Starfield: The 7 Best Starting Attributes

There are 17 potential attributes that can be added during character creation in Starfield. You can add up to three of them and even get rid of them after the game has started, albeit in specific ways and at specific locations. There is no real reason not to choose all three attributes; certainly, they have their drawbacks, but the advantages generally outweigh them. Moreover, it simply adds to the enjoyment.

We have a list of all the attributes - please refer to the link above. But which ones are our personal favorites? Over time, our thoughts can change, but after a few weeks with Starfield, here are our insights.

7 Extrovert

Between extroverted and introverted, we can't help but sense that one is significantly better than the other. If your playstyle indeed aims to never take companions along - which we can imagine if you genuinely wish to operate in complete stealth - then the added independence of a lone wolf makes sense.

As for us, we can't imagine playing Starfield without a friend by our side at least most of the time. Reduced oxygen supply when we are alone is therefore not an issue. The additional boost when allies are present is a nice little extra.

6 Hero Worshipped

Among the many positively received sections of our extensive preview of Starfield several months before its launch, undoubtedly, the return of the beloved fan from The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion was one of the highlights. However, how much he would actually aid in comparison to simply showcasing intentionally irritating antics was less clear at that time.

As it turns out, the beloved fan... is actually a rather competent crew member. They possess decent skills that prove useful in various situation-specific ship positions, and they will occasionally provide you with some complimentary items. Quite a favorable arrangement.

5 Taskmaster

When you're just starting out in Starfield and taking in the sights of the picturesque New Atlantis, you might think that the cost of hiring a crew for your ship is outrageously high. Even if you negotiate successfully with them, people will demand credits in the high four-figure range. (On the other hand, take a moment to consider - they never ask for more; is this truly such a significant expenditure?)

However, over time, the costs... we don't want to say they're peanuts, but they're not far off. That's why it will become increasingly less incredible for players to double the initial fee once the money starts rolling in. In return, you receive a fantastic occasional form of complete healing for your spacecraft. Starfield presents some rather tricky orbital challenges, so a sudden boost to the engines can be an absolute lifesaver.

4 Dream Home

This one is for all those who want to have a beautiful, spacious home right from the start, without requiring UC citizenship or a similar prerequisite to buy a house. Your "dream house" is among the finest properties in Starfield. It provides ample space for nearly everything and offers a delightful view of the world outside your windows.

3 Kid Stuff

The combination of an engaging role-playing concept with both narrative and pragmatic rewards clearly makes "Kid Stuff" one of the best features in Starfield. You will have a mother and a father living in New Atlantis, and yes, you will need to provide them with 500 credits every week. (The game states that they take two percent of your credits weekly, but we haven't experienced that ourselves, and apparently neither have other sources.)

The fee comes with the promise of rare but significant events being triggered where one of your parents receives good news - news that somehow affects you. Our father won a poker game and acquired a ship, a ship he gave to us, and we promptly sold it. No offense, Dad, but the 18,000 credits were more useful at that time.

Furthermore, your parents will appear in other locations within the Settled System, such as Akila City, providing you with additional conversations to further develop your relationship.

2 Empath

The main romance companions in Starfield are all different variations of kind-hearted nature. To win their affection, it generally entails being kind, generous, humble, and the like. That's what makes "Empath" quite cool, as it occasionally unlocks unique dialogue branches (similar to the various native government attributes) that showcase your character's emotional understanding. These branches often trigger increases in affection.

Here's where the synergy of the attribute comes into play: When you do something that pleases your companions, whether it's donating credits, saving a settler, or using "Empath" dialogue options, you receive a temporary bonus to your combat effectiveness. Yes, your effectiveness will decrease for a while if you do something they disapprove of, but trust us, it's rarely a cosmic puzzle to figure out their behavioral preferences.

There's more. The temporary state of self-confidence you receive when you do something that pleases your companions will provide a bonus to your persuasion checks while it is active. This one is a winner.

1 Wanted

The only attribute in Starfield that we consider better than "Empath" is "Wanted." At first glance, the idea of getting even more people to try and kill you in a game where exploration often leads to stumbling upon an abandoned facility filled to the brim with bad guys... may not seem so appealing. But consider it this way: You're already engaging in battles frequently. These occasional additional skirmishes won't really add much to the equation.

From a practical standpoint, however, they bring so much with them. Firstly, bounty hunters that target you sometimes emerge during a protracted battle against spacefarers, pirates, fanatics, and whatever else. Starfield appears to ensure they end up in the crossfire just as often as you do. There's also a thrill to the whole thing and a genuine Han Solo-like role-playing opportunity.

What you really take "Wanted" for is the bonus to your health when it's low. Unless you're exceptionally skilled in Starfield, you'll occasionally take some hits. This kind of "toughening" for your health pool cannot be obtained elsewhere and can be invaluable.