Welcome to the ultimate guide on everything you need about combat, gear selection, and spaceship dogfighting in the highly anticipated game, Starfield. We're diving deep into these in-game mechanics to get you fully prepared for the adventures that await you in the cosmos.

• Revolutionized Combat Mechanics
• Diverse Arsenal of Weapons
• Melee Combat and Stealth
• Boost Packs and Zero Gravity
• Weapon Types: Physical and Energy
• Mastering Weapon Mods and Gear Selection
• Spacesuits and Helmets for Combat Efficiency
• Space Combat Mastery
• Boarding and Targeting Skills
• Customizing Your Spaceship
• Conclusion

↖ Revolutionized Combat Mechanics

Combat in Starfield has undergone a complete overhaul, promising dynamic engagements with fluid animations that feel more realistic than ever. The lead weapon artist, Dane Olds, revealed that combat now revolves around smooth dodging and cover mechanics rather than a strict cover-based system. This system requires you to strategically position your character behind obstacles or purposefully crouch to avoid incoming fire.

↖ Diverse Arsenal of Weapons

Starfield boasts an extensive selection of firearms, each with unique categories: assault rifles, laser pistols, ballistic pistols, energy particle beam rifles, sniper rifles, shotguns, and submachine guns. Bethesda has gone all-in on gun combat, introducing more weapons attachments and modifications than any previous game. This allows you to tailor your firearms for different playstyles, offering versatility in medium to long-range engagements.

↖ Melee Combat and Stealth

Melee combat is an engaging option, including a dueling skill that allows you to engage enemies in close-quarters combat. Bethesda has enhanced melee animations, making enemies drop weapons and stagger when struck, enhancing the immersion. Stealth lovers will appreciate the double sneaking stealth damage bonus, allowing you to silently eliminate foes and earn extra XP and Starfield Credits.

↖ Boost Packs and Zero Gravity

Introducing the Boost Pack, a versatile tool that provides quick aerial movement, dodge capabilities, and the ability to breach distances during combat. The Boost Pack is especially useful on low gravity planets, providing an advantage over enemies. Zero gravity environments present unique challenges: ballistic weapons push you backward due to recoil, while energy weapons maintain stability in your shots.

↖ Weapon Types: Physical and Energy

Two primary weapon classes exist: physical and energy. Physical weapons encompass ballistic firearms and magazine-based weaponry. Energy weapons, including laser and particle beam firearms, excel in zero gravity environments due to their stability and lack of recoil.

↖ Mastering Weapon Mods and Gear Selection

Weapon modification is crucial in enhancing your combat effectiveness. Three levels of weapons are available: basic (gray), rare (blue), and legendary (yellow). Weapon mods offer a range of options, including changing firing modes, adding optics, modifying magazines, and more. Meta builds are expected to emerge post-launch, giving players a chance to fine-tune their arsenals.

↖ Spacesuits and Helmets for Combat Efficiency

Gear selection is a blend of simplicity and complexity. Spacesuits and helmets offer stat bonuses and environmental resistance, making them vital for effective combat. Different environments, including thermal, corrosive, and radiation, require gear adaptations for optimal performance. Bethesda's Todd Howard confirmed that certain planets allow helmet removal, striking a balance between realism and customization.

↖ Space Combat Mastery

Space combat combines piloting skill with power allocation. You can distribute power cores between offensive weaponry, engines, shields, and more. This dynamic system lets you tailor your ship's performance in real-time, offering advantages based on your strategy.

↖ Boarding and Targeting Skills

You have the option to board enemy ships and engage foes within. However, avoid damaging the enemy's gravity systems before boarding. The targeting skill lets you lock onto enemy ships' subsystems, ensuring you can disable key components and loot wreckage after victorious battles.

↖ Customizing Your Spaceship

Customization options for your spaceship abound, with customizable weapon systems and tailored setups. With a well-designed flagship, you can dominate the stars and take defeated enemies' resources.

↖ Conclusion

As you prepare to embark on your journey through the cosmos in Starfield, remember that mastering combat, gear selection, and spaceflight are essential to your success. By understanding the intricacies of each gameplay element, you'll be well-equipped to face the challenges and reap the rewards of this exciting new universe. So gear up, hone your combat skills, and take to the stars in the adventure of a lifetime!