Starfield is Bethesda's space RPG with over 1,000 explorable planets across 100+ star systems. The game's strongest elements are its ship-building system (where you can design custom vessels from modular parts), its faction questlines (Crimson Fleet pirates, UC Vanguard military, Freestar Rangers), and the New Game Plus system that's actually story-relevant rather than just a difficulty reset. Ground combat is competent with satisfying gunplay and a robust skill system. The Shattered Space expansion adds a handcrafted open world that addresses the procedural content concerns from launch.
Starfield features distinct areas with increasing difficulty. This guide covers every major location in progression order — what to do, what to get, and when to move on. For the step-by-step path, see our walkthrough.
Area Progression Order
| Order | Location | Difficulty | Key Rewards | Recommended Build |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Atlantis | All levels (main hub) | Constellation main quest, UC Vanguard questline, vendors, ship services | Gunslinger |
| 2 | Akila City | All levels | Freestar Rangers questline, Sam Coe companion quest, frontier vendors | Gunslinger |
| 3 | Neon | All levels | Ryujin Industries questline, Aurora drug, unique vendors, neon nightlife atmosphere | Stealth Build |
| 4 | The Lodge | Main quest hub | Main quest progression, artifact display, companion conversations, storage | Stealth Build |
| 5 | The Eye | Mid-late main quest | Artifact location leads, Vladimir dialogue, orbital observation | Stealth Build |
New Atlantis — Starting Area
The capital city of the United Colonies and the game's largest handcrafted settlement. Contains Constellation's Lodge, UC Vanguard headquarters, the Commercial District, and the MAST government center. Most main quest and UC faction quests start here.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | All levels (main hub) |
| Key Rewards | Constellation main quest, UC Vanguard questline, vendors, ship services |
| Recommended Build | Gunslinger |
| Key Equipment | Hard Target |
What to Do Here
- Learn the basics of shipbuilding — this is where you practice without heavy punishment.
- Collect starting resources and your first equipment upgrade.
- Clear all main content before moving to Akila City.
- If you're struggling, read our beginner's guide.
Akila City — Early Game
Capital of the Freestar Collective with a frontier Western aesthetic. Contains the Freestar Rangers headquarters. The city is surrounded by walls protecting against Ashta (alien predators). Sam Coe's companion quest starts here.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | All levels |
| Key Rewards | Freestar Rangers questline, Sam Coe companion quest, frontier vendors |
| Recommended Build | Gunslinger |
| Key Equipment | Hard Target |
What to Do Here
- Focus on mastering outpost system — it's critical from this point on.
- Farm for Hard Target if you don't have it yet.
- Complete all objectives for maximum rewards.
- Prepare for the difficulty spike in Neon.
Neon — Mid Game
A cyberpunk fishing-platform-turned-city known for producing Aurora (a legal-in-Neon-only drug). Neon's nightlife district has the game's best atmosphere. Contains Ryujin Industries corporate espionage questline — one of the best faction questlines in the game.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | All levels |
| Key Rewards | Ryujin Industries questline, Aurora drug, unique vendors, neon nightlife atmosphere |
| Recommended Build | Stealth Build |
| Key Equipment | Hard Target |
What to Do Here
- This is the main skill check. Bring an optimized build.
- Magshear becomes accessible here — prioritize getting it.
- Master NG+ system for the boss encounters.
- Check our boss guide if you get stuck.
The Lodge — Late Game
Constellation's headquarters in New Atlantis where the main quest artifact collection takes place. The Lodge serves as a home base with storage, workbenches, companion gathering, and quest givers. The main quest radiates outward from here.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Main quest hub |
| Key Rewards | Main quest progression, artifact display, companion conversations, storage |
| Recommended Build | Stealth Build |
| Key Equipment | Magshear |
What to Do Here
- Full build optimization is expected by this point.
- Magshear should be your primary, fully upgraded.
- companion affinity mastery starts mattering here.
- Farm resources for the push into The Eye.
The Eye — Endgame
Constellation's orbital station where Vladimir tracks artifact signals. Visit regularly for new artifact location leads. The Eye provides a view of the planet below and serves as a secondary hub. Contains unique dialogue with Vladimir about the nature of the artifacts.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Mid-late main quest |
| Key Rewards | Artifact location leads, Vladimir dialogue, orbital observation |
| Recommended Build | Stealth Build |
| Key Equipment | Magshear |
What to Do Here
- This is endgame. Best-in-slot gear and a perfected build are mandatory.
- See our boss guide for endgame fight strategies.
- The reward loop: clear content → upgrade → push harder content.
- Experiment with Science Explorer for variety once you've mastered the meta.
Exploration Tips
- Clear areas in order — New Atlantis → Akila City → Neon → The Lodge → The Eye. Skipping areas means missing resources you'll need later.
- Check every corner — Hidden caches and secrets are often in non-obvious locations.
- Match your equipment — Some areas favor different equipment types.
- Read the walkthrough — Our walkthrough provides exact progression milestones for each area.
- Don't rush — Clearing an area fully gives more resources than speedrunning two areas.
More Starfield Guides
- Starfield Starfield Overview
- Starfield Best Builds
- Starfield Tier List
- Starfield Walkthrough
- Starfield Beginner's Guide
- Starfield Tips & Tricks
- Starfield Weapons Guide
- Starfield Combat Guide
- Starfield Boss Guide
- Starfield Crafting Guide
- Starfield Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Starfield, check out these related guides:
- Elden Ring Maps & Locations — rpg game with similar mechanics
- Baldur's Gate 3 Maps & Locations — rpg game with similar mechanics
- Cyberpunk 2077 Maps & Locations — rpg game with similar mechanics
