We talk about all the main and minor factions of the game, how to join, which faction is the best, tips and tricks
Each faction from Starfield plays a special role in the history of the universe and the development of the plot. If you want, it breathes (and sometimes takes) life into the galaxy of the original Bethesda IP. At first, the game doesn’t limit your options for joining factions, but the further you progress through the story, the closer you become to the difficult moral choices that Starfield will present to you. Among other things, it will also concern the main factions of the game.
In addition, in the world of Starfield there are several factions that you cannot join, although most of these “small” alliances are predominantly hostile, wreaking havoc and destroying all life. In this guide, I’ll cover all the Starfield factions I know of, tell you how to join each (if possible), and give some other practical tips.
List of all Starfield factions
There are five main factions in Starfield that you may have heard about before the game’s release. However, if you don’t get distracted by side quests, you can limit yourself to joining the Constellation and nothing more. Let’s list them:
- Constellation
- Ryujin Industries (Ryujin Industries)
- UC Vanguard
- Freestar Rangers
- Crimson Fleet
In addition to the main factions, there are several smaller associations, but, as far as I understand, joining them will not work. However, there is the possibility of receiving special bonuses or the appearance of additional dialogue options when interacting with such factions. To do this, you need to take the traits (features/abilities) of the character (trais) that are associated with these formations. For example, by choosing the Raised Enlightened or Raised Universal trait, in New Atlantis you can receive a chest full of supplies from one of the factions.
Let’s list the minor (small) factions in Starfield:
- Spacers
- Ecliptic Mercenaries
- House of Va’Ruun Zealots
- House of the Enlightened
- Sanctum Universuum
- Hunters / Bloodhounds (Trackers)
- The Trade Authority
Is it possible to join several factions at once?
Yes, you can join any major Starfield faction, then a few minutes later another, and so on. There are no penalties for joining any of these factions (or all of them) if the other main faction finds out about it. With some exceptions, your actions on behalf of one faction will have no effect on how others view you.
Later in each faction quest chain, the situation will become slightly more complicated, especially for the Vanguard and Crimson Fleet quests. The Vanguard wants to destroy the Fleet, which, naturally, will not benefit your relationship with this faction. If you want to understand what will lead to what, do not forget to create several separate saves.
How to join each Starfield faction?
Joining a faction involves accepting a specific task or series of quests and then swearing an oath to serve the interests of that faction. If you are not sure whether a new quest is tied to a faction, open the quest log and go to the tab of the same name. Every mission available here is factional. Alternatively, you can open the “All” tab and check the icons next to the mission name. Faction quests have a faction symbol next to them (such as the red skull and crossbones of the Crimson Fleet or the brown and yellow Freestar Rangers emblem).
How to join the Constellation
You join the Constellation automatically as part of the main storyline. After you leave Vectera, the starting location of the game, go to The Lodge in the New Atlantis area and talk to Sarah Morgan. After talking about artifacts, she will officially accept you into the ranks of the Constellation, and then join as a companion for a while to go together in search of mysterious artifacts (in the future she may become a full-fledged companion). Constellation missions are directly related to the main story missions that must be completed in order to progress through the game.
How to join the Vanguard (UC Vanguard)
Head to the MAST headquarters – a large building above the sector’s transport line. Once inside, turn left. Talk to Commander John Tuala and express your desire to join the Marines. Tuala will send you to the training room to register for the exams (you don’t actually need to take the exam) and the flight test. You can explore the museum: I highly recommend interacting with each exhibit to get a decent dose of Starfield lore.
Pass the flight test and then officially become part of UC Vanguard. The path will then split into two as you can continue the Terrormorph storyline or join UC SysDef and contact the Crimson Fleet.
How to join the Crimson Fleet
First, you need to complete the “Vanguard” storyline by completing the “Supra et Ultra” quest to unlock the “Deep Cover” quest. It is this mission that will allow you to join the Crimson Fleet. “Deep Cover” will allow you to contact UC SysDef, as a result of which you will try to infiltrate the Crimson Fleet under cover, as a rookie. If you want to remain on good terms with the Navy and SysDef, you will have to constantly balance.
The Crimson Fleet’s brass want you to act like pirates – like killing and stealing – but that doesn’t go well with what UC is going for. Before making any important decisions, be sure to save so that if something happens you can roll back. However, the first quests do not affect your position in any faction unless you are clearly acting against their wishes.
How to join Ryujin Industries
Joining Neon’s top corporation is a bit easier, and you can do it early in the game. Travel to the New Atlantis Commercial District and make your way to Galbank. There is a red kiosk in front of the bank. Interact with him and apply to join Ryujin Industries. In my experience, the answers you give during an appointment don’t affect anything, so pick whatever you want.
The next stage will send you to Alpha Volia, a location located near Olympus on the star map. The Ryujin Industries building is located at the end of the street you are driving down from the landing zone. Go inside, take the elevator up, talk to the secretary and find the new boss Imelde.
The first task is to take your coffee order, but at the counter you will be attacked by a former employee. Try to convince him and avoid bloodshed, but even if you fail and kill the angry NPC, nothing bad will happen. Return to Imelda, who will upgrade you to the role of operative. You are now part of Ryujin Industries.
How to join the Freestar Rangers
Joining the Freestar Rangers is as easy as joining the Vanguard. In Aquila City, go to the bank and defuse the situation. Ideally, this should be done without the death of hostages or anyone else – during the main mission “Empty Nest”. After that, continue along the main street of Aquila City and enter the establishment with the sign The Rock. Go upstairs and talk to Emma, a visitor sitting at one of the bar tables.
Emma will briefly describe the Rangers and offer to complete a task to test you. Select one of the terminals nearby. They all have approximately the same difficulty level, so choose the one with the best reward. Upon returning to the Rock, you will become part of the Free Star Rangers.
Which faction in the game is better?
Choosing the best faction directly depends on what you want. The Free Star Rangers are more of a good-natured bunch, have a more predictable mission structure, and the questline is full of local flavor and insight into how the people within their collective live.
The complete opposite is Ryujin Industries. Although the first mission seems like an ordinary corporate production, the reality is far from it. The corporation is involved in some dirty business that touches the core of the idea of humanity and progress in the Starfield universe. Quite quickly you will encounter tasks that have a dark background. If you want to be an anti-hero, but less dark and bloodthirsty than in the ranks of the Crimson Fleet, feel free to choose Ryujin Industries. If we draw parallels with Skyrim, joining this faction is akin to joining the Thieves Guild.
The Vanguard quest line probably has the greatest variety of quests, combining multiple objectives and even genres. You’ll get more insight into the conflicts that drive Starfield’s lore.
The Crimson Fleet quest line will allow you to become a real space pirate. At the heart of their chain is the search for a great treasure, but on the way to the goal you will have to constantly balance, since the requirements for the level of cruelty only increase. You will be able to shed light on the dark side of the United Colonies (UC) and their controversial past.
Regardless of your choice, be sure to complete the first 2-3 missions of the Crimson Fleet branch. Thanks to this, you can buy a special storage unit for the ship, in which you can store contraband and safely pass any checks with it.