Starfield: Which Background (Class) is best for you?

Starfield features a rather robust character creation system that not only allows you to customize your appearance but also select a background and traits. Starfield has a total of 21 backgrounds to choose from. These essentially act as a starting class for your character, supplying you with three starting skills that can shape your gameplay experience early on.

If this is your first time playing Starfield (or a Bethesda game in general), you may be a bit overwhelmed by the number of options to choose from. Each Background comes with three starting skills, but without knowing all of the game’s systems and mechanics, you might not know which to choose, or which is best for your playstyle.

The good news is these are just starting skills. Selecting your background doesn’t lock you into any sort of strict class system where you must abide by those specific skills. Once you start the game you are free to unlock any skill you desire as long as you have the skill points to do so. Don’t sweat your Background decision too much since you can eventually acquire all skills since there’s no max level. But if you absolutely can’t decide, here are some things to consider.

Do you shoot first?

Some Backgrounds come with “Combat” tree skills. If you know you are the type who likes to go into the fray guns blazing, then look for a Background that provides bonuses to combat, such as increased weapon damage.

The Combat Medic, for example, deals more damage with pistols, while the Cyberneticist  and Explorer deal more damage with laser weapons. If you like to get up close and personal, the Gangster does increased damage with shotguns and unarmed attacks while also using less O2 for physical combat.

If you prefer a good ol’ fashion shootout, you may also want to consider some backgrounds that provide skills that boost your health or healing. The Combat Medic is another great choice as you get the Medicine skill to make your Med Packs, Trauma Packs and Emergency Kits more effective. You also get Wellness, which increases your maximum health.

The Cyberneticist and Sculptor also come with the Medicine skills.