As you explore the vast number of planets, the chances of encountering one of several Starfield factions are high. With all kinds of Starfield tribes and groups to interact with, you may even find yourself joining one at some point during the story.
In this guide, you will find out the full list of factions confirmed so far in Starfield. Moreover, there will be a detailed description of every faction. So, you can start choosing which group to join, even from now.
For more on the game, check out all the Starfield cities and weapons we know about so far. On top of that, you can keep tabs on all of our content on the title with our Starfield hub!
What are factions in Starfield?
Starfield factions will be similar to Skyrim’s quest line system. Also, the Lead Quest Designer, Will Shen, commented that factions will work differently compared to Fallout 4.
As the developer says, you will be able to complete unique faction quests, getting pretty good rewards from each mission.
- Read more: How to choose dialogue options in Starfield
Even though your participation significantly stimulates the growth of the faction, it is impossible to become the leader and control the specific group like in Skyrim. But Will Shen said that every action will have “far-reaching consequences,” meaning that you need to think carefully before choosing your favourite faction and completing missions.
Why are Starfield factions important?
The main reason for the importance of Starfield factions is that they significantly diversify the gameplay. Factions are the perfect addition to the central storyline in Starfield. Even though factions do not directly affect the central story in the game, they significantly impact the main character and the side quests you'll get to enjoy.
Starfield factions list
Factions are probably one of Starfield’s most interesting features that don't affect the main story. There are nine unique factions that will be available at the release of the game. But you should keep in mind that this list may potentially be expanded in the future. Below, you can find the list of all factions available in Starfield as of today:
- Constellation
- The United Colonies
- The Freestar Collective
- Crimson Fleet
- Xenofresh Corporation
- Ryujin Industries
- House of the Enlightened
- Sanctum Universum
- House Va'ruun
Constellation
Constellation is the first faction publicly revealed. It is an exploration organisation aimed at unlocking all mysteries of the galaxy in Starfield. At first glance, it might seem that the Constellation is similar to NASA and SpaceX. This organisation shares the same ideas, and its creators dedicated their lives to exploring space.
Currently, there are four confirmed members of Constellation: Barret, Sarah, Spacefarer, and Vasco. Moreover, Vasco is one of the NPCs that will always come in handy if you can not complete a mission or puzzle while playing Starfield.
The United Colonies
The United Colonies is the most influential faction in Starfield. The UN represents the first powerful government in the Settled Systems. The capital city of the United Colonies is New Atlantis, which is located on the planet Jemison. The main feature of the UN is its strong political and military power, allowing this faction to dominate in outer space.
- Read more: Our Starfield persuasion guide
Will Shen, the leading designer of the company, named The United Colonies “The Future of Space Republic Idealised.” However, we will find out whether it is so or not only after the official release of the game.
The Freestar Collective
The Freestar Collective is the second central government in Settled Systems with a capital in Akila, one of Starfield’s most protected cities. The Freestar Collective is a confederation and is the primary opponent of The United Colonies in politics and the military battlefield. The members of The Freestar Collective highly appreciate personal freedom and individuality. They are ready to fight for their ideas with guns.
Crimson Fleet
Even though the Crimson Fleet is not so influential, it is one of the worst factions in Starfield. Crimson Fleet is an anarchist group that does not have any allies. This faction is a loose confederation that controls Cheyenne, Lunara, Narion, and Sagan, territories of The United Colonies and The Freestar Collective before 2330. The main feature of Crimson Fleet is that every member of this faction uses the Jolly Roger weapon, and the only way to get out from Crimson Fleet is to pass away.
Xenofresh Corporation
Xenofresh Corporation is a faction of hippies in Starfield. The faction does not have a significant political or military influence. First, it was a company focused on catching fish. But after discovering the psychotropic properties of the fish, Xenodresh Corporation started to prepare Aurora drugs using it. It brought the company significant popularity and a lot of money to expand Neon city.
Ryujin Industries
Ryujin Industries seems to be more like a corporation, not a faction. Even the design director, Emil Pagilarulo, comments on Ryujin Industries being like a megacorp. You can apply for a job and get hired to become a part of Ryujin Industries by completing the "Back to the Grind" side quest that can be started in New Atlantis.
Ryujin Industries will be a home away from home for players who like to toe the line of corruption or want to fearlessly leap over it without worrying about the consequences. The corporation will have you performing less than ethical tasks, all in the pursuit of bringing the booming company even more revenue
House of the Enlightened
Striving to bring about equality and strongly believing in the power of the human spirit, you can join the House of the Enlightened. As a member of the Enlightened, you can do all the charitable work your heart desires to fill your spiritual cup.
Joining the House of the Enlightened is a simple process and can be done before you even start your space journey. During the character creation process, ensure you select "Raised Enlightened" as one of your traits and you'll be instantly thrust into the organisation.
Sanctum Universum
In direct competition with the House of the Enlightened, Sanctum Universum believes in an all-powerful deity and that humanity is guided by the hand of God. Above all else, they believe that they are destined to eventually meet their maker and that the introduction of the grav-drive is material evidence that this will eventually come to fruition.
Like the House of the Enlightened, joining the Sanctum Universum is as simple as choosing the right trait. During the character creation process, select "Raised Universal" as one of your three traits and be empowered by the grace of God.
House Va'runn
Snake enthusiasts will be eager to sharpen their fangs as a member of House Va'ruun. A cult-like organisation, House Va'ruun does not believe in God, but rather in the existence of an all-powerful Great Serpent that they must worship and follow throughout their lives.
Like the other two major religious organisations, House Va'ruun can be joined prior to the commencement of the Starfield story. Choose the "Serpent's Embrace" trait during creation and become a member of this mysterious and dangerous cult.
That’s it for all the factions we know about so far in Starfield. As the Starfield world will be the biggest open world created by Bethesda, it is possible that new factions will appear in the game with every update or DLC. While you are still here, make sure to check our guide showcasing the PC system requirements.