As Bethesda is preparing to amaze players with the possibilities of the Starfield ship building, the studio seems to be crafting my personal favorite among the upcoming AAA games of the year.
Venturing into the depths of space has always been a captivating prospect for gamers, and Bethesda’s upcoming title definitely seems like it is set to take this fascination to new heights. With ships playing a pivotal role in the game’s mechanics, enthusiasts are in for an expansive experience, offering a universe of possibilities when it comes to ship building and customization.
The sandbox essence of Starfield ship building
Bethesda games have consistently enticed players with their sandbox gameplay elements, and Starfield is no exception. While many games provide some degree of ship customization and the option to acquire diverse vessels, Starfield elevates the concept by presenting an extensive array of choices for players to navigate the cosmos. Beyond the mere aesthetics, players can customize not only the appearance of their spacecraft but also delve into the intricacies of character customization, base construction, and settlement establishment.
Breaking the Starfield ship building into parts
While concocting the perfect spaceship in Starfield might not require the expertise of a rocket scientist, there are vital guidelines to consider, giving aspiring spacefarers the tools needed to embark on celestial journeys with their dream ships. A comprehensive breakdown of the key attributes available for upgrades includes:
- Hull
- Shield
- Cargo capacity
- Laser damage (LAS)
- Ballistic damage (BAL)
- Missile damage (MSL)
- Jump range
- Mobility
- Top speed
- Mass
- Crew capacity
The hull and shield determine the ship’s resilience, while cargo capacity highlights the potential for profitable trading. Various weaponry options cater to combat enthusiasts, and the ship’s jump range signifies the extent of exploration within the galaxy. Crew capacity is critical for managing personnel on the ship.
Designing for the stars
Customization is at the heart of Starfield’s ship-building process. Upgrades and components not only impact the ship’s performance but also manifest visually on the spacecraft itself. Players can meticulously design their vessel’s aesthetics, down to the paint color defined by hexadecimal codes.
Strategic balance in ship builds
Commanders must strike a balance between a ship’s strengths and weaknesses. Those favoring agility and evasiveness might opt for lightweight designs, ideal for swift travel and escaping pursuit. Alternatively, those seeking a more robust and defensive approach can invest in heavier armaments, enhanced shielding, and fortified hulls, providing better endurance against adversaries.
Diverse approaches to Starfield ship building
In addition to detailed ship customization at spaceports, Starfield introduces a convenient menu system for quick installation and removal of components. This feature caters to players who prefer to dive straight into deep-space exploration rather than labor over meticulous ship designs.
Module-Based Crafting
The game diverges from strict realism, adopting a “build anything that works” philosophy. Ship construction is akin to assembling Lego blocks, where modules snap onto the ship at designated points, resulting in a unique “NASA-punk” appearance. Players can indulge in creativity, shaping smoother contours with the innovative use of cowling components.
Interiors that matter
Modules not only influence the ship’s exterior but also transform its interior. Swapping modules leads to a complete aesthetic overhaul, influencing the first-person flying experience. Various in-game manufacturers offer diverse modules, each catering to distinct design preferences and functionalities.
Power management and exploration
In Starfield, the availability of ship equipment is limited by power supply. Players can allocate power to specific components during their journey. For instance, combat-oriented ships can redirect energy from weapons and shields to engines, enhancing speed when combat is unnecessary.
Unveiling unique vessels
Starfield empowers players to unleash their creativity when designing ships, embracing a diverse spectrum of styles. Bethesda’s teasers hint at unusual designs, and the build mode’s flexibility is likely to inspire further experimentation by players.
Managing multiple vessels
For those less inclined to design ships from scratch, acquiring or even pilfering vessels is a viable strategy. However, players need not abandon their initial craft, as Starfield permits ownership of multiple ships simultaneously. Tagging a favorite vessel as a “home ship” enables swift access.
Sustaining spaceship integrity
The cosmos can be unforgiving, subjecting ships to damage from collisions and skirmishes. Regular maintenance becomes crucial to prolong the life of these spacefaring vessels. Ship repairs, including patching holes and addressing dings, can be conducted by port engineers.
The importance of crew
Crew members are not just for show; they play a vital role in ship operations. Captains must consider crew strengths and weaknesses, assigning appropriate positions to maximize efficiency. Companions also contribute to the ship’s functionality.
Anticipating the Cosmic Odyssey
With its release scheduled for September 6, 2023, Starfield promises an immersive journey through the cosmos, offering players unprecedented ship customization and construction opportunities. Aspiring spacefarers can anticipate a thrilling adventure where the stars are the limit.
2023 is shaping up to be a great year for AAA games as Baldur’s Gate 3, Diablo 4, Starfield, and Zelda ToTK will battle each other for the Game of the Year award. Make sure to check out our articles on them to prepare your opinion for the title.
Featured image credit: Bethesda
