Starfield introduces a brilliant new twist on Bethesda's factions
We know all about joining factions. We've been doing it for years and it never changes. At least, that’s what we thought – turns out, Starfield is changing things up to keep us on our toes.
Bethesda is really pushing the boat out with their new RPG, with them hopeful that it can give Baldur’s Gate 3 a run for its money, seeing how it’s dominating every video gaming outlet right now. And yes, I include GAMINGbible in that accusation as well. In addition to the 20 companions who’ll be joining us as we embark on a journey into the recesses of space, we’ll now be able to betray the allies we make.
Where will you go? Learn about Starfield locations with the devs!
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Some of you may not be cruel of heart, but for those of us who played Mass Effect both as a Paragon and then as Renegade, the urge to be wicked has never left us. Whenever we get the chance to misbehave, we pride ourselves on seizing the opportunity no matter the cost. We joined the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim so we can exact revenge where necessary, while succeeding in destroying the faction from within.
During a Starfield developer Q&A, one question that came up was if players could join one faction, only to join another so they can pass secret information their way. Sneaky sneaky. Emil Pagliarulo, the design director said “Ha! That is exactly what you can do – infiltrate the Crimson Fleet for UC SysDef! It’s specific to that questline.”
They later added, “All of the playable factions can be completed independently. The Crimson Fleet storyline does feature you being an undercover agent inside the Fleet on behalf of UC SysDef, but whether you betray the Fleet or UC SysDef is a choice you will get to make.”
Choices are good. Choices allow us to carve our own path among the stars, braving deception to discover truth, uncover lies, and become an all-knowing oracle of our age. Maybe only a few of us are destined for such greatness, but we can rest easy knowing we can all walk the path of double agent if we so choose.
There are nine Starfield factions, as well as three religions, which begs the question if we’ll be doing any religious espionage at all…? Having to infiltrate the inner sanctum of the Gods, only to weave gossip like old women at a knitting circle – it would be glorious!
Starfield will be available to play on Xbox One, the Xbox Series, and PC on 6 September.