What happens if you beat the Starfield piloting exam (Tier 6): Is it worth it?

When you land on New Atlantis toward the very beginning of Starfield, you’ll have the opportunity to join the United Colonies faction. Part of that rigamarole involves a tiered (read: level-based) piloting exam, where you’ll face up to six waves of enemy ships. You only need to clear three waves to pass the exam, but if you continue onward and upward, you can earn more cash (credits, in terms of in-game currency) for your efforts. Here’s how finishing the final tier shakes out.

Is it worth beating Tier 6 in the Starfield Piloting Exam in the Supra Et Ultra mission?

[An extra tip: If you interact with each exhibit leading up to the simulation room, you’ll get an extra bit of dialogue with Commander Tuala.]

Well, it depends on how much you like money! Again, you only need to clear tier three to pass the exam and be on your way. If you’re getting frustrated, just exit the pod (hold B on Xbox). If you press on to higher tiers, you’ll be able to earn more credits for your efforts. Commander Tuala will be impressed if you clear tier six (stating that you’re in the 99th percentile of applicants, and can earn your citizenship in just three years rather than a decade), which is when the simulation will end, you’ll be required to leave the pod.

You’ll get your reward after swearing fealty to the United Colonies, which can be done by speaking to Commander Tuala in the main lobby. He’ll escort you outside to actually confirm the oath, which is where you’ll get your first United Colonies faction mission. It’s here that you’ll also get your tiered cash (credit) reward for beating the simulation.

As you can see in the screenshot above, I was given 16,800 credits for my efforts. This is a fairly massive boost of income, especially if you’re joining the United Colonies early, but it’s not required in the slightest, and there is no achievement linked to beating tier six. Settle for tier three (or tier four) and move on with your life! There is so much more to explore in Starfield.

Tips for beating the Starfield Piloting Exam

Here are a few quick tips to help you clear higher tiers:

• Use the structures as cover. In higher tiers, it’s really easy to get caught off guard with focused fire from multiple ships. Get in position early so you don’t get team-shot (this is especially important for tiers five and six).
• Focus on providing power to your shields, especially as the ships warp in during each wave. You have some breathing room in between waves to recover.
• Don’t forget you can repair your ship by clicking the right stick.
• Exit your pilot seat, then interact with the “debug tools” prompt to give yourself cheat codes (extra shields, damage, or an ally). This only works for one wave.