Things to do in your second Starfield playthrough

See a different side of Starfield.

Sarah Morgan in Starfield.

Starfield is a game designed for multiple playthroughs. This is fortunate, as you won’t be able to witness everything the game has to offer in your first go. You’re strongly advised to play through the game at least twice, as this will give you the chance to make different choices and see alternative outcomes.

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When you start New Game+ in Starfield, here are the things you should remember to do differently.

Crimson Fleet member in Starfield.
Screenshot by Destructoid.

United Colonies vs Crimson Fleet – Pick a different side

There are several factions you can join in Starfield, including the Crimson Fleet which is a gang of space pirates. Once you’re on their team, you’ll join them as they attempt to locate Kryx’s legacy. This is a fun, action-packed storyline which you’re highly advised to jump into at least once.

During the mission titled Eye of the Storm, you’ll have to pick whether you’ll side with the UC or the Crimson Fleet. Many players will want to go with the safe option and side with the UC which will score you 250,000 credits and access to the UC Vigilance.

On your second playthrough, consider siding with the Crimson Fleet instead. Do this and you’ll retain access to The Key where you can purchase tons of goods and weapons. Be warned that your Constellation teammates will harshly condemn you for your choice.

Hunter and Emissary in Starfield.
Screenshot by Destructoid.

Hunter or Emissary – Pick a different side

As you uncover the secrets of the artifacts and the Unity, you’ll meet the Hunter and the Emissary. They are both obsessed with the artifacts, but they have contrasting ideologies. The Emissary wants to guard the artifacts and only let worthy individuals enter the Unity. The Hunter just wants the artifacts for himself.

The game tends to nudge you toward the Emissary who takes the form of one of your fallen friends. Side with the Emissary, and when you defeat the Hunter you’ll have the chance to grab the Unmitigated Violence rifle.

On your next playthrough, side with the Hunter instead, and you’ll gain access to new rewards, including the melee weapon called The Last Priest, a particle beam rifle called Eternity’s Gate, and a spacesuit called the Starborn Spacesuit Gravitas. There is a third option. By siding with neither, you can grab all their loot, but you’ll have the tough task of defeating them both without any help.

Sam Coe dead in Starfield.
Screenshot by Destructoid.

Save all your Constellation companions

One of the most troubling missions you have to do is High Price to Pay which has you up against the Hunter. You have two choices – either defend The Lodge or go help your Constellation friends at The Key. Either way, someone dies.

You can’t escape this death, as it’s tied to the story, though you can influence which character gets killed. On your second playthrough, you can save all your companions. After completing the Further into the Unknown mission, head to Vladimir and select the [Starborn] dialog option that’ll allow you to build an armillary early. With your armillary, you’ll be able to protect the artifacts and stop any Constellation individuals from dying.

While you’re on your adventures, look out for more artifacts to find and powers to collect. With these powers, you’ll be able to overpower all your foes whether they’re pirates or the Starborn.

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Smangaliso Simelane
Staff Writer - Smangaliso Simelane is a writer with a passion for all things related to video games. He has been writing about video games since 2020.
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