Starfield players can unlock a skill that is reminiscent of the iconic Fallout VATS mechanic. This ability can be a game-changer in heated combat encounters, affording players a better opportunity to line up their shots for a chance at a critical hit. This similarity is one of the many details that highlight the shared DNA of Bethesda’s games and how mechanics evolve or change to better fit the narrative of the title in question. Plus, it’s a convenient skill for players who are well-versed in the combat gameplay of the recent Fallout games.
[Warning: The following article contains mild story spoilers for Starfield.]
VATS, or the Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System, was introduced in Fallout 3, Bethesda’s first outing in the franchise. In this first iteration, VATS freezes time and allows players to select which of the enemy’s body parts to target for attack. Fallout 4 saw the next iteration of the VATS mechanic, which still allowed for targeting specific body parts but slowed time rather than completely freezing it. Fallout 76 also featured VATS, but the game’s multiplayer focus placed constraints on the mechanic, removing the slowed time component and only functioning as an aim assist. Starfield doesn’t have an exact equivalent to VATS, but the Phased Time Starborn power is similar.
Phased Time Is Starfield’s Version Of VATS
The Phased Time power is essentially Starfield’s version of Fallout’s VATS mechanic. When activated, Phased Time will shift the normal flow of time, slowing enemy movement and attack speed. It’s reminiscent of the bullet time mechanics found in many other shooters, but the connection to Fallout 4’s version of VATS is quite evident when paired with Bethesda’s typical combat.
While it doesn’t automatically target enemies like in VATS, Phased Time leaves enemies exposed for longer, which makes it much easier to precisely aim attacks, increasing the potential to score critical hits. The ability is especially advantageous in zero-gravity combat, where movement can get unruly, or in cases where it is combined with other Starborn powers.
How To Unlock Starfield’s Phased Time Starborn Power
Starfield’s Phased Time power is easy to unlock. The only caveat is that it may take some time to do so. Unlike many of the other Starborn powers, which are acquired randomly, Phased Time is guaranteed to unlock after completing the Buried Temple toward the end of Starfield’s main story. Progressing through the Buried Temple in subsequent New Game Plus runs is the only way to upgrade the Phased Time ability.
While it’s not a one-to-one equivalent, the Phased Time ability is the closest Starfield comes to matching Fallout’s VATS mechanic. Both add a sense of complexity to combat that clever players can find exciting and creative ways to leverage. Moreover, each does a great job fitting into their respective game worlds, which is a small but impactful detail highlighting Bethesda’s dedication to immersive narrative design.
