Starfield offers you the option to choose three traits to build your character's identity beyond their background skills. Your playstyle preferences will define what you'll ultimately want to pick for a background (you can pick up any of the skills that come with the backgrounds later, though some characters will rarely refer to your background in conversations), but since traits can't be added after you've begun your game you'll want to choose those wisely. Here are our team's favorites:
- Kid Stuff - Get free stuff from your parents! Well, you're technically paying them every week, but there's no way the amount you give them would add up to the cost of what they give you. The weapons and other items they offer early on are helpful and you can't get them unless you have this trait. Be sure to visit your parents when they leave a note for you at The Lodge. You'll only have to pay 500 credits every in-game week to them too, regardless of how rich you get.
- Dream Home - There are ways to buy apartments in Starfield, but there's nothing quite like the Dream Home. You won't be able to get it without this trait. You can learn more about the Dream Home and how to get to it here.
- Extrovert or Introvert - This is an easy choice for a nice buff if you plan on traveling with a companion or without. Given that you'll likely need someone with you to serve as a second gun (or let's be honest, an extra backpack), the Extrovert trait is the better of the two.
- Freestar Collective Settler Trait, Neon Street Rat Trait, or United Colonies Native Trait - Choosing one of these will give you bonus dialogue options regarding the respective locations and bonuses for the respective faction missions too. It's also a nice touch for more immersive roleplay.
- Raised Enlightened, Raised Universal, or Serpent’s Embrace - Like the location affiliations above, the religious affiliations will instead allow you to have different conversation options and rewards for belonging to a group. Enlightened and Universal are the more popular religions in the Settled Systems, but we've found Serpent's Embrace mild O2 and Health buff plus some rather unique and funny conversation options make it the most interesting. Even though Serpent's Embrace doesn't offer a chest of free items to start, you will get some items eventually if you play your cards right.
You can read more about our recommendations in our Best Traits and Backgrounds guide. If you decide you don't like a particular trait, you can find out how to remove the trait during your playthrough here.
Miranda Sanchez is the executive editor of guides at IGN and a member of Podcast Unlocked. She's a big fan of stationery and fountain pens. You can sometimes find her on Twitter.
