Starfield Guide: DIY Crafting & Research in Space
Starfield boasts an impressive research and crafting mechanism. While Fallout 4 had its moments of discontent for some players, its crafting system undoubtedly stood out as one of Bethesda’s finest.
As we journey through space in Starfield, releasing on September 6, it’s evident that our crafting possibilities are expanding even further. And, if base-building interests you, refer to our Starfield outposts guide.
Let’s delve into what’s in store for Starfield’s crafting and research dynamics.
Starfield Research Laboratory
At the heart of every great discovery lies a keen mind, or in your case, a trio consisting of you, your mechanical buddy, and that lunar wanderer you happened to befriend. Your mission? Pioneer cutting-edge technologies that promise a brighter future for all. Or maybe, just maybe, you’re after that upgraded shotgun. Who’s to say enhanced firepower isn’t for the greater good? Your journey of innovation begins at the Research Laboratory, a hub of knowledge where you can explore advancements across five distinct sectors:
Pharmacology: Elevate medicines! From what we’ve glimpsed, expect enhancements in Medical Treatment and Performance Boosts. Injecting your crew with extraterrestrial insect hormones for strength? Space ethics still seem a bit blurry on that.
Food and Drink: Elevate sustenance! Trust us, those otherworldly hormones can induce quite the hunger. Last thing you’d want is to figure out who devoured those tiny colossal space hamsters, earmarked for a mob boss on Neon, via security footage.
Outpost Development: Elevate settlements! The teaser hinted at enhanced Resource Extraction, letting you passively gather more raw materials.
Equipment: Elevate gear! The spotlight from the teaser was Helmet Mods. Curious about mods? Hang tight!
Weaponry: Elevate firepower! Eager for this, aren’t you? While science boasts centuries of profound insights, your focus might just be on its contribution to superior weaponry. We gleaned insights into potential customizations like Barrel Mods, Grip Mods, Optics, Sight Mods, and Muzzle Mods. Looks like each firearm boasts ample room for tailoring, which is admittedly impressive.
Remember, research is a game of patience. Certain projects demand skill prerequisites to initiate, and it’s unclear if skills influence research speed. As seen in the trailer, the Research Laboratory seems nestled within the player’s ship. Yet, given the “Science Hab” observed in the Outpost construction interface, multiple access points might be available.
Starfield Crafting
Crafting in Starfield appears straightforward: if you’ve researched an item and have the necessary materials such as nickel or iron, you’re all set to create. These materials can be sourced by exploring on-foot, purchasing, or by harnessing the capabilities of an industrial outpost. Unlike some games, there are no dedicated crafting skills for individual gear items—ship and outpost creations are exceptions. So, there’s no need to delve deep into specialized skills like gunsmithing or armorsmithing. If you’ve conducted the research, you’re equipped to craft. Evidently, the 3D printers in Starfield’s universe have evolved to a point where manually assembling weapons is a relic of the past.