One of the highlights of the Starfield Direct was the reveal of the narrative campaign, which gives you a clear direction on what you are to do on the Settled Systems.
It even goes so far as giving you an immediate set of allies, a starship, a mission, and a lot of potential lovers (but that’s for another article). Now we know a little bit more about how much Bethesda has prepared for you for this campaign.
Starfield lead quest designer Will Shen shared this insight in a Q&A, as reported by Dexerto:
“There are over 20 named characters who can join your crew. Four of them are from Constellation and have the most story and interaction with the player, but all of the named characters have their own backgrounds and can follow you around.”
So, let’s put this in context. Mass Effect 2, one of the most popular space themed video games of all time, and likely a game you, the reader, spent time with yourself, had a total of 12 potential squad members, including the DLC characters. Remember just how many characters in total you were able to play in your first playthrough of Mass Effect 2. And if you did a 100% run after that, try to imagine how much time you spent on that playthrough. While this is a rough estimate that can’t account for the differences in how Bioware and Bethesda tell stories, this should give you some idea of how big this part of Starfield is.
Shen also explained that each character has their own special abilities. Once again, you may want to remember how you played Mass Effect 2 as you read this:
“You might meet a character that’s especially good at rifles, and you hire them to watch your back. Or you might meet an Astrodynamics expert that will increase your grav jump range.”
Lead writer Emil Pagliarulo revealed that your Starfield companions don’t level up, so that’s the end of the Mass Effect 2 comparisons. The abilities can rank up, and they will get more powerful in the course of the story, as you experience those stories alongside them.
Pagliarulo said:
“Some (skills) are there for flavor, to highlight the companions’ backgrounds and interests. But you’ll really feel the benefit of the ship- and combat-related ones. Getting a boost to your shields, or seeing your companion laying down fire with a weapon they’re proficient in, are pretty sweet moments.”
Starfield releases on September 6, 2023, on Xbox Series X|S, and on Windows via Steam. It will also be Day One on Game Pass.
