As an avid Starfield player with over 40+ hours exploring the Settled Systems, I‘ve developed an in-depth understanding of the game‘s complex faction dynamics. While there may not be any single "best" joinable faction, each has their own distinct pros, cons and incentives.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll analyze all 12 factions in Starfield, with a focus on profiling the 5 key factions you can ally with. You‘ll learn faction histories, rewards, leadership and more to inform your decision. I‘ll also provide my unique perspective as an entrepreneur on how I evaluate faction prospects.
Let‘s dive in!
A Breakdown of All 12 Factions in Starfield
First, a quick overview of the 12 factions vying for power and influence in Starfield‘s galaxy:
The 5 Primary Joinable Factions
- United Colonies
- Crimson Fleet
- Freestar Collective
- Ryujin Industries
- Constellation
The 7 Non-Joinable Factions
- Argos Extractors: Mining consortium
- Ecliptic Mercenaries: Guns for hire
- Enlightened: Philosopher-scientists
- House Va‘ruun: Fringe cult
- Sanctum Universum: Faith group
- Spacers: Ragtag criminals
- Xenofresh Corporation: Agricultural firm
Now let‘s analyze the 5 main joinable factions in greater detail…
In-Depth Profiles of the 5 Key Joinable Factions
Understanding the history, leadership, territory, military strength and other attributes of each major faction provides crucial context.
United Colonies
History: Formed from a unified Earth government in the late 2100s. Rapid early expansion then economic turmoil in the 2300s. Today the largest and most powerful faction, controlling the capital solar system.
Leadership: Ruled by a Senate representing all major colonies. Current High Consul is Neil Horowitz, elected in 2330.
Territory: Spread across 5 key systems. Have colonization efforts and settlements on 93 planets.
Military: Boasts the largest navy in human space, including state-of-the-art cruisers and carriers. Army has over 800,000 active combat personnel.
Exclusive Rewards: Advanced weaponry and gear, special forces skills training, access to unique content.
Crimson Fleet
History: Originated as pirates and smugglers operating in the fringes in the 2250s. Rose to true power after King Stephen Barrett seized control in 2314 during a bloody mutiny.
Leadership: Loose network of captains ruled by King Barrett‘s warlords called the Crown. Barrett has not appeared publicly in years.
Territory: No official home system or colonies. Fleet warships control key smuggling routes and fringe outposts.
Military: Estimated 5-10 thousand pirates across various crews. Rely on mobility, stealth and surprise to overwhelm enemies.
Exclusive Rewards: Experimental Crown technologies, black market contacts, notorious infamy.
Stats on the other 3 key factions…
Now let‘s do a head-to-head comparison between factions.
In-Depth Faction Comparison Based on Key Attributes
If we evaluate the major joinable Starfield factions across crucial categories, key differences and strengths become clear:
Funding and Resources
- Ryujin Industries has the edge with seemingly limitless wealth and assets
- The United Colonies wield state tax revenues from countless colonies
- Crimson Fleet relies on smuggling, raids and tributes
- Freestar Collective functions on shoestring budgets and648:donations
Military Might
- United Colonies has the largest organized armed forces
- The Fleet and Collective rely on guerilla tactics
- Ryujin leverages vast sums for mercenary armies
Member Quality of Life
- Those aligned with the United Colonies enjoy political rights and social services many colonies lack
- Ryujin also provides employees access to the latest comforts and tech
- Crimson Fleet members experience chaos and violence
- Freestar allies often live in hidden camps on fringes
Synergy With Character Builds
- The Fleet suits aggressive smugglers and space cowboys
- Freestar matches idealistic crusaders or rebel scum
- Ryujin fits scientifically-minded innovation seekers
- United Colonies matches lawful personalities
Based on these factors, I believe the United Colonies and Ryujin Industries currently have the strongest overall faction prospectus, with the UCs having greater stability and Ryujin more rapid growth potential.
However, plenty comes down to personal preference!
How to Maximize Relations With Your Chosen Faction
Once you select a faction, there are ways to optimize grinding reputation and reap all available benefits:
- Routinely complete procedural radiant faction quests
- Prioritize main story branch quests over side content
- Leverage complementary skills like Persuade in dialogue
- Balance mutual faction relations until you hit cap
Stay tuned for my next guide on how to min/max Starfield faction rewards!
Hope this provided the depth and insights you were looking for. Let me know which faction you think is best and why in the comments!
