Starfield is set in 2330 where humans have left Earth for space and began exploring planets, moons, and stars. Learn more about the Starfield timeline, plot, and lore in this guide.

Starfield Story Setting

Takes Place in 2330

Starfield is set 300 years in the future with humanity having left earth behind to take to the stars. It takes place in the Settled Systems—a small pocket of the milky way found 50 light-years from our original solar system.

Humanity has formed different colonies and factions, and is in an uneasy state of peace when Starfield begins.

Starfield Story and Plot Summary

Main Campaign

You play as the new recruit to Constellation, one of the major factions in Starfield and the last true explorers of the galaxy. They are driven by their desire for the truth—to find the answer to humanity’s biggest questions—and you join them to complete this quest.

Locating Artifacts

From gameplay footage, it seems that your main goal is to track down and retrieve alien artifacts for Constellation. Your character has interacted with one of these artifacts before, and as result, has connected and received mysterious visions.

Constellation believes these visions are key to uncovering the truth behind the artifacts.

Saving and Protecting Human Settlements

“Human settlements throughout the galaxy could be at risk.”

It seems that Starfield will have a storyline where you, the player, goes on to protect and save human settlements in addition to unraveling the truths of the universe.

It’s possible that this plot may be connected to the factions or the effects of studying the artifacts.

Starfield Timeline and Lore Explained

2050 - Arrival on Mars

Humans first arrive on Mars, the planet that will soon house one of the earliest settlements in space: Cydonia. 50 years later, in 2100, humanity migrates to space full-time.

2156 - Alpha Centauri Reached

4.37 light years away from Earth, Alpha Centauri is a star system that you'll likely visit often because of its relevance to the United Colonies.

2159 - The United Colonies is Established

The United Colonies is the largest faction in Starfield and one of the most powerful and influential groups in the Settled Systems.

2160 - New Atlantis is Founded

New Atlantis is founded and located on the planet of Jemison. In 2161, the city is officially recognized as the capital city of the United Colonies.

2167 - Akila City is Built

Akila CIty is the first settlement in the Cheyenne system, founded by Solomon Coe. It is the stronghold of the Freestar Collective.

2188 - Freestar Collective is Established

The Freestar Collective begins as an alliance between Coe and Volii. In 2189, it graduates from alliance to faction.

2194 - The Clinic is Positioned in Narion

The Clinic is a star station controlled by the United Colonies which is positioned to orbit around Deepala in the Narion system. However, the unaffiliated people of this system viewed this as a scheme to expand UC's borders.

2195 - Narion Joins Freestar Collective

Narion joins the Freestar Collective after the United Colonies refuses their demands to remove the Clinic. The Freestar Collective mobilizes to protect the Narion system.

2196 - The Narion War Begins

The United Colonies moves a fleet into the Narion system and the Freestar Collective responds with their own fleet. This mobilization sparks the Narion War.

2216 - The Settled Systems is Formalized

Following public backlash caused by the war, the Treaty of Narion is signed by the United Colonies and the Freestar Collective. The Settled Systems is officially established through the treaty.

2221 - Freestar Rangers is Established

The Freestar Rangers is an elite protective and investigative force which is established to serve the citizens of the Freestar Collective.

2275 - Constellation is Formed

Sebastian Banks creates Constellation with founding members Chloe Bao, Aja Mamasa, Darius Andris, Bernadette Laurent, Everado GIl, and Kadri Toma. The Lodge is then built in New Atlantis.

2308 - The Colony War

A bloody war between old enemies breaks out after the United Colonies accuses the Freestar Collective of violating the Treaty of Narion by farming on the planet of Vesta and thus establishing a 4th colony.

The Colony War officially begins after the United Colonies attacks Vesta, killing everyone there to defend it.

2310 - Constellation Finds First Artifact

Constellation locates and retrieves their first Artifact 20 years before your recruitment. This propels their quest for the truth.

2311 - The Colony War Ends

The Colony War ends in the Battle of Cheyenne, where civilian and military Freestar Collective ships defeat the major ships of the United Colonies. Hit-and-run tactics were employed to take them down.

2315 - UC Vanguard is Founded

Following their defeat in the Battle of Cheyenne, the United Colonies formed the UC Vanguardーa navy unit which relies on civilians who pledge their loyalty to the United Colonies in exchange for citizenship.

Year Unknown - Character History

While many RPGs have a set character backstory, Starfield gives you the choice to pick yours. The Background you choose during character creation sets your backstory on top of your starting skills.

List of All Backgrounds and Starting Jobs

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