Starfield Factions Guide 2026: Every Faction, Questline & Reward
Starfield’s faction questlines are some of the best content in the game, and unlike earlier Bethesda RPGs you can complete almost all of them on one character. This guide covers Constellation and the four major joinable factions, what each questline is about, where to start, the standout rewards and a sensible order to play them. Updated October 2026.
Note: we have corrected this guide. Earlier versions listed some rewards and figures we could not verify.
Constellation (Main Quest)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Base | The Lodge, New Atlantis |
| How to join | Automatically, early in the main quest |
| Key reward | Your companions, the main story and, at the end, New Game Plus |
Constellation is the explorers’ society at the heart of the main story. Through it you meet Sarah Morgan, Sam Coe, Andreja and Barrett. See our companions guide.
UC Vanguard
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Base | MAST District, New Atlantis |
| Theme | Military duty and the Terrormorph threat |
| Key reward | UC citizenship |
The Vanguard is the United Colonies’ civilian auxiliary force. Its questline centres on the Terrormorphs, a deadly alien threat, and on the darker side of UC history. Progressing it earns you UC citizenship, which unlocks the Mercury Tower penthouse at Aphelion Realty and extra dialogue options. See our New Atlantis guide.
Freestar Rangers
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Base | Akila City (Cheyenne system) |
| Theme | Frontier lawmen and a Western-style investigation |
| Key reward | The Star Eagle ship |
Often rated one of the best-written questlines, the Rangers story follows a frontier investigation across the Freestar Collective. Finishing it rewards the Star Eagle, one of the best Class A ships in the game. See our ship tier list.
Ryujin Industries
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Base | Neon (Volii system) |
| Theme | Corporate espionage |
| Key reward | Stealth- and persuasion-friendly gear |
You join Ryujin as a low-level employee and work your way up through sabotage and corporate intrigue. Many missions can be handled quietly, so it suits stealth and persuasion builds best.
Crimson Fleet
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Base | The Key (Kryx system) |
| Theme | Space pirates, undercover work and a big final choice |
| Key reward | Depends on your ending |
You usually enter the Crimson Fleet as an undercover agent for UC SysDef through the mission Deep Cover. By the end you must choose: betray the Fleet to SysDef, or side with the pirates. The questline involves the hunt for Kryx’s Legacy. Siding with the Fleet keeps The Key friendly, which matters for selling contraband there. See our guide to farming credits at The Key.
Suggested Order
- Freestar Rangers early, to get the Star Eagle for the rest of your playthrough.
- UC Vanguard next, for UC citizenship.
- Ryujin Industries once you have some stealth or persuasion skills.
- Crimson Fleet last, when you know the factions well enough to make the final choice.
- Main quest alongside the others, finishing when you are ready for New Game Plus.
In New Game Plus you can replay faction questlines and make different choices. See our NG+ guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you join every faction in Starfield?
Yes. You can complete the Vanguard, Rangers, Ryujin and Crimson Fleet questlines on one character. The Crimson Fleet ends with a choice between the Fleet and UC SysDef.
Which faction questline is the best?
The Freestar Rangers and Crimson Fleet questlines are common favourites. The Rangers also give you the Star Eagle ship.
How do you start the Crimson Fleet questline?
Usually through the UC SysDef mission Deep Cover, which sends you undercover into the Fleet.