Like many games these days, Starfield offers opportunities to keep playing even after the game ends if someone wishes to experience more of the space adventure, including an optional New Game Plus mode. Although the game does not officially define it as NG+, it is essentially the same type of format as other games that use that idiom and provides a chance to start the game anew with some things carrying forward and others being wiped clean. This is the first time that a Bethesda game has offered a New Game+ option and the company has made it its own through an integration to the story that is unique and feels natural.
[Warning: The following article contains spoilers for Starfield’s story and endgame content.]
Beating the main story of Starfield is no quick task, but even once that final mission is over, there is more to be done for those who wish to continue. A few changes to the standard format of NG+ do appear, such as the enemies not becoming more difficult, and the modifications that Bethesda has made can offer players even greater enjoyment out of replaying missions and exploring again. The game gives people an option at the end of the final mission whether they would like to remain in their current game and keep playing and exploring in that universe, or start a new run of the game.
What Carries Over Into Starfield’s New Game Plus
If someone chooses to begin a New Game Plus run, they will become a Starborn in an alternate universe and leave behind everything other than the player characters’ memories, skills, and strengths. Their level and XP remain, but relationships, including marriage, will vanish and all outposts, gear, credits, and other resources are gone. Whether it was sold in the original playthrough of the game or not, the Frontier will be available in the alternate universe.
Carries Forward to NG+ | Skills, Powers, XP, and Level |
|---|---|
Disappears | Relationships, Outposts, Resources, Credits, Inventory, Weapons, All ships other than the Frontier |
How To Start A New Game Plus Mode In Starfield
After completing “One Final Leap,” the final mission of Starfield, the player has a choice of walking into the light at the Unity or simply turning around and walking away. If they walk away, they will return to their ship and the game can continue as it is with everything remaining exactly the same to finish side quests or explore the galaxy. Players can still return to the Unity at any time they choose to begin the NG+ mode. If the choice is made to walk into the light, a new replay of the game is opened up where the character is reincarnated as a Starborn in an alternate dimension.
Starting a NG+ mode gives a choice between either replaying the game from the start or having a shortened storyline option for those who don’t wish to revisit the entire story of the game. This compact storyline takes only a couple of hours to complete but skips over some important questlines that may have an effect on side quests or opportunities to build relationships with companions.
New Ship And Spacesuit With NG+
In Starfield‘s New Game Plus mode, players find themselves waking up as a Starborn on their own Starborn Guardian II ship and in possession of a Starborn Spacesuit Astra outfit complete with spacesuit, helmet, and pack. The ship has a cargo limit of 1,045 and a 30 light year grav jump range, as well as room for five crew and many weapons, but it is not customizable. The Starborn Spacesuit Astra also provides the following perks:
- Bolstering – providing extra resistance when health is low
- Resource Hauler – ability to carry more resources
- Sentinel – reduction in damage when unmoving
Though it has not been confirmed, it appears that each further NG+ run will have new and better starting equipment. The NG+ modes can be run multiple times, and it is unclear at this point how many iterations of Spacesuits or other rewards are possible.
Artifacts & Powers To Collect In Starfield’s New Game Plus
Perhaps the biggest reason to reset everything and start Starfield over in a NG+ run is the chance to get new artifacts and powers from doing so. The game features a total of 24 powers which can also be upgraded by finding repeats of the same powers. These powers are obtained by activating artifacts found inside Temples, but the distribution of most of the artifacts and even the locations of the Temples is randomly generated. Once unlocked, these powers provide better means to explore, fight, and more.
Benefits Of Repeating The Main Quest In Starfield’s NG+
At first glance, it seems as though replaying all the main quests of Starfield would not be as fun as playing NG+ without that repetition. Bethesda has incorporated a couple of reasons to redo these missions, however, that could appeal to many. The most crucial of these comes during the mission “A High Price to Pay,” where one companion will die during the initial play. During the NG+ version, the Starborn character now has an opportunity to save all the characters. Additionally, throughout the game, there will be some new dialogue options that are related to being a Starborn which ultimately provide the ability to skip sections of the quests, and missing some of the main quests will affect the outcomes of some side quests.
Those who enjoy reaching 100% completion will want to play Starfield‘s NG+ at least once, if not multiple times, to discover all the unlockable powers and reward items granted by being reborn. The immersive way that Starfield answers the question of how the game can be restarted is innovative and provides the ability to continue running New Game Plus modes multiple times over. Playing the game again also gives a chance to explore other alliances or lore that might be different from what was seen in the original Starfield run, all while gaining new powers and experiences.
