Similar to many other modern RPGs, Starfield incorporates a diverse array of interconnected systems that define the player's customizable character and influence the bonuses and abilities they'll enjoy throughout their gameplay. One of these systems is the Traits system, which players will become acquainted with in the early stages of the game as they decide on their character's Background and appearance.
Traits differ somewhat from skills in that they place greater emphasis on the character's attributes and relationships rather than their active abilities. Players can select up to three active Traits at a time, some of which will grant them new dialogue options and rewards. Fortunately, in Starfield, it's possible to change or remove a trait with some effort, so while it's crucial to carefully consider which Traits to pick, players aren't committed to their choices for the entirety of their playthrough.
Which are the Best Starting Traits in Starfield?
When embarking on a new playthrough, players will be presented with a selection of 17 different Traits. Determining the optimal Traits in Starfield can be a bit challenging, as each one comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For instance, players may opt for a lavish home but will be required to make regular payments until their mortgage is completely settled. They can also cultivate strong relations with a particular faction, but this may inevitably strain their interactions with other groups. Consequently, there's a compelling argument to be made for abstaining from selecting any starting Traits at all, given that each one carries its own drawbacks. Nevertheless, there are a handful of Traits that are not as double-edged as the rest.
Extrovert
The Extrovert trait is advantageous as it reduces the oxygen consumption for players when exerting themselves while traveling with a human companion, but it increases it when they are alone. Considering that a significant portion of Starfield's main story missions involve collaborating with companions, Extrovert emerges as a strong and among the top Traits in Starfield.
Hero Worshipped
The Hero Worshipped trait grants players an "Adoring Fan" character, who can be quite bothersome, especially during their initial introduction. However, they do come bearing gifts and may even extend an invitation to join the player's crew. If players become exasperated with their presence, they have the option to assign them to an outpost or a seldom-visited location to avoid the constant adoration. In reality, though, the annoyance factor is relatively low since players won't spend much time with them anyway.
Raised Enlightened
"Raised Enlightened" is one of the two religious Traits that allows players to access a unique chest filled with valuable items in New Atlantis. The other option is "Raised Universal." Opting for either of these Traits will exclude players from accessing the chest associated with the opposite religion. However, if players decide not to choose either Trait, they won't be able to unlock either chest. Therefore, there's a compelling argument for selecting one of these Traits, particularly considering how straightforward it is to remove them after opening the chests.
Every Starting Trait in Starfield
| Trait | Effect |
|---|---|
| Alien DNA | You volunteered for a controversial experiment that combines alien and human DNA. As a result, you start with increased health and oxygen but healing and food items aren't as effective. |
| Dream Home | You own a luxurious, customizable house on a peaceful planet! Unfortunately, it comes with a 125,000 Credit mortgage with GalBank that has to be paid weekly. |
| Empath | You are deeply connected to the feelings of others. Performing actions your companion likes will result in a temporary increase in combat effectiveness. But, performing actions they don't like will have the precise opposite effect. |
| Extrovert | You're a people person. Exerting yourself uses less oxygen when adventuring with human companions, but more when adventuring alone (Can't be combined with Introvert). |
| Fresstar Collective Settler | You gain access to special Freestar Collective dialogue options and better rewards from some missions given by the faction. But, crime bounty towards other factions is greatly increased (Can't be combined with any other faction allegiance trait). |
| Hero Worshipped | You've earned the attention of an annoying "Adoring Fan" who will show up randomly and jabber at you incessantly. On the plus side, he'll join your ship's crew and give you gifts... |
| Introvert | You really need your alone time. Exerting yourself uses less oxygen when adventuring alone, but more when exploring with other human companions (Can't be combined with Extrovert). |
| Kid Stuff | Your parents are alive and well, and you can visit them at their home. But you will automatically send 2% of your Credits home to them every week. |
| Neon Street Rat | You grew up on the mean streets of Neon. You gain access to special dialogue options and better rewards from some missions on Neon. Crime bounty by other factions is greatly increased (Can't be combined with any other faction allegiance trait). |
| Raised Enlightened | You grew up as a member of the Enlightened. You gain access to a special chest full of items in the House of the Enlightened in New Atlantis, but lose access to the Sanctum Universum chest (Can't be combined with any other religion trait). |
| Raised Universal | You grew up as a member of the Sanctum Universum. You gain access to a special chest full of items in the Sanctum Universum in New Atlantis, but lose access to the House of the Enlightened chest (Can't be combined with any other religion trait). |
| Serpent's Embrace | You grew up worshipping the Great Serpent. Grav jumping provides a temporary boost to health and oxygen, but health and oxygen are lowered if you don't continue jumping regularly - like an addiction (Can't be combined with any other religion trait). |
| Spaced | Your body has become acclimated to space. Health and oxygen are increased when in space but decreased when on the surface (Can't be combined with Terra Firma). |
| Taskmaster | Occasionally, if you have crew trained in a certain ship system, that system will automatically repair itself to full health whenever it is damaged below 50%. However, all crew cost twice as much to hire. |
| Terra Firma | You've never acclimated to space. Health and oxygen are increased when on the surface but decreased when you're in space (Can't be combined with Spaced). |
| United Colonies Native | You gain access to special United Colonies dialogue options and better rewards from some missions given by the faction. However, crime bounty by other factions is greatly increased (Can't be combined with any other faction allegiance trait). |
| Wanted | Someone put a price on your head and word has spread. Occasionally, armed mercenaries will show up and try to kill you, but being cornered gives you an edge - when your health is low, you do extra damage. |