Factions

In classic Bethesda style, Starfield ensures every journey is enthralling by offering choices to forge straightforward and occasionally complex alliances. You’re given the opportunity to align with one or more of its five distinct secular factions. While one of these groups drives the core narrative forward, the others introduce their own set of advantages and potential drawbacks. Dive into our guide to help you choose your allegiances as you make your way in the universe.

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What factions are there in Starfield?

Joinable Factions:

• Constellation
• United Colonies
• Ryujin Industries
• Freestar Collective
• Crimson Fleet

Non-joinable Factions:

• Spacers
• Trade Authority
• Ecliptic Mercenaries
• Trackers

Constellation

The Constellation, once a prominent group, has now dwindled to a mere legend in the collective consciousness of many. Their primary focus has always been the exploration of space. Being the default faction, they might come across as somewhat bland to some, but players there’s something alluring in the challenge of restoring its former reputation.

Sarah Morgan spearheads The Constellation, and their missions are intrinsically linked to the main storyline of the game.

Rewards: Every player begins as a member of this default faction, and its sole reward is the ability to complete the main storyline.

United Colonies

The United Colonies stand as the most dominant and influential faction in the game. Operating as a heavily armed Space Republic, they have extended their influence across the entire system, with New Atlantis serving as their primary base.

Historically, they have been adversaries of the Freespace Collective, and recently, they’ve also come into conflict with the Crimson Fleet, both of which are other factions players can join.

Rewards:

• 250,000 credits
• Access to the UC’s headquarters
• United Colonies armour

Ryujin Industries

Straight out of the pages of an 80s space crime noir, this might be the most stylish faction around.

Ryujin Industries is Bethesda’s homage to iconic sci-fi classics like Blade Runner, which envisioned a future dominated by neon-drenched mega-corporations. While this mega-corp hasn’t achieved galaxy-wide domination, it’s certainly on its way there. Fittingly, Neon serves as the primary hub and base for Ryujin Industries.

Rewards:

• 57,050 credits
• Manipulate tool

Freestar Collective

Remember the TV series Firefly and its follow-up movie Serenity? The Freestar Collective is basically that.

For those who appreciate the straightforward spirit of Westerns, the Freestar Collective is your calling. These folks are the space-age cowboys, living straightforward lives in unembellished settlements. Their ethos revolves around liberty and, of course, donning hats. Historical tensions with the United Colonies linger, as the two factions maintain differing philosophies on life in the cosmos.

Rewards:

• 70,800 credits
• Ranger pistol and armour (includes hat)

Crimson Fleet

In case their name and the conspicuous “skull and bones” emblem didn’t tip you off, we’ve dug a bit deeper and, spoiler alert, these folks are space pirates.

But let’s clarify — they’re not just any space pirates, they’re bloomin’ cool, rugged ones! The Crimson Fleet’s modus operandi is plundering. As expected, they aren’t too fond of the United Colonies exerting their influence across the galaxy. However, they do have a certain affinity for the UC’s treasures, and aren’t afraid too ‘liberate’ them.

Players face a choice: side with the Crimson Fleet to challenge the UC, or ally with the UC and go undercover within the Crimson Fleet to bring them down from the inside.

Rewards:

• 250,000 credits
• Two unique weapons, the Keelhauler and the Revenant
• Access to The Key, the Fleet’s headquarters
• Not getting attacked by pirates while in the Fleet’s territory (always useful)

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Can I join more than one faction per playthrough?

Absolutely. You have the option to join all the factions in the game at once. However, note that certain quest lines might conflict with each other. For a smoother initial experience, it might be wise not to juggle too many opposing roles. Maybe reserve the ambition of being both a space law enforcer and a space outlaw for a New Game+ run.

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What’s the best Faction to play as in Starfield?

In terms of rewards, the Crimson Fleet arguably comes out on top as the prime faction choice.

However, it’s essential to recognize that each faction offers a distinct questline. The United Colonies present the most diverse range of quests among the factions. In contrast, the Freestar Collective delivers more linear quests, offering a sense of being in a traditional action movie. Ryujin Industries immerses players in shady corporate endeavours, while the Crimson Fleet provides the thrill of embracing the pirate’s life in the cosmos. Yet, all things considered, we’d still lean towards the Crimson Fleet.

Everyone loves a baddie, after all.

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