Raising a character in an RPG matters. It marks progress, fuels pride, and keeps players invested. Bethesda Game Studios games traditionally feature deep, rewarding leveling systems, and Starfield is no exception. This guide maps out efficient methods to level up quickly as players explore the vast reaches of space.
Starfield Guides
Complete tasks
Experience starts with story missions. They deliver the most points and speed up overall progress. Some players prefer a slower pace, so side quests provide a steadier flow of XP and a larger pool of tasks to complete. As players advance, mission boards fill with new assignments and factions unlock fresh opportunities. The initial entry quest offers a solid boost, and later on personal tasks become available, delivering meaningful experience as the narrative unfolds.
In Starfield, tasks appear on special boards and progress grows when players join factions. Throughout the campaign, many organizations seek cooperation and alliances. The early quest provides a strong foundation for experience gains, while subsequent personal assignments help sustain momentum as the character grows.
Sleep well
Rest is surprisingly important. A good night of sleep grants a buff that increases all experience earned for a short period. This makes a big difference before a major offensive against enemy forces or when preparing for a heavy encounter. Strategic resting can shave minutes off long grind sessions and shift the balance during challenging sieges.
Building relationships
Forming bonds with companions accelerates development. Developing relationships can lead to life events within the crew, and shared experiences amplify growth. When a partner is cared for, the rest buff can evolve into a morale boost that enhances all experience points by a noticeable margin. The social aspect of Starfield thus becomes a practical route to faster leveling, not just a narrative flourish.
Alien tea and resources
Alien Tea is a craftable recipe found during exploration. It requires distilled water and fiber. Consuming the brew yields a small but persistent experience boost for a limited window. The effect is modest, yet because companions and exploration travel together, this tiny advantage compounds into meaningful gains over time.
Discover new areas
Landing on a new planet always yields XP, but true progress comes from thorough survey work. Surface scans, cataloging flora and fauna, and resource identification all contribute to a steady climb in power. While this approach can be time-consuming, it doubles as a rich, exploratory experience that players can tailor to their pace.
There is a clever shortcut for increasing score: gas giants and asteroids. While they are not landable, they still yield exploration experience similar to fully surveyed worlds. This trick keeps the flow steady when surface exploration slows or when time is tight.
Combat and boarding
Engaging enemies and conquering ships grants experience, as expected. There is a practical way to nudge rewards a bit higher during space skirmishes. Attacking the engines of a hostile vessel can immobilize it, enabling a boarding operation. Once inside, a crew can be defeated and loot claimed. Cleared decks and a destroyed ship both contribute to experience, rewarding success in the air and in close-quarters combat alike.
Other guides
Sources and additional commentary provide broader context and varied tactics for leveling in Starfield. This resource helps players compare different approaches and tailor their plan to their preferred play style.