In space, no one can hear you scream.
And you might end up doing that if you picked a Trait in Bethesda Game Studios' Starfield that you're not enjoying. Traits are optional features in Starfield that allow players to further customize their character, the Spacefarer. Unlike other things such as your Spacefarer's look, walking style, or character background, Traits in Starfield don't have to be used.
Traits add flavor, bringing depth with some cool bonuses and some potentially annoying drawbacks. There's a lot of different options, and it's a bit more complex than other customization features. Here's everything you need to know about Starfield Traits.
Power up
Starfield is an absolutely massive game, so why not pick up an extra controller to make sure you're comfortable? Try out the Core version of the Xbox Elite Controller, and you can upgrade with additional accessories later on.
List of all Traits in Starfield
- Grab the Seagate Expansion Card for Starfield
- List of all Skills in Starfield
- List of all Starfield companions
- All Starfield Backgrounds
As mentioned above, Traits in Starfield are optional. You can choose to have no Traits, or pick up to a maximum of three in order to further flesh out your Spacefarer. Where character backgrounds provided bonuses to your Skills and unique dialogue options, Traits can give more tangible bonuses.
For example, your parents might be alive. If so, the downside is that you lose some of the money you earn, as it's automatically sent to them. On the positive side, you can go and visit your parents in-game, leading to some special conversations and interactions that aren't otherwise available.
Traits can also allow for special dialogue options, such as being the same religion as a group of hostiles and using that shared connection to talk them down. Traits can also be removed if you become tired of the side effects, good and bad, but this sometimes isn't an easy process, and involves a unique quest chain.
Here's the full list of Traits, with what they do and anything else you need to know:
Alien DNA
Description: You volunteered for a controversial experiment that combines alien and human DNA. As a result, you start increased health and oxygen, but healing and food items aren't as effective.
Can't be used with: No restrictions
Dream Home
Description: You own a small house on a peaceful little moon, but it comes with a 125,000 credit mortgage with GalBank.
Can't be used with: No restrictions
Empath
Description: You are deeply connected to the feelings of others. Performing actions you companion likes will result in a temporary increase in combat effectiveness. But performing actions they don't like will have the precise opposite effect.
Can't be used with: No restrictions
Extrovert
Description: You're a people person. Exerting yourself uses less oxygen when adventuring with human companions, but more when adventuring alone.
Can't be used with: Introvert
Freestar Collective Settler
Description: You gain access to special Freestar Collective dialogue options, and better rewards from some missions given by the faction. But, crime bounty towards other factions is greatly increased.
Can't be used with: Neon Street Rat, United Colonies Native
Hero Worshipped
Description: You've earned the attention of an annoying "Adoring Fan" who will show up randomly and jabber at you incessantly. On the plus side, he'll join your ship's crew and give you gifts...
Can't be used with: No restrictions
Introvert
Description: You really need your alone time. Exerting yourself uses less oxygen when adventuring alone, but more when adventuring with other human companions.
Can't be used with: Extrovert
Kid Stuff
Description: Your parents are alive and well, and you can visit them at their home. But you will automatically send 2% of your credits home to them every week.
Can't be used with: No restrictions
Neon Street Rat
Description: You grew up on the mean streets of Neon. You gain access to special dialogue options, and better rewards from some missions on Neon. Crime bounty by other factions is greatly increased.
Can't be used with: Freestar Collective Settler, United Colonies Native
Raised Enlightened
Description: You grew up as a member of the Enlightened. You gain access to a special chest full of items in the House of the Enlightened in New Atlantis, but lose access to the Sanctum Universum chest.
Can't be used with: Raised Universal, Serpent's Embrace
Raised Universal
Description: You grew up a member of the Sanctum Universum. You gain access to a special chest full of items in the Sanctum Universum in New Atlantis, but lose access to the House of the Enlightened chest.
Can't be used with: Raised Enlightened, Serpent's Embrace
Serpent's Embrace
Description: You grew up worshipping the Great Serpent. Grav jumping provides a temporary boost to health and endurance, but health and endurance are lowered if you don't continue jumping regularly — like an addiction.
Can't be used with: Raised Enlightened, Raised Universal
Spaced
Description: Your body has become acclimated to space. Health and endurance are increased when in space, but decreased when on the surface.
Can't be used with: Terra Firma
Taskmaster
Description: Occasionally, if you have crew trained in a certain ship system, that system will automatically repair itself to full health whenever it is damaged below 50%. However, all crew cost twice as much to hire.
Can't be used with: No restrictions
Terra Firma
Description: You've never acclimated to space. Health and oxygen are increased when on the surface, but decreased when you're in space.
Can't be used with: Spaced
United Colonies Native
Description: You gain access to special United Colonies dialogue options, and better rewards from some missions given by the faction. However, crime bounty by other factions is greatly increased.
Can't be used with: Freestar Collective Settler, Neon Street Rat
Wanted
Description: Someone put a price on your head, and word has spread. Occasionally, armed mercenaries will show up and try to kill you, but being cornered gives you an edge - when your health is low, you do extra damage.
Can't be used with: No restrictions
New worlds to explore
Ultimately, these Traits will help determine who your Spacefarer is in the Settled Systems, but it's only the beginning of your journey. Build spaceships and outposts, join factions, and more as you uncover secrets about just what is truly out there.
Starfield is currently scheduled to launch on Sep. 6, 2023 exclusively on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC. If you preorder the Premium Edition, you can start playing on September 1. Like all Xbox first-party games, it's also available in Xbox Game Pass.
