Starfield Factions - Which to Pick

Within the Settled Systems, there are four factions available for players to join. Each faction has a series of missions to complete along with plenty of rewards.

Factions in Starfield are not mutually exclusive, so there’s no pressure about whom you join first.

United Colonies

The United Colonies is the director successor to the government on Earth. It is the oldest government in the Settled Systems, with a founding date in 2159. They are effectively rivals to the Freestar Collective, having fought two wars against them in the past. The capital of New Atlantis is a futuristic utopia on an Earth-like planet.

The storyline will require you to join the Vanguard, the main military force of the UC, as you complete missions based around fighting an alien threat.

Membership Benefits:

United Colonies Citizenship
Discount at United Colonies Stores
Several repeatable missions
Ability to purchase real estate

Mission Rewards:

75,000 to 95,000 Credits
2200-2800 XP
Calibrated Vanguard Uniform
Anti-Xeno armor
Anti-Xeno weapon
New Atlantis Penthouse

For detailed information regarding how to join this faction, see our guide on How to Join the United Colonies.

Freestar Collective

The Freestar Collective can be described as the wild west of Starfield. Their capital of Akila City looks like it was taken straight from the set of Lone Ranger. They have a huge emphasis on freedom and have fought two wars against the United Colonies to ensure that freedom.

As a Freestar Ranger, you’ll become a galactic gunslinger working to solve a deadly mystery, interrogating people and flashing your badge when neccessary.

Membership Benefits:

Rank of Freestar Ranger
Freestar Ranger Repeatable Missions

Mission Rewards:

40,000 to 61,000 Credits
1500 to 2500 XP
Freestar Deputy and Ranger Badge
Ranger Uniform and Spacesuit
Deadeye Pistol
Justifier Rifle
Star Eagle Ship

For detailed information regarding how to join this faction, see our guide on How to Join the Freestar Collective.

Ryujin Industries

Ryujin is a megacorporation headquartered in Neon, a large city on the planet Volii Alpha in the Volii System. As one of the biggest corporations in the Settled Systems, Ryujin has a foot in many industries like neuroamps, spacecraft manufacturing, and weapons. They didn’t rise to that level through good graces, and their continued presence as a top dog is reliant on less-than-savory business practices, which is where you come in.

Most of the missions are on the sneakier side. When you take on the role of a junior operative, you will be stealing, persuading, and hacking to give the company an edge against its competitors and, in some instances, its own employees. Be sure to stock up on digipicks for these quests!

Membership Benefits:

Ryujin Operative status
Repeatable clandestine missions

Mission Rewards:

65,500 to 85,500 Credits
2210 to 3210 XP
Operative Armor and Helmet
Ember Laser Pistol
Automatic Unlock of the Manipulation skill
Office at Ryujin

For detailed information regarding how to join this faction, see our guide on How to Join Ryujin Industries.

Crimson Fleet

The Crimson Fleet is a loosely organized pirate armada whose ruthless members prowl the stars, relieving credits from their victims. Its founding dates back to the biggest jailbreak in United Colonies’ history and its main nemesis is UC SysDef, a branch of the UC Navy.

You will actually join the Fleet under false pretenses as a double agent working for SysDef. Consequently, these missions revolve around you doing typical pirate things like looting ships and looking for treasure, while reporting to your handlers in SysDef.

Membership Benefits:

Membership to Crimson Fleet / UC SysDef
Access to The Key (Spacestation) and the UC Vigilance (Command Ship)
Repeatable pirate missions / pirate hunter missions
Access to shielded cargo for ship upgrades

Mission Rewards:

301,000 to 321,000 Credits
2000 to 3000 XP
Unique Weapons (Keelhauler, Revenant, Unfair Advantage)
Unique Gear (SysDef Uniforms, Pirate Outfits)
UC Prison Shuttle Ship

For detailed information regarding how to join this faction, see our guide on How to Join the Crimson Fleet.

Factions in Starfield help extend the narrative of the game beyond the main storyline. Which faction did you decide to join first? Let us know in the comments below!