Playing Starfield Part 5: Companions
I like the concept of companions in video games. They can offer tactical support in combat, be assigned research or crafting jobs and often provide beneficial buffs and such like. There’s also the option for “romance” if you wish. More importantly, companions can sometimes offer unique quest lines. Extra content is always welcome. Starfield, being a Bethesda game, offers all of these with its companion system. However, as ever there is also a downside. Companions can get in the way during combat or wander off and cause aggro when it is not required. They will also judge your decisions which can be problematic, and they sometimes never stop talking. Sometimes, it can be useful to have a companion with you. But on other occasions it’s a pain in the ass. Hence, your style of gameplay should dictate how you use them.
There are three categories of companions in Starfield. Constellation companions, unique companions, and recruitable companions. Constellation companions sustain more detailed conversations, can be “romanced” and have side missions associated with them. They can approve or disapprove of your actions and will abandon you if you become too wayward. Unique companions include Lin and Heller from the introductory mission in Starfield. They can be recruited but are less significant compared to your fellow Constellation members. There are others to be found in the various bars and clubs on all the major settlements. You may sometimes encounter them as part of a side mission. They will have names to distinguish them from generic citizens. Moara Otero is a good example, who you may meet while playing through the main story. The lowest tier of recruitable companions are usually identified by having a functional name such as “Laser Weapons Specialist”. Unique companions can be assigned to your ship or outpost and their skills provide buffs.
Only the four Constellation companions can accompany you on missions. Sadly, there is no ability to give them tactical instructions. The most you can do is ask them to wait where they are and you need to ensure that if you do, that there are no enemy NPCs or alien lifeforms about as they will go “walkabout” if the fancy takes them. However, you can upgrade your companions’ weapons and spacesuits, simply by giving them superior gear to carry. They will by default use items with the best stats. So far from my in-game experience, companions cannot die. They are temporarily incapacitated and will cease to participate in combat. After a while they recover and resume normal activities. Namely, getting in the way and smothering you in overlapping dialogue. Players who prefer solo gameplay can choose to travel without companions. There’s a trait that you can choose initially, that buffs you for this, as a means of compensation for your choice.
