Traits are common features in many RPG games, and they're also included in Starfield as well. This time, traits are perks with both pros and cons that you can pick for your character. You're only allowed to have three character traits, so you should choose them wisely. That said, traits are completely optional, and you won't have to use any of them if the options attached don't appeal.
We suggest choosing Starfield traits that complement your play style. If you don't plan on taking companions, don't pick a trait that gives you a buff with them. And if you don't plan on using healing items, for example, don't pick a trait that makes them less effective.
Starfield traits are different from background and starting skills, which players can use to initially set up their character. However, they all share the ability to unlock new dialogue options in the game. For instance, the Serpent's Embrace trait allows you to avoid fights with the Va'ruun religion.
Starfield Traits Explained
All 17 traits are available during the character creation process. You can pick up to three traits. All are optional. Do keep in mind that you won't be able to add any traits once you've completed creating your character, at least not through regular means (more on that later).
Starfield's traits will have a significant impact on your character and their development and can even have an impact on how characters will interact with you.
If you're just starting, we have an article dedicated to the best traits for beginners.
Starfield Traits List
Now, unto the real good stuff. Let's break down every Starfield trait.
Dream Home
This trait gives you a luxurious, customizable house on a peaceful planet. However, it also comes with a 50,000 credit mortgage with GalBank that you have to pay back. Dream Home trait is a good choice for players who want a home base to store their loot and customise various items to their liking.
However, it is important to factor in the cost of the mortgage before deciding whether or not to take this trait.
Alien DNA
This trait is a result of a controversial experiment that combines alien and human DNA. As a result, you start with a higher health pool and greater endurance, but healing items aren't as effective. The Alien DNA trait is a good choice for players who want a character with a unique backstory and abilities.
However, it is important to know the potential drawbacks before deciding whether or not to take this trait. Despite having a higher health pool and greater endurance, players ought to consider that healing items will be less effective with this trait, as this can be quite a setback in certain situations.
Serpent's Embrace
The Serpent's Embrace is a religious trait that temporarily boosts health and endurance whenever you grav-jump. However, if you don't grav-jump regularly, your health and endurance will decrease. It's a good trait for players who want a character who can use the grav jump often, or else there isn't much to do with this trait.
Players should also know that this trait cannot be combined with any other religious trait in the game. So that's one of the drawbacks to be aware of before choosing the Serpent's Embrace as one of your traits in Starfield. But if you use grav-jumping regularly, this is a fine trait to choose, as it allows you to avoid combat with the Va'ruun zealots.
Introvert
The Introvert trait gives you greater endurance when adventuring alone, but also comes with less endurance when adventuring with other human companions. This means that when moving alone, you can travel and explore for longer periods without needing to rest, but you will be less effective in combat when fighting alongside other humans.
Overall, it's a good trait for players who want a character that's comfortable being alone and prefers to work independently. However, you should consider the fact that a character with the Introvert trait will be less effective in action alongside other humans, and it cannot be combined with the extrovert trait, which would've made the character an ambivert.
Extrovert
Unlike the introvert trait, the Extrovert trait gives you a bonus when adventuring with human companions but provides less endurance when adventuring alone. This means that you can travel and explore for longer periods when you are with friends, but you will be less effective in combat when you are by yourself.
It's a good choice for players who want a character who is comfortable being around other people and prefers to work in groups rather than going solo. The extrovert trait is compatible with all other traits in Starfield except the introvert trait. If you're an extrovert in real life, you ought to go with this trait.
Empath
The Empath trait provides players with a temporary increase in combat effectiveness when they perform actions their companion likes. However, it also comes with a temporary decrease in combat effectiveness when a player performs actions their companion dislikes.
It's a good trait choice for players who want a character that is in tune with the emotions of others and can use this to their advantage in combat. So in essence, performing actions your companion likes will boost this trait, but if you perform an action your companion dislikes, you won't enjoy this trait when in combat.
Kid Stuff
Kid Stuff is a unique trait that offers both benefits and drawbacks. The benefits of the trait are that you can visit your parents at their home; other precise benefits attached to this trait include the fact.
However, being able to meet your parents could lead to interesting story opportunities, character development or even missions. A drawback of this trait is that 2% of all the money you earn is automatically sent to your parents.
Kid Stuff will use information from your character creation choices to determine your parent's appearance. New face tech has been used by Starfield programmers to create two parents based on your custom face. You may also receive special items from this trait.
Overall, whether or not the Kid Stuff trait is a good choice for your character will depend on your preferences. If you are looking for a trait that will give you more opportunities to explore your character's backstory and family, then the Kid Stuff trait could be a good choice.
Freestar Collective Settler
This trait is a coalition of independent worlds dedicated to preserving personal freedoms and suggests that your character was born and raised in one of these worlds, giving you a strong connection to the Freestar Collective's values. Some benefits of the Freestar Collective Settler trait are that you will gain access to unique dialogue options and better rewards when interacting with members of the Freestar Collective.
This could give you an advantage in certain quests and interactions, and it could also help you to build better relationships with members of the faction. A drawback with this trait your crime bounty towards other factions will be greatly increased. So, if you commit a crime against another faction, you're likely to be caught and punished. Also, this trait cannot be combined with another Faction Allegiance trait.
Hero Worshiped
This trait will see you occasionally receive gifts from an annoying fan. The gifts could be anything from a small trinket to a valuable piece of equipment that can come in handy. The only drawback with this trait is that the fan will randomly show up and jabber at you incessantly. This could be annoying and disruptive, especially if you are trying to do something important.
So, if you are looking for a trait that will give you some extra loot now and then, the Hero Worshipped trait could be a good choice. However, if say, you're already going with the Introvert trait, then you might want to leave this one out as your character doesn't always welcome the company of others.
Spaced
With this trait, your health and endurance increase when you are in space. This means that you can take more damage and survive longer in space combat or when exploring space stations and other structures.
A drawback with this trait is that your health and endurance are decreased when you are on the surface of a planet, leaving you more vulnerable to damage and less stamina when exploring planets.
The Spaced trait is a fine choice for players who plan on spending a lot of time in space, such as exploring space stations, starships, and other structures; then the Spaced trait can provide a good game experience.
But if you plan to spend most of your time exploring planets, then the Spaced trait may not be the best choice for you. Also, this trait is not compatible with the Terra Firma trait.
Neon Street Rat
This is a background trait that gives you access to special dialogue options and better rewards from some missions on Neon, the neon-soaked metropolis of New Atlantis.
A drawback with this trait is that your crime bounty by other factions is greatly increased. So if you commit crimes on Neon, you're likely to be caught and punished by the authorities.
However, if you can stay out of trouble, the Neon Street Rat trait can be a valuable asset. It can give you an edge in conversations with Neon locals and can help you get better rewards for completing missions. It's a fine trait for players who wish to experience the seedy underbelly of Neon. And since this is a Faction Allegiance trait, it cannot be combined with another Faction Allegiance trait.
Terra Firma
This trait is pretty cool as it increases your health and endurance when you are on a planet's surface, unlike the Spaced trait that does the same when you are in space.
The Terra Firma trait, however, makes you more resistant to damage and gives you more stamina for sprinting, jumping, and other actions.
A drawback of the Terra Firma trait is that it decreases your health and endurance when in space. This makes you more vulnerable to damage and gives you less stamina for space combat and exploration.
Overall, it's a good trait for players who plan to spend most of their time on planets, such as exploring ruins, completing quests, and fighting enemies. This trait cannot be combined with the spaced trait.
Raised Enlightened
This is one of the few religious traits in Starfield. This trait will give you bonuses when interacting with members of the Enlightened, a religious group that utilises the power of science and technology. They believe that the universe is a vast and complex machine and that it is our duty to understand and use its power for the betterment of humanity.
The Sanctum Universum is a rival religion that despises science and technology as they see it as a threat to humanity. Having the Raised Enlightened trait could make you a target of the Sanctum Universum, and you won't be able to access the Sanctum Universum store but will enjoy huge discounts from the Enlightened organisation store.
Lastly, this trait cannot be combined with any other religious trait.
Raised Universal
This trait is the opposite of the Raised Enlightened trait. This time, you'll get a significant discount at the Sanctum Universum store but lose access to the Enlightened Organisation store. Also, you cannot combine this trait with any other religious trait.
Wanted
The Wanted trait offers a unique advantage by enhancing your damage output when your health is critically low. It can be a game-changer during intense moments, especially on higher difficulty settings. However, it comes with an interesting drawback as the occasional appearance of relentless bounty hunters eager to track you down will add to the excitement of space exploration!
United Colonies Native
The United Colonies Native trait is the final choice among the faction-based traits in Starfield, aligning you closely with the formidable United Colonies. As the faction with the mightiest military force, you'll enjoy some protection against repercussions from rival factions. Of course, the same caveats as other faction-based traits remain true for this one.
Taskmaster
The Taskmaster trait introduces a useful mechanic, allowing your crew members to spontaneously repair ship systems with less than 50% health, provided they are skilled in that field. However, this benefit comes at a price: the cost of hiring crew members is doubled. Considering the randomness of this advantage, it may not justify the steep investment.
How to remove traits in Starfield
Removing traits is not as simple as going to the character menu and de-selecting them. Fret not, however, as we've compiled all the ways you can remove traits in Starfield.
Trait | How to remove |
|---|---|
Wanted | Speak to one any Bounty Hunters stationed at major settlements. Pay the fine to remove your bounty.
|
United Colonies Native | Speak to Administrator Rookes in the Colonial Health and Human Resources office in MAST District, New Atlantis. |
Terra Firma | Pay 10,000 credits at a surgery centre. |
Taskmaster | Speak to Andy Signh in the Church of the Enlightened in The Well, New Atlantis. |
Spaced | Pay 10,000 credits at a surgery centre. |
Serpent's Embrace | Speak to Mir'za in the UC Security Office in New Atlantis. |
Raised Universal | Speak to Keeper Aquilis in New Atlantis and tell them you no longer wish to follow the Sanctum Universum.
|
Raised Enlightened | Speak to Andy Signh in the Church of the Enlightened in The Well, New Atlantis, and tell them you no longer wish to follow the House of the Enlightened.
|
Neon Street Rat | Speak to the bartender of Madam Sauvage in Ebbside, Neon City.
|
Kid Stuff | Speak to your parents and tell them you can't afford to pay them anymore.
|
How to add traits in Starfield
While there's no in-game way to add them other than selecting a total of three during the character creation, the Starfield console commands allow you to add them at any moment.
Technically, you can also remove them this way! Here's how:
- Open the console command with @
- Type player.removeperk [perk id] if you want to remove them
- Type player.addperk [perk id] if you want to add them
These are the ids per trait.
While you are here, why not check out how the all-important backgrounds system works as well?
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