Even if you only want to follow the main quest line in Starfield, sometimes you have to shoot some bad guys, solve puzzles, or fight in space combat. Combat piloting has been oft-cited as a real challenge (I’m terrible at it), especially early game, so here are some ways to make Starfield space combat easier.
Best way to raise Piloting skill fast in Starfield
The simplest and most important way to make space combat easier is byraising your Piloting skill. Unfortunately, to increase your piloting rank you’ll need to defeat ships. However, as long as you have the skill points to spend, there is a very easy way toget to Rank 4 quickly. All you need to do is take themission titled Supra et Ultra. This works whether you’re mid or post-mission, so don’t worry if either you don’t want to, or have already completed it.
Related:Starfield Navigation Guide – How to use the Starfield Map
You pick up the mission by speaking to Commander John Tuala at MAST HQ at Jemison, New Atlantis. He tells you that to join the Vanguard, you’ll need topass a piloting exam. Simply head upstairs in the MAST building to the simulator. You can take the exam as many times as you like andall the kills count towards any Piloting skill requirement(I used it to go from Rank 3 to 4). You can even cheat (see link above)!
More useful skills to make space combat easier - Starfield
Increasing your piloting skill is critical as you’ll get important bonuses at every rank. At Rank 1 you’ll get theability to use thrusters(think strafing - hold space and use the WASD keys to do quick maneuvers) and at Rank 2 an increase inship turning rate and maneuverability. But more importantly, at Rank 3 and 4 respectively you’ll unlock the ability to flyClass B and Class C ships. But there’s more you may do.
There are also T3 and T4 Tech skills that boost particle beam weapons, EM weapons, missile weapons (again), and automated turrets.
Which crew to use on your ship in Starfield
The importance ofadding the best available crewto your current ship should not be underestimated. Especially earlier in the game, they can add their abilities to the ones you don’t have yet, improving your chances in space battles while also chipping in with useful (and sometimes less useful) comments during battles.
Related:Starfield Crew Assignment on Outposts and Ships, Explained
Crew can be added and removed as long as you’re currently landed at a spaceport or similar location. Simply pull up the main character menu, select the ship menu, and click the Crew button at the bottom of the screen (or press C). If you’ve added these guys to your crew, they’re great candidates to assign to your ship. Also,you may increase the number of crew spacesavailable by adding habs to your ship.
Hiring a crew member costs 15-20k Creditsunless they’re part of a quest line when they’ll usually join for free. You can halve this cost by passing a Persuasion skill check (so save first!).
How to get a better ship in Starfield
If you want a very early upgrade to the Frontier, you can complete theMantis sidequestwhich will reward you with theRazorleaf. It’s not a great ship but definitely a step up, while also only requiring the basic piloting ability you start the game with. You start the quest at any time by finding theSecret Outpost! Data slateby looting a Spacer corpse. It’s not on a specific one, but you should get it in one of the early main missions.
The easiest way I’ve found to get a really great ship relatively early on is bycompleting the Over Designed mission. This becomes available from Walter Stroub after you complete the All That Money Can Buy main storyline mission (just talk to him afterward). This will reward you with either theKepler R or Kelper S, a great ship needing Rank 4 Piloting skill to fly.
For more Starfield information check outBest Pistols in StarfieldandStarfield Habs Guide – Best Habs and Features, Explainedhere at Pro Game Guides!
