Exploring Starfield’s Massive Universe: Building and Managing Outposts

Starfield, the highly anticipated space-faring game from Bethesda, is set to be a vast playground for explorers. With over 1,000 planets to traverse, you’ll need a home away from home to store your contraband, gather resources, and restock your essentials. This is where the Starfield Outpost system comes into play, allowing you to create your bases of operation on different planets. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to build and manage outposts in Starfield, from choosing the right location to expanding your outpost network.

How to Build Outposts in Starfield

Creating an outpost in Starfield is a straightforward process, provided you have the necessary skills and resources. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose Your Planet: Start by selecting a planet that suits your needs. If you’re just starting out and haven’t unlocked many skills yet, opt for a planet with good resources and a pleasant climate.
2. Deploy the Outpost Beacon: Once you’re on your desired planet, open the scanner by pressing LB (Xbox) or F (PC). Then, press the X button (Xbox) or the R button (PC) to implant an Outpost Beacon. This marks the location for your outpost.
3. Customize Your Outpost: After implanting the beacon, access the outpost settings through your scanner. Here, you can customize the outpost by adding resource extractors, decorations, storage units, and more.
4. Gather Materials: You may not have enough materials on hand for your first outpost. Use your Cutter tool to gather Aluminum, Lead, Sealant, and other necessary materials. These materials will power your outpost’s basic functions, such as Cargo, Needed Power, and Total Power.
5. Hire a Crew: To keep your outpost running smoothly, assign a crew that you’ll need to pay wages. The products generated by the outpost will sustain the site and provide you with valuable profits.

Managing outposts in Starfield is reminiscent of the settlement creation feature in Fallout 4, making it accessible for players new to the game.

How Many Outposts Can You Have in Starfield?

Initially, you can establish up to four outposts in Starfield. However, investing in the Planetary Habituation skill within the Science Tree can increase the maximum cap to a more impressive sixteen. This skill also allows you to build outposts on planets with harsh climates, expanding your exploration possibilities. Each outpost you create will be marked on the map for easy navigation and fast travel.

Best Locations for Outposts in Starfield

Selecting the right planet for your outpost is crucial. Here are some top recommendations:

1. Jemison in Alpha Centauri: This planet offers ideal weather conditions and is accessible early in the game, making it an excellent choice for outpost placement.
2. Callisto in the Sol System: Callisto boasts rich reserves of Helium-3 and Iron, making it another prime location for early outposts.
3. Maheo II in the Maheo System, Kreet in the Narion System, and Nesoi in the Olympus System: These planets provide a variety of resources and are great choices for outposts.
4. Andraphon in the Narion Star System: If you need Aluminum, head to Andraphon. This planet offers terrific weather conditions, making outpost management a breeze.

In Starfield, your outposts are not just bases; they are your lifelines in the vast expanse of space. Choosing their locations wisely and managing them effectively will be the key to your success as an interstellar explorer. Happy building and safe travels!