| Science | Weapon Engineering | Craft 5 weapon mods | Craft 15 weapon mods | Craft 30 weapon mods |
| Science | Zoology | Harvest organic resources from 20 creatures | Harvest organic resources from 50 creatures | Harvest organic resources from 100 creatures |
| Science | Astrophysics | Scan 10 unique planets or moons | Scan 25 unique planets or moons | Scan 50 unique planets or moons |
| Science | Chemistry | Create 10 chems | Create 25 chems | Create 50 chems |
| Science | Outpost Engineering | Build 5 outpost modules | Build 25 outpost modules | Build 50 outpost modules |
| Science | Aneutronic Fusion | Destroy 5 ships | Destroy 25 ships | Destroy 50 ships |
| Science | Planetary Habitation | Build 5 habitable outposts | Build 10 habitable outposts | Build 20 habitable outposts |
| Science | Special Projects | Craft 10 common manufactured components | Craft 10 rare manufactured components | Craft 10 exotic manufactured components |
| Tech | Ballistic Weapon Systems | Deal 1000 damage with ballistic weapons to enemy ships | Deal 4000 damage with ballistic weapons to enemy ships | Deal 10000 damage with ballistic weapons to enemy ships |
| Tech | Boost Pack Training | Boost jump 10 times while in combat | Boost jump 25 times while in combat | Boost jump 50 times while in combat |
| Tech | Piloting | Destroy 5 ships | Destroy 15 ships | Destroy 30 ships |
| Tech | Security | Pick 5 locks | Pick 15 locks | Pick 30 locks |
| Tech | Targeting Control Systems | Destroy 5 enemy ships while in targeting mode | Destroy 15 enemy ships while in targeting mode | Destroy 30 enemy ships while in targeting mode |
| Tech | Energy Weapon Systems | Deal 1000 damage with Energy weapons to enemy ships | Deal 4000 damage with Energy weapons to enemy ships | Deal 10000 damage with Energy weapons to enemy ships |
| Tech | Engine Systems | Boost 5 times with your spaceship while in combat | Boost 25 times with your spaceship while in combat | Boost 50 times with your spaceship while in combat |
| Tech | Payloads | Make 10 grav jumps with 75% or more of maximum cargo capacity | Make 25 grav jumps with 75% or more of maximum cargo capacity | Make 50 grav jumps with 75% or more of maximum cargo capacity |
| Tech | Shield Systems | Take 150 shield damage | Take 350 shield damage | Take 750 shield damage |
| Tech | Missile Weapon Systems | Deal 1000 damage with missile weapons to enemy ships | Deal 4000 damage with missile weapons to enemy ships | Deal 10000 damage with missile weapons to enemy ships |
| Tech | Particle Beam Weapon Systems | Deal 1000 damage with particle beam weapons to enemy ships | Deal 4000 damage with particle beam weapons to enemy ships | Deal 10000 damage with particle beam weapons to enemy ships |
| Tech | Robotics | Destroy 5 robots | Destroy 25 robots | Destroy 50 robots |
| Tech | Starship Design | Install 5 unique ship modules | Install 15 unique ship modules | Install 30 unique ship modules |
| Tech | Starship Engineering | Use 5 ship repair kits | Use 10 ship repair kits | Use 15 ship repair kits |
| Tech | Automated Weapon Systems | Deal 1000 damage with automated turret weapons to enemy ships | Deal 4000 damage with automated turret weapons to enemy ships | Deal 10000 damage with automated turret weapons to enemy ships |
| Tech | Boost Assault Training | Deal 200 damage to enemies using the boost pack | Knockdown 20 enemies with a boost | Deal 500 damage to enemies using the boost pack |
| Tech | EM Weapon Systems | Deal 1000 damage with EM weapons to enemy ships | Deal 4000 damage with EM weapons to enemy ships | Deal 10000 damage with EM weapons to enemy ships |
Final Thoughts
Bethesda has synthesized elements from its storied RPG history into Starfield’s unique, expansive skill system. Whether you’re a casual space explorer or aiming to be the most feared pirate in the galaxy, this game offers a multifaceted experience, making every skill point earned and spent an impactful decision on your journey.
Originally posted 2023-10-05 00:18:32.
Anastasios Antoniadis is the founder and editor-in-chief of Meta Game Guides. He has been covering and writing about video games and technology for over 4 years. He is a 2014 graduate of the Department of Informatics and Telecommunications of the University of Athens. In his off-time, he enjoys playing video games, watching films and TV shows, reading, and enjoying the outdoors. Currently he is invested in Starfield, Persona 3 Reload, Helldivers 2, Palworld, and Baldur's Gate 3.
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