Starfield Weapon Modding & Crafting Guide 2026: Research, Skills and X-Tech
Weapon modding is how you turn a basic rifle into a gun that carries you through the late game. This guide explains how research and crafting work, the skills you need, every mod slot, and how the Free Lanes update’s X-Tech system fits in. Updated October 2026.
Note: we have rewritten this guide. Earlier versions described X-Tech “Quantum Core” weapon mods, research projects and resources that are not in the game.
Research vs Crafting
- Research Lab – where you unlock new mod recipes. Projects such as Barrel Mods 1 cost a few resources, like Iron, Nickel or Sealant, and completing them opens harder projects.
- Weapon Workbench – where you craft and fit mods you have unlocked. You will find workbenches in nearly every major city, and you can build them on ships and at outposts.
Simple mods are available as soon as you use a workbench. Better ones need research first, and the best ones also need the Weapon Engineering skill.
Skills You Need
| Skill | Tree | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Weapon Engineering | Science, Tier 2 | Rank 1: improved mods. Rank 2: superior. Rank 3: cutting-edge. Rank 4: master-level |
| Research Methods | Science, Tier 1 | Cuts crafting and research costs by up to 60% |
| Special Projects | Science | Useful for research-focused players |
Weapon Engineering ranks up by crafting mods: 5 for Rank 2, 15 for Rank 3 and 30 for Rank 4. Because it sits in Tier 2 of the Science tree, you need 4 Science points before you can take it. Research Methods is a natural first pick.
The Nine Mod Slots
- Barrel
- Cover
- Grip and Stock
- Internal
- Laser
- Magazine and Battery
- Muzzle
- Optic
- Receiver
Not every weapon has every slot. Open a weapon at the workbench to see which slots it supports and which mods you have unlocked.
Mod Priorities by Playstyle
- Stealth: a suppressor in the Muzzle slot is the single most important mod. It keeps your sneak attacks quiet.
- Sniper: a long-range Optic and a Barrel that adds range and damage.
- Close range: Magazine mods for capacity, and a Laser sight for hip-fire accuracy.
- Any build: Internal and Receiver mods change damage and fire mode, so check them on every weapon you plan to keep.
X-Tech, Quality Tiers and Upgrade Modules (Free Lanes)
The Free Lanes update (April 2026) added a second layer of weapon progression on top of mods:
- X-Tech – a crafting resource for further customizing legendary effects on weapons and armor.
- New quality tiers – Superior and Exceptional now sit above Advanced.
- Rank 4 legendary effects for weapons and suits.
- Upgrade Modules – each improves one attribute of a weapon or suit.
- Weapon skins you can apply at a workbench.
For the details, see our X-Tech guide and best weapons guide.
Tips
- Research and skill progress carry over into New Game Plus, so investing early pays off across every run.
- Save resources for weapons you plan to keep. Swapping guns often wastes materials on mods you will sell.
- Build a Research Lab and Weapon Workbench at an outpost so you can craft without travelling. See our outpost guide.
- Farm the resources your next research project needs. Our resources guide shows where to find them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you unlock better weapon mods in Starfield?
Research them at a Research Lab, then rank up Weapon Engineering to unlock improved, superior, cutting-edge and master-level mods.
Where can I mod weapons?
At any Weapon Workbench. They are found in most major cities, and you can build them on your ship or at outposts.
Does research carry over to NG+?
Yes. Research, including progress on projects, carries over into New Game Plus.