Starfield: Space Combat Guide
Starfield: Space Combat Guide
Starfield Space Combat: Blasting Enemies and Scoring Loot
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Moments after you start playing Starfield, you’ll be launched into space aboard the mighty ship, The Frontier. With over 1,000 planets to explore, you’ll always find yourself near a planet’s atmosphere when attempting a landing for the first time. Brace yourself for the possibility of encountering some less-than-friendly groups along the way.
But fear not, my fellow space enthusiasts! In addition to these random encounters, you’ll also have to master Space Combat for certain quests that involve dealing with enemy groups on various planets or moons. By understanding the ins and outs of space combat, you’ll be swimming in Credits before you know it. Let’s dive in!
How Space Combat Functions
Before we charge headfirst into interstellar battles, let’s get acquainted with the space combat basics. In your cosmic travels, you will encounter two types of ships:
| Hostile Ships | Non-Hostile Ships |
|---|---|
| Red-Colored Name | These ships usually belong to factions like The Crimson Fleet, Eclipse, or Spacers. |
| They will instantly attack you unless you have established peaceful terms. | |
| Blue-Colored Name | |
| Commonly found orbiting solar systems controlled by UC Vanguard or Freestar Collective. They can turn hostile if provoked or if you have a bounty on your head. Additionally, you might stumble upon non-hostile ships that occasionally hail and ask for help on your journey. |
Once you’ve come face to face with a hostile group of ships, it’s time to lock on and unleash your firepower. Your ship will automatically lock onto one of the enemies as they come within range, and you’ll be able to see their name only when locked on. While this locking does little other than making them easier to track, the real fun begins when the ship is inside the giant circle in the middle of your screen.
Keep your eyes on the bar at the bottom of the circle as it gradually fills up. The closer the hostile ship, the faster it fills. Once it’s complete, you are successfully locked onto your target, bringing with it a few benefits:
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- All your automatic and manual bullets are guaranteed to hit the ship, eliminating the need for precise cursor aiming.
- Missiles gain a homing feature when fired at a locked target, ensuring they relentlessly chase down and hit their mark.
Every ship you engage in combat will have a shield displayed above its health bar. Until this shield is fully depleted, your attacks won’t impact the ship’s health. Be aware that the shield gradually regenerates if you pause the assault for a few moments. Once you’ve depleted the ship’s health bar, it will be obliterated, leaving behind a crate filled with potential loot.
Spotting these loot crates can be a breeze. Look for white icons accompanied by white arrows at the end of the giant circle if they’re not in your direct line of sight. Lock on to these loot crates using the same button you use to lock onto ships, and enjoy the spoils by approaching them within a 500-meter radius.
How To Repair Your Ship
Now that we’ve satisfied our appetite for space combat, it’s time to address the wear and tear of battle. Remember, all damage inflicted upon your ship is permanent. However, there are a couple of ways to restore your vessel:
- Ship Parts: Following a victorious battle, you can salvage Ship Parts from defeated enemies. These precious parts will allow you to gradually repair your ship over time. Just make sure to keep them stored safely in your Cargo Hold.
- Ship Service Technicians: When you find yourself in need of immediate repair, seek out the Ship Service Technicians located near Spaceports in the main cities. For the modest fee of 1,000 Credits, they’ll have your ship patched up in no time.
With your ship battle-ready and in top shape, venture forth and conquer the vast expanse of Starfield!
