Starfield has completely changed the side quests first norm for many Bethesda fans. Previously, Bethesda titles like Skyrim and Fallout started with a strong opening scene, setting you up with what’s really going on in the world. However, Starfield has a rather slower opening scene that throws you in as an ordinary miner. Moreover, the game’s main story doesn’t really start until you complete the first few main missions.
Some players emphasize completing the entire main story and only starting the side activities in your NG+ play. On the contrary, a considerable player base advocates rushing through only the first five main quests before going sideways. In short, the whole gaming community is divided into two main groups. So, what is the best time to do side quests in Starfield? This article will explain the reasoning behind both groups so that you can pick your side.
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When to Do Side Quests?
As mentioned earlier, the Starfield player base is divided into two groups, i.e., side quests in NG+ and side quests during the first playthrough. So, the best time to start your side missions mainly depends on how you wish to experience the vast, empty universe. Both groups have their pros and cons, and no one will judge you unless you start boasting on Reddit.
Here’s the best time to start doing side quests for both categories:
Focusing on Side Quests:
Even though Starfield has a slower start compared to previous titles, the whole system is unlocked after only a few main missions. So, you won’t be missing out on important rewards and activities if you start exploration and side quests after that point onward. The main benefit of completing side quests first is that you will farm a lot of XP and level up significantly faster.
Secondly, Starfield side quests may not unlock unique mechanics, but they do reward you better than most main missions. For example, you can get a home for free by completing the A Legacy Forged Quest for UC Vanguard. In addition to rewarding you well, completing side quests will also help you complete the skill challenges.
So, if you are interested in this Starfield group, here’s when to do side quests:
- Start the game and complete the One Small Step and The Old Neighborhood.
- The second quest will unlock three main missions, i.e.,
- The Empty Nest
- Back to Vectera
- You should immediately complete Into the Unknown; the other two can be ignored for now.
- However, if you really want to unlock the whole system, you should complete all five main missions before indulging in side quests, joining factions, and exploring the universe.
Rushing Through the Main Story:
The second group emphasizes rushing through the main story missions and avoiding any side activities for the time being. It doesn’t mean that you must ignore all activities, so feel free to complete the Red Mile challenge. According to the community, the real Starfield experience starts after you reach New Game+ mode.
Unfortunately, starting the NG+ mode will reset your activity progress and mission rewards. However, you get to keep your skills, character level, Starborn Powers, and other stats. So, starting side missions in your second run will sort of give you a head-start. Furthermore, completing these activities will feel like a piece of cake, especially after defeating Hunter or Emissary (spoiler).
If you are interested in completing the main quests first, you should avoid the following:
- Joining Factions
- Exploring other systems
- Piracy and other crimes
- Console Commands without a proper Starfield Mod
Normally, doing these things won’t affect your Constellation progress. However, we suggest that you avoid them as they will unlock certain game mechanics that can easily drive you away from completing main quests.
How to Find Side Quests in Starfield?
Once you are ready to explore sideways, Starfield has tons of activities to squeeze in about a hundred extra gameplay hours. Regardless of when you decide to do side missions, you must always find them yourself. Furthermore, like every other Bethesda game, Starfield has several activities and objectives that lead you straight to side missions. Here are the best ways to find side quests in Starfield:
- Eavesdropping: Starfield universe feels very alive, especially inside settled systems. In most cases, if two NPCs are having a lengthy conversation, you should eavesdrop to reveal potential side quests.
- Vendors: Starfield Vendors play several roles besides just selling you precious items. You can visit any merchant in the game, like the Trade Authority, to get side missions and directions to the NPCs needing your help.
- Kiosks: Kiosks are like the noticeboards in the futuristic universe. You can browse through these machines to unlock side quests, explore new systems on your Starmap, and even file a job application.
- Slates: Slates and audio logs usually contain vital information. You will find plenty of them lying around while completing other quests. Generally, these slates will either reveal potential quests or directly lead you to the NPCs needing your help.
- Visit Cities: Starfield Cities like Neon, Akila, New Atlantis, and other suburbs are full of unique NPCs. You can try interacting with them to unlock new activities and side missions.
Conclusion:
Starfield contains enough content to keep you busy for hundreds of hours. Even though the main story has only 18 missions, you can indulge in side missions, activities, challenges, and evidence pieces to squeeze out even more gameplay hours. However, the game doesn’t lead you directly to these interesting activities; you get to decide when to pursue them. Therefore, this article provides the best time to do side quests without missing out on any special events.
