Starfield has a massive universe with several world-building elements to bask in. One of these elements includes the concept of factions, and each faction fights for control and influence throughout the Settled Systems. We'll be breaking down one of the minor factions found in-game: the Sanctum Universum.
Please note that each faction in Starfield has unique backgrounds, cultures, and systems. Some fight for freedom, while others want to conquer the Settled Systems for their financial benefit.
What is the History of the Sanctum Universum faction?
The Sanctum Universum is a tight-knit religious group you can join in Starfield as one of the three religions. Sanctum Universum (also known as "Universals") believes that God exists in their universe.
Additionally, Starfield's Lead Quest Designer Will Shen and Lead Designer Emil Pagliarulo specifically mentioned in their Starfield Dev Q&A on the official Bethesda Studios Discord that this religion is "only a couple of decades old in our timeline, but has gained a lot of prominence." Moreover, this religion believes that "humanity's ability to travel the universe and grav jump is God's way of saying, 'I'm out there.'"
As mentioned earlier, the Sanctum Universum is only a few decades old as a religion and minor faction group in Starfield. They believe in mysticism, which is the belief that an encounter with God and attaining knowledge from him is obtained through one's subjective experience.
History of the Sanctum Universum
This religion is how it has a trait called "Raised Universal." This trait indicates that your character has grown up as a member of this religion and gains a significant discount from the church store. But you'll lose access to the Enlightened store. In line with that, the Sanctum Universum is the direct opposite of The Enlightened religious group, as the developers compare them to "organized atheists that focus on humanitarian efforts."
Location of the Sanctum Universum
The headquarters of the Sanctum Universum is located on the planet Jemison, in the Alpha Centauri system. This minor faction resides in the MAST district of New Atlantis, the capital city of the United Colonies. The Enlightened also has its headquarters in the city. Learn about all the places to visit in New Atlantis.
How to join the Sanctum Universum
To join the Sanctum Universum, the process is pretty straightforward. During character creation, you'll encounter a part wherein you can pick your character's traits. One trait, ' Raised Universal', dictates that you grew up as a religion member.
Select this trait alongside two others you want to have so you can join the religious faction. However, note that you won't be able to combine this trait with other religious traits, such as The Enlightened or The Great Serpent.
How to Leave the Sanctum Universum?
You can easily leave the Sanctum Universum by talking to the leader of this religious faction. The leader of the Sanctum Universum is the priest Keeper Aquilus. Talk to him and say you no longer wish to follow this religion.
The Sanctum Universum Chest
The Sanctum Universum Chest only appears in the Sanctum Universum building for players who selected the Raised Universal trait when creating their character.
Sanctum Universum Chest #1
The chest is relatively easy to find. You'll see a yellow chest lying on the floor outside Keeper Aquilus's office in the Sanctum Universum building in New Atlantis. The chest contains the following -
- Three Volumes of Religious Books
- Healing Items
- Milk
- Neocity Poncho
Sanctum Universum Chest #2
You can find this chest in the Residential area of Cydonia, a colony on Mars. Enter the main hall, and you'll see it in the left corner of the room. The loot in this chest is identical to the first one.
- Three Volumes of Religious Books
- Healing Items
- Neocity Poncho
Sanctum Universum Chest #3
The third Sancum Universum chest can be found in their building in Akila City on the planet Akila in the Cheyenne system.
- Three Volumes of Religious Books
- Healing Items
- Chunks Cola
- Neocity Urbandwear
The items can help you out a bit with healing when starting. However, they're not handy or unique. You can even get the Neocity Poncho as a loot drop from enemies.
Known members of the Sanctum Universum
Keeper Aquilus
Keeper Aquilus is a member of the Sanctum Universum faith. He is also the writer of the three volumes of Sanctum Universum and A Greater End. He believes that the Starborn are manifestations of The Unity, leading humanity toward divinity and God. When you first meet him, he's preaching to a group. After talking to him, he'll ask you to read his Among The Grav Jumps book found in the Sanctum Universum.
Keeper Aquilus is also a known Starborn. In parallel universes, the many rebirths of Keeper Aquilus within The Unity have eroded his humanity, transforming him into The Hunter. He is a formidable and unyielding Starborn in this alternate persona who thwarts humanity's efforts to glimpse The Unity. The Hunter asks you to kill Keeper Aquilus if you side with him.
Matteo Khatri
While not explicitly confirmed, Matteo Khatri appears to have ties with the Sanctum Universum and Keeper Aquilus. In fact, Keeper Aquilus also seems to know Matteo's parents, meaning his family has a history with the faction. Matteo is currently not an active member of the faction, as he works with Constellation.
However, he seems to be on good terms with Keeper Aquilus and shares their beliefs on matters such as something greater and alien in the universe for humanity to discover. As the dedicated theologist of Constellation, Matteo's goals are aligned with the highly devout Sanctum Universum faction. His cap matches the one Keeper Aquilus wears, signifying a deeper connection.
With that, you're equipped with all the knowledge you need about the Sanctum Universum religious faction in Starfield.
And if you are looking for more guides, check out our Starfield Beginner's Guide to get a head start.
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