What can you research in Starfield?
Research projects will go hand-in-hand with the robust crafting system in Starfield. Researching will allow players to not only craft new items, but to improve and upgrade items they already have. Developed by Bethesda Game Studios, Starfield’s new release date is now set for September 6, 2023! Let’s take a look at what we know about researching in Starfield so far.
Starfield Research Guide
An additional element to the crafting in Starfield is the ability to run research projects. From what we can see, it appears that Research will be a necessity before you can craft additional, improved items. There are five main areas of research, which can have simultaneous projects being worked on at once. These are:
- Pharmacology
- Food and Drink
- Outpost Development
- Equipment
- Weaponry
From the Research UI, you’ll be able to see the list of five main categories. In addition, it will list the number of available projects for each and what research projects are currently in progress. While the gameplay reveal only shows a list of likely early game research and crafting possibilities the addition of a robust researching component to the crafting system could open up a lot of exciting opportunities!
While this is just speculation, it’s possible that while exploring in game you could collect not just crafting materials but also research projects! This could allow you to reverse-engineer some found alien tech. Or ‘borrow’ the design specifications of some new weapons mod from an intergalactic corporation you just happened to visit along the way for a side quest.
Pharmacology
We haven’t been shown all of the many research projects which will be available in the game, but at least one of the gameplay trailers gives us a quick look at a few:
- Medical Treatment 1
- Performance Enhancement 1
- Performance Enhancement 2
Food and Drink
- To be added
Equipment
- Helmet Mods 1
Weaponry
No crafting system in a Bethesda title would be complete without the ability to craft and modify your combat weapons! We get a bit of a deeper peek into the weapons research and crafting system in the gameplay reveal, which lists the various components of the gun weapon. Each of these pieces can be researched and then improved upon again to higher levels with additional research.
- Barrel Mods 1
- Barrel Mods 2
- Grip Mods 1
- Grip Mods 2
- Grip Mods 3
- Optics and Sights Mods 1
- Optics and Sights Mods 2
- Optics and Sights Mods 3
- Muzzle Mods 1
- Muzzle Mods 2
Outpost Development
The outposts in Starfield are clearly meant to serve larger functions – much more like the Settlements do in the Fallout series. Outposts will likely serve as safe bases and landing sites. There the player and crew can rest, repair and refuel before traveling out into space again.
The addition of new outposts on other planets and moons could also serve as a way to enable the player to travel further into space. A network of outposts stretching to the outer limits of the universe could keep the player within a reasonable safe range of refueling or rescue.
Here is a quick shot of the Outpost UI as a few building structures are being put into place. This is clearly a brand new outpost being put into place as the lower right of the UI shows a count of:
- Cargo: 0
- Crew: 0
- Power: 30
- Production: 0/min
On the right-hand side of the screen is a clear list of structures, with numerous modules that would provide your outpost with a variety of different functions. There are Outpost Airlocks, Four Wall Habs, a Science Lab and Hallways. Watchtowers would presumably allow you or crew members to keep an eye out for threats – whether those were from the surface or from space.
The smaller block of UI in the upper left-hand corner clearly shows what each structure will cost you in terms of materials. For the small Science Hab you’ll need just 6 Aluminum and 2 Iron, along with an ‘Operating Cost’ that determines the amount of power that module will use.
It’s surprising to see that the Science Hab does not have a listed operating cost. Given that you would expect that it would contain certain technology and equipment for running experiments or research. However, it’s possible that building the structure just gets you the enclosure. Then you would go deeper into the outpost crafting system to construct the furnishings and equipment which allow the space to function as intended.
Looking for more about Starfield?
- Starfield: 10 Things You Must Know!
- Character Creation Explained
- Starfield Gameplay Breakdown
- Starfield Exploration
I’ll be doing more deep dives into Starfield and covering the game here on deltiasgaming.com. Keep an eye out for more coverage as we anxiously wait for the game to release! Additionally, I’ll also be streaming the game on Twitch.
