Starfield Pilot Cockpit
Chris Melnyk
Guides
4 min read

Starfield: Best Backgrounds To Pick

Starfield is a vast space epic, and players begin their journey by making a character; these are some of the best backgrounds to choose from.

In addition to customizing your character’s appearance and selecting their initial Traits, players have the option to pick a Background that provides valuable bonuses to their character. Much like traits, choosing a Background is a crucial decision, as each one offers a set of three unique perks to give your character a head start. We’ve compiled a list of the most advantageous Background options available in Starfield. Here are the top Background choices for your character in the game.

Best Backgrounds to Pick in Starfield

Combat Medic

Picking the Combat Medic Background is a great pick for those looking to play a more cautious and sustaining role. This Starfield Background offers a good offensive perk and also two perks that prioritize vitality and healing for the player. All in all, those wanting to play it safe should look into the Combat Medic.

Perks Included:

  • Pistol Certification: Pistols deal more damage.
  • Medicine: Healing items have a much better effectiveness, healing more and faster.
  • Wellness: Immediately increases the maximum capacity of health.
In-game Screenshot

Cyber Runner

Veterans of other Bethesda titles such as Fallout and Skyrim love to utilize the stealth aspects of those games and may look for that in Starfield. The Cyber Runner background specializes in stealth, hacking, and pickpocketing. So those looking to get in where they shouldn’t or take what they want, this is the background to start with.

Perks Included:

  • Stealth: A Stealth Meter is added for the player and they are also harder to be discovered by enemies.
  • Security: Advanced-level locks can be hacked and up to 2 auto-attempts are allowed to be banked.
  • Theft: Pickpocketing abilities are instantly unlocked and can be upgraded.
In-game Screenshot

Diplomat

Speech and persuasion in Starfield are great skills to have because they can lead to new opportunities or dialogue options. There are many factions present in the game and having the speech skills could help with gaining favor with them. Also, with many merchants present throughout the star systems, Diplomat allows you to barter with them and even possibly receive discounts.

Perks Included:

  • Persuasion: Chances of success in persuading someone are increased with the skill.
  • Commerce: Items that can be purchased are cheaper and earn more from sold products.
  • Wellness: Immediately increases the maximum capacity of health.
Diplomat Starfield Background
In-game Screenshot

Long Hauler

The Long Hauler background is a great fit for those wanting to specialize in encumbrance management and making your spaceship your second home while on your journey. As well as dealing with threats in vast space.

Perks Included:

  • Weight Lifting: The player’s encumbrance capacity is increased by 10kg.
  • Piloting: Ship Thrusters can be used by you immediately without needing to destroy 5 ships.
  • Ballistic Weapon Systems: All ballistic weapon systems installed on your ship are improved.
In-game Screenshot

Soldier

Providing firearms efficiency, the Soldier background is a great choice for those wanting to be more aggressive and not have to worry about protecting themselves in Starfield. Not only does it provide good skills for weapons but two useful perks for the early game, especially with traversal.

Perks Included:

  • Fitness: An immediate increase to your character’s O2 capacity.
  • Ballistics: Any ballistics weapons deal more damage (Laser weapons not included).
  • Boost Pack Training: Unlocks the boost jetpack for use and also enhances it.
Starfield Soldier
In-game Screenshot

FILE NOT FOUND

FILE NOT FOUND is the perfect choice for players who are unsure if they want to jump into a specific role. The background is an all-rounder and the three perks it offers cover vital aspects of your character, one of which helps when it comes to space flight and traversal in Starfield.

Perks Included:

  • Wellness: Immediately increases the maximum capacity of health.
  • Ballistics: Any ballistics weapons deal more damage (Laser weapons not included).
  • Piloting: Ship Thrusters can be used by you immediately without needing to destroy 5 ships.
In-game Screenshot

Curious to know more about Starfield and what it has to offer? Check out the Game Guide Hub here.