Best background when creating a character in Starfield

Upon completing the prologue in Starfield, you will get the ability to customize and create your character. Aside from appearance, you can also choose your Background and up to three Traits. Backgrounds and Traits actually affect your gameplay, so it’s worthwhile to make sure you are picking the right one. These are the best backgrounds we recommend when creating a character in Starfield.

Best overall starting background in Starfield

The best overall background when creating a character in Starfield has to be the Homesteader. Most of the backgrounds have a starting skill or two that you probably won’t use, but all three of the Homesteader skills are useful. With this background, you get access to Geology, Surveying, and Weight Lifting. Geology will allow you to get extra resources when mining. Surveying will allow you to more easily scan things on the surface of a planet, and allow you to increase the range you scan at. Weight Lifting—arguably one of the most important skills in the game for all builds—will increase your carry capacity. No matter which build or playstyle you play in Starfield, you will more than likely find all three of those skills useful.

Best background for stealth builds

If you plan on playing a sneaky stealth build in Starfield, you will want to check out the Cyber Runner background. All three skills will enhance your abilities as a stealth player. As a Cyber Runner, you start with Stealth, Security, and Theft. Stealth will allow you to crouch and become undetected by NPCs, which is important for a stealth build. Security grants you the ability to Digipick harder locks. Theft allows you to pickpocket NPCs when you are in stealth behind them, which synergizes perfectly with the Stealth skill.

Best background for those who want a strong ship

Of all the backgrounds, Bounty Hunter actually gives you the best start for ship combat. As a Bounty Hunter, you start with Piloting, Target Control Systems, and Boost Pack Training. The first two skills, focus specifically on your ship. Rank 1 of Piloting lets you use ship thrusters, while Rank 2 increases ship turn rate and maneuverability. Rank 3 and Rank 4 unlock the ability to use Class B and Class C ships respectively. Target Control Systems is very useful for ship combat. Rank 1 gives you the ability to target ships, which is very helpful. Further ranks reduces the lock-on time and increase the damage you do to target-locked ships.

As you can see there are several options when picking the best background when creating a character in Starfield.