Starfield Progression Explained: Abilities, Skill Trees, and Leveling

Here is Starfield's progression explained, including abilities, skill trees, and leveling.

by Matthew Kevin Mitchell
Image: Bethesda

We will delve into the intricacies of Starfield Progression based information obtained during Starfield Direct. Based on the presentation by Tim Lamb, Lead Producer, we gained deeper insight into Starfield’s various abilities, skill trees, and leveling mechanisms. The presentation sheds light on how to acquire skill points and rank up your abilities, as well as the availability of different skill trees. Furthermore, members of the Bethesda team shared their preferred builds using the aforementioned skills.

How Does Progression Work in Starfield?

Skill-Trees-in-Starfield
Image: Bethesda

Bethesda took the skills, perks, and level systems from their previous games and built an all-new skill system that is their most in-depth system yet. Each time you level up, you gain a skill point, which can be used to unlock new skills or rank up existing skills.

Skill-Ranks-in-Starfield
Image: Bethesda

Skill ranks are unlocked by completing challenges that are associated with that skill. However, challenges become increasingly difficult as you reach higher ranks. There are a total of five skill trees, each tree with four total levels. The five skill trees are:

  • Physical
  • Social
  • Combat
  • Science
  • Tech

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This means there are many skills for you to choose from, and the possibilities are endless. The flexibility gained from such in-depth systems allows you to play using whatever playstyle suits you best. However, to become a true master at your build, you must spend the time and effort, giving you lots to do through challenges.

Neurostrikes-Skill-in-Starfield
Image: Bethesda

The Starfield Direct discussed some of the skills you can expect to unlock. One skill, Xenosociology, seemed intriguing as it allows you to mind-control aliens. Another skill, Boost Pack, allows you to fly around the map like your favorite bounty hunter from Star Wars. However, the one skill that I’m most excited about is Neurostrikes, as I tend to play melee builds in games like Fallout. What skills and build possibilities are you most excited about?

To see everything discussed about Starfield Progression Explained like abilities, skill trees, and leveling be sure to check out the video below.

- This article was updated on June 11th, 2023

About The Author

Matthew Kevin Mitchell has been a contributing writer for Attack of the Fanboy and PC Invasion since 2022. Matthew primarily covers Manga like One Piece, horror movies like Scream, and survival horror games like Dead by Daylight. His favorite moment came during his first press event covering Scream 6 for AotF. He hails from Denver, Colorado, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Regis University. When he isn’t scaring himself silly or writing, he loves to play ice hockey, spoil his dog, and drink an unhealthy amount of coffee.