Starfield: With these 5 useful builds you’ll get the most out of your skills

You can choose from 82 different skills in Starfield. We show you 5 builds so that your skill allocation doesn’t end in chaos.

In Starfield, there are 82 different skills divided into 5 skill trees, which are further divided into four levels. With such a large selection, some questions may arise about where to invest your valuable skill points.

We have already shown you 5 skills that are useful at the start. Now we want to present you 5 builds to help you get the most out of your skills later in the game.

What kind of builds are these? The 5 builds we present here all serve a specific purpose and are therefore very useful throughout the game – especially if you prefer a certain playstyle.

We haven’t just chosen pure combat builds here because they focus on combat, neglecting other aspects of the role-playing experience.

Each of the named builds includes a maximum of 25 skills so that you can – if desired – raise each skill to level 4 in the first 100 levels. However, since Starfield has no level cap, you can of course learn more skills and go beyond level 100.

The Space Pirate

What kind of build is this? A pirate must be able to handle their ship and get rid of pursuing enemies. Moreover, pirates are criminal and ruthless. The Space Pirate build consists of skills that promote a criminal playstyle.

Who is this build for? The Space Pirate is especially interesting for players who like to act dishonestly. You want to pick locks, steal from NPCs, smuggle, loot corpses, and hijack spaceships? Perfect! You occasionally need to shoot your way through and get rid of annoying UC security ships? No problem!

• Background: Medic (Pistol Certification, Medicine, Well-being)
• Trait: Extroverted, Spaced

• Skills:
  • Physical:
    • Stealth, Well-being, Body Training
  • Social:
    • Trade, Persuasion, Thief, Looting, Negotiation Skills
  • Combat:
    • Ballistics, Pistol Certification, Accuracy, Quick Reloading
  • Research:
    • Medicine, Weapon Technology, Scanning, Aneutronic Fusion
  • Technology:
    • Ballistic Weapon Systems, Flying, Security, Targeting Systems, Spaceship Technology, Spaceship Design, Propulsion Systems, Shield Systems

The Persuader

What kind of build is this? With the Persuader, your focus is primarily on leading conversations and pushing various dialogue options. You want to convince your opponents mainly with words and are not afraid of intimidation, manipulation, or bribery.

Moreover, with this build, you will still have some skill points left even if you have maxed out all the abilities mentioned here.

Who is this build for? The Persuader is clearly aimed at RPG fans who prefer to slip into a role rather than barging through the door with a drawn weapon. However, if you do find yourself in a fight, you are skilled with certain weapons.

• Background: Diplomat
• Trait: Empath, Dream House
• Skills
  • Physical:
    • Well-being
  • Social:
    • Trade, Persuasion, Diplomacy, Intimidation, Negotiation Skills, Incitement, Leadership, Manipulation, Xenopsychology
  • Combat:
    • Ballistics, Shotgun Certification, Rifle Certification, Quick Reloading, Crippling

The Stealth Sniper

What kind of build is this? The Stealth Sniper build comes from Fextralife and delivers exactly what it promises: silent, undiscovered approaches and combat with sniper rifles. The goal is to move as stealthily as possible and ideally eliminate enemies with just a single shot.

Who is this build for? This build is aimed at players who prefer to take down their enemies quietly and/or from a distance. It is the perfect combination of both playstyles. If you prefer to rush into hordes of enemies with loud shouting and shotgun blasts, then this build is probably less interesting for you.

• Background: Cyberrunner/ Soldier/ Industrialist
• Trait: Alien DNA, Introverted
• Skills:
  • Physical:
    • Stealth, Weightlifting*, Pain Tolerance, Camouflage
  • Social:
    • Persuasion*, Thief*
  • Combat:
    • Ballistics, Rifle Certification, Sniper Certification, Marksmanship
  • Research:
    • Research Methods, Weapon Technology
  • Technology:
    • Flying*, Security*

Skills marked with an asterisk (*) are not necessary for the basic build and playstyle as a Stealth Sniper. However, since you might have skill points left, they are useful skills that positively influence the gameplay experience and/or synergize with stealth approaches.

What else to consider: In Starfield, your weapons and equipment may have different perks. Some of them provide a noticeable improvement for the Stealth Sniper build, enhancing your damage while aiming or against humans.

Additionally, certain weapon mods like a scope, a long barrel, or a suppressor should be equipped, although you will need to research some modifications first. This is where the Research skills (Research Methods, Weapon Technology) you have learned come into play.

The most important perk for your helmet and spacesuit is called “Chameleon” and allows you to blend in with your surroundings. You can find a legendary spacesuit with this ability during the “Mantis” side quest, where you also get a very good ship.

The Craftsman

What kind of build is this? The Craftsman allows you to enhance your weapons and equipment yourself. This requires a lot of resources and credits, which is why the building of an outpost is sensible.

In order to have enough credits for your projects, part of the build involves making as much money as possible. Skills like Trade, Looting, Thief, and Security are useful here.

Who is this build for? The Craftsman is aimed at players who want to enhance their weapons and equipment themselves. This requires many resources and credits, which is why the build also offers a need for an outpost.

• Background: Professor
• Trait: (Dream House)
• Skills:
  • Social
    • Trade, Looting, Thief, Outpost Management
  • Research
    • Geology, Botany, Research Methods, Suit Design, Weapon Technology, Zoology*, Chemistry, Outpost Technology*, Planet Colonization*, Special Projects,
  • Technology:
    • Security

Skills marked with an asterisk (*) are not necessary for the basic build and playstyle as a Craftsman. However, since you might have skill points left, they are useful skills that enable you to utilize your outpost even better for resource extraction and selling excess materials.

The Jetpack Fighter

What kind of build is this? The Jetpack Fighter is nearly the exact opposite of the Stealth Sniper. Instead of sneaking and fighting from a distance, this build engages in close combat. You charge at enemies with battle cries and let them feel the blasts from your shotgun up close.

To match this, there are skills that enhance your abilities in combat, skills that prepare your physical condition for such fights, and skills that help you craft mods for your weapons and suits to deal even more damage.

Who is this build for? The build is intended for players who prefer to fight at short range and enjoy flying with the boost pack.

• Background: Bounty Hunter/ Soldier
• Trait: Terra Firma or Space, Extroverted
• Skills:
  • Physical:
    • Fitness, Body Training, Rejuvenation, Well-being
  • Combat
    • Ballistics, Shotgun Certification, Aiming, Crippling
  • Technology
    • Boostpack Training, Enhanced Attack Training
  • Research
    • Research Methods, Weapon Technology, Suit Design

What else to consider: The Jetpack Fighter also benefits from various modifications for weapons and suits. So make use of the weapons workbench and research stations, and tailor your weapons to your individual needs.

If you are still looking for good weapons:

Starfield offers 2 weapons that should actually be bad, but they are among the best in the game