Best Builds Tier List

This is a guide on the best Builds to make in Starfield. Learn about the best background builds tier list, the best character builds, and how to use each build.

Best Background Builds Tier List

Background Builds Tier List Ranking

	・Soldier ・Bounty Hunter ・Gangster
	・Cyber Runner ・Bouncer ・Beast Hunter ・Ronin ・Space Scoundrel ・[File Not Found]
	・Combat Medic ・Diplomat ・Cyberneticist ・Long Hauler ・Xenobiologist
	・Chef ・Explorer ・Homesteader ・Industrialist ・Pilgrim ・Professor ・Sculptor

Best Backgrounds Tier List

Soldier Build

Traits	・ Alien DNA ・ Extrovert ・ Hero Worshipped
Physical Skills	・ Fitness ・ Weight Lifting ・ Pain Tolerance ・ Armor Penetration ・ Wellness
Social Skills	・ Intimidation
Combat Skills	・ Ballistics ・ Demolitions ・ Lasers ・ Pistol Certification ・ Rifle Certification ・ Rapid Reloading
Science Skills	・ Medicine ・ Weapon Engineering
Tech Skills	・ Boost Pack Training

The Soldier background offers versatility, enabling the build to excel in Combat and Physical Skills for taking on enemies and to navigate the vast galaxy with their expertise in Science.

Best Soldier Build

Bounty Hunter Build

Traits	・ Alien DNA ・ Neon Street Rat ・ Serpent's Embrace
Physical Skills	・ Wellness
Combat Skills	・ Lasers ・ Rifle Certification
Science Skills	・ Medicine
Tech Skills	・ Boost Pack Training ・ Ballistic Weapon Systems ・ Piloting ・ Targeting Control Systems ・ Missile Weapon Systems

The Bounty Hunter background excels in ship weaponry and combat, thanks to the Tech skill tree. This enables the Bounty Hunter build to focus on space exploration without fear.

Best Bounty Hunter Build

Gangster Build

Traits	・ Neon Street Rat ・ Extrovert ・ Wanted
Physical Skills	・ Fitness ・ Boxing ・ Stealth ・ Weight Lifting ・ Wellness
Social Skills	・ Theft ・ Commerce
Combat Skills	・ Ballistics ・ Pistol Certification ・ Shotgun Certification
Tech Skills	・ Security

The Gangster build focuses on enhancing its Physical and Combat Skills to eliminate all the threat it encounters by utilizing its proficiency with firearms and melee weapons.

Best Gangster Build

Cyber Runner Build

Traits	・ Dream Home ・ Introvert ・ Neon Street Rat
Physical Skills	・ Weight Lifting ・ Stealth
Social Skills	・ Persuasion ・ Theft ・ Commerce
Combat Skills	・ Marksmanship ・ Sniper Certification ・ Sharpshooting

The Cyber Runner build is a great way to get resources quickly by picking locks and stealing items. It's also stealth-focused, so you can silently dispatch enemies.

Best Cyber Runner Build

Bouncer Build

Traits	・ Alien DNA ・ Extrovert ・ Terra Firma
Physical Skills	・ Fitness ・ Boxing ・ Wellness ・ Martial Arts ・ Neurostrikes
Social Skills	・ Intimidation ・ Commerce
Combat Skills	・ Dueling
Tech Skills	・ Security

The Bouncer is one of the toughest combat-focused backgrounds available. They specialize in Physical and Social Skills that can help them get through any situation.

Best Bouncer Build

Beast Hunter Build

Traits	・ Freestar Collective Settler ・ Extrovert ・ Terra Firma
Physical Skills	・ Fitness ・ Wellness
Social Skills	・ Scavenging ・ Gastronomy
Combat Skills	・ Ballistics ・ Pistol Certification ・ Rifle Certification
Science Skills	・ Medicine ・ Zoology
Tech Skills	・ Boost Pack Training

The Beast Hunter background primarily relies on its Combat and Science Skills to eliminate alien creatures and similar threats. They are survival experts with extensive knowledge in Zoology for resource gathering.

Best Beast Hunter Build

Ronin Build

Traits	・ Alien DNA ・ Introvert ・ Neon Street Rat
Physical Skills	・ Concealment ・ Fitness ・ Gymnastics ・ Martial Arts ・ Stealth ・ Wellness ・ Rejuvenation
Social Skills	・ Intimidation ・ Isolation ・ Scavenging
Combat Skills	・ Dueling
Science Skills	・ Surveying
Tech Skills	・ Boost Pack Training

The Ronin background prioritizes stealth and swift eliminations to avoid direct confrontations. This build is often played independently without relying on other members of your group to complete the objective.

Best Ronin Build

Space Scoundrel Build

Traits	・ Serpent's Embrace ・ Wanted ・ Spaced
Physical Skills	・ Stealth ・ Concealment
Social Skills	・ Persuasion ・ Theft ・ Deception ・ Instigation ・ Manipulation ・ Negotiation
Combat Skills	・ Pistol Certification ・ Rifle Certification ・ Lasers
Tech Skills	・ Security ・ Piloting ・ Targeting Control Systems ・ Robotics ・ Boost Assault Training ・ Boost Pack Training

Space Scoundrels are experts in all weapon types and they possess Social Skills to talk their way out of difficult situations. They are also skilled in ship navigation and space combat.

Best Space Scoundrel Build

Combat Medic Build

Traits	・ Alien DNA ・ Raised Enlightened ・ Spaced
Physical Skills	・ Wellness ・ Stealth
Social Skills	・ Diplomacy ・ Persuasion
Combat Skills	・ Ballistics ・ Pistol Certification
Science Skills	・ Chemistry ・ Medicine ・ Decontamination

The Combat Medic build focuses on survivability through more health and better healing. They can take several hits while allowing for self-defense with Pistols.

Best Combat Medic Build

Diplomat Build

Traits	・ Empath ・ Dream Home ・ Extrovert
Physical Skills	・ Wellness
Social Skills	・ Commerce ・ Diplomacy ・ Intimidation ・ Instigation ・ Leadership ・ Persuasion ・ Manipulation ・ Negotiation
Combat Skills	・ Dueling

The Diplomat build goes for a more cordial and pacifist approach to solving problems. Words are your weapons, so this build revolves around several Social Skills and persuading NPCs to avoid bloody resolutions.

Best Diplomat Build

Cyberneticist Build

Traits	・ Empath ・ Raised Enlightened ・ Spaced
Physical Skills	・ Wellness
Combat Skills	・ Lasers ・ Rifle Certification ・ Armor Penetration
Science Skills	・ Chemistry ・ Medicine
Tech Skills	・ Security ・ Boost Pack Training ・ Robotics

The Cyberneticist build makes use of the best of both man and machine to accomplish something greater. They can afford to be more aggressive with laser weapons thanks to better healing and can pick harder locks earlier.

Best Cyberneticist Build

Long Hauler Build

Traits	・ Serpent's Embrace ・ Freestar Collective Settler ・ Spaced
Social Skills	・ Commerce ・ Deception
Combat Skills	・ Pistol Certification
Science Skills	・ Astrodynamics
Tech Skills	・ Ballistic Weapon Systems ・ Boost Pack Training ・ Engine Systems ・ Payloads ・ Piloting ・ Shield Systems ・ Starship Design ・ Starship Engineering ・ Targeting Control Systems

The Long Hauler is a Technical genius with great knowledge in Ship Navigation and Combat. They are also proficient in Social Skills which can help them get out of tricky situations.

Best Long Hauler Build

Xenobiologist Build

Traits	・ Alien DNA ・ Introvert ・ Terra Firma
Physical Skills	・ Fitness ・ Decontamination
Social Skills	・ Xenosociology
Combat Skills	・ Pistol Certification ・ Rifle Certification ・ Lasers
Science Skills	・ Astrophysics ・ Botany ・ Surveying ・ Zoology

The primary focus of the Xenobiologist background is the study of alien life within the Settled Systems. They use their expertise and knowledge in Botany and Xenosociology to perform surveys on new planets.

Best Xenobiologist Build

Chef Build

Traits	・ Empath ・ Kid Stuff ・ Extrovert
Physical Skills	・ Wellness ・ Martial Arts ・ Nutrition
Social Skills	・ Commerce ・ Scavenging ・ Gastronomy ・ Leadership ・ Persuasion
Combat Skills	・ Dueling
Science Skills	・ Chemistry ・ Research Methods

The Chef build takes advantage of their natural skills for Scavenging and crafting food with Gastronomy to progress through the game. In combat, they can use melee weapons effectively to eliminate threats.

Best Chef Build

Explorer Build

Traits	・ Alien DNA ・ Raised Universal ・ Spaced
Social Skills	・ Scavenging
Combat Skills	・ Lasers ・ Pistol Certification ・ Rifle Certification
Science Skills	・ Astrodynamics ・ Astrophysics ・ Scanning ・ Surveying
Tech Skills	・ Starship Design ・ Boost Pack Training

Explorers want to uncover the mysteries of the different star systems, so Science Skills and ship-related skills are recommended. They're also skilled with Lasers to easily remove threats while in zero-G.

Best Explorer Build

Homesteader Build

Traits	・ Raised Universal ・ Terra Firma ・ United Colonies Native
Physical Skills	・ Martial Arts ・ Weight Lifting
Social Skills	・ Gastronomy ・ Scavenging ・ Outpost Management
Combat Skills	・ Dueling
Science Skills	・ Astrodynamics ・ Astrophysics ・ Surveying ・ Geology ・ Outpost Engineering ・ Planetary Habitation

As a Homesteader, your knowledge and experience in settling on different planets have made you self-sufficient. Your expertise in Tech and Science Skills fully prepares you for any challenges that may come your way.

Best Homesteader Build

Industrialist Build

Traits	・ Empath ・ Extrovert ・ Taskmaster
Social Skills	・ Persuasion ・ Gastronomy ・ Commerce ・ Outpost Management
Science Skills	・ Astrodynamics ・ Astrophysics ・ Surveying ・ Research Methods ・ Special Projects ・ Outpost Engineering
Tech Skills	・ Security ・ Payloads

The Industrialist background is one of the most versatile profession. They mainly use their Social and Science Skills to gather resources from distant planets.

Best Industrialist Build

Pilgrim Build

Traits	・ Extrovert ・ Raised Universal
Physical Skills	・ Fitness ・ Gymnastics ・ Nutrition ・ Weight Lifting ・ Wellness ・ Environmental Conditioning
Social Skills	・ Gastronomy ・ Scavenging
Science Skills	・ Astrodynamics ・ Astrophysics ・ Surveying ・ Spacesuit Design ・ Scanning
Tech Skills	・ Boost Pack Training ・ Piloting

Pilgrim is a well-rounded background that is equipped with a diverse skill set suitable for interstellar journeys. Its Physical Skill prowess in Fitness, Weight Lifting, and Wellness ensures endurance during your travels, while adapting to various planetary conditions using Tech Skills.

Best Pilgrim Build

Professor Build

Traits	・ Alien DNA ・ Empath ・ Terra Firma
Social Skills	・ Diplomacy ・ Gastronomy ・ Persuasion ・ Scavenging
Science Skills	・ Astrodynamics ・ Astrophysics ・ Botany ・ Chemistry ・ Special Projects ・ Surveying ・ Research Methods ・ Geology

The Professor background has the least Combat experience, relying on their extensive knowledge in Science and Social Skills to make up for their lack of combat prowess. They mainly utilize Persuasion and Diplomacy skills to resolve conflicts.

Best Professor Build

Sculptor Build

Traits	・ Empath ・ Extrovert ・ Raised Universal
Physical Skills	・ Martial Arts
Social Skills	・ Commerce ・ Persuasion
Combat Skills	・ Dueling
Science Skills	・ Botany ・ Geology ・ Medicine ・ Surveying
Tech Skills	・ Boost Pack Training

With a background as a Sculptor, your chisel and knife skills now serve you in combat. Additionally, your proficiency in the Science Skills helps in resource gathering and exploration. This combination makes you a versatile, capable of excelling in various fields.

Best Sculptor Build

Best Character Builds

Stealth Sniper Build

Traits	・ Introvert ・ Wanted ・ Terra Firma
Physical Skills	・ Fitness ・ Stealth ・ Wellness ・ Gymnastics ・ Nutrition ・ Concealment ・ Rejuvenation
Social Skills	・ Commerce ・ Scavenging ・ Theft ・ Negotiation ・ Isolation
Combat Skills	・ Ballistics ・ Dueling ・ Rifle Certification ・ Marksmanship ・ Rapid Reloading ・ Sniper Certification ・ Armor Penetration ・ Crippling ・ Sharpshooting
Science Skills	・ Medicine ・ Research Methods ・ Weapon Engineering
Tech Skills	・ Boost Pack Training ・ Piloting ・ Security ・ Engine Systems ・ Shield Systems

Stealth and delivering extremely high damage with Rifle weapons are the primary playstyles of this build. This setup specializes in dealing maximum damage on strategically calculated shots while sneaking through enemy lines.

Best Stealth Sniper Build

Space Pirate Build

Traits	・ Extrovert ・ Wanted ・ Spaced
Physical Skills	・ Fitness ・ Stealth ・ Wellness ・ Gymnastics ・ Nutrition ・ Martial Arts
Social Skills	・ Commerce ・ Persuasion ・ Scavenging ・ Theft ・ Deception ・ Negotiation ・ Ship Command
Combat Skills	・ Ballistics ・ Dueling ・ Shotgun Certification ・ Pistol Certification ・ Demolitions ・ Marksmanship ・ Rapid Reloading ・ Targeting ・ Sharpshooting
Science Skills	・ Astrodynamics ・ Surveying ・ Spacesuit Design ・ Weapon Engineering ・ Aneutronic Fusion
Tech Skills	・ Ballistic Weapon Systems ・ Boost Pack Training ・ Piloting ・ Security ・ Targeting Control Systems ・ Engine Systems ・ Starship Design ・ Starship Engineering ・ Boost Assault Training

If a pirate's life is what you long for, then this is the build you should be working towards. In this build, the synergy of your skills is geared towards trickery in and out of combat. Live freely without worrying about the law with this impactful build.

Best Space Pirate Build

Space Cowboy Build

Traits	・ Alien DNA ・ Freestar Collective Settler ・ Hero Worshipped
Physical Skills	・ Fitness ・ Wellness ・ Stealth ・ Gymnastics ・ Rejuvenation
Social Skills	・ Commerce ・ Scavenging ・ Theft ・ Intimidation
Combat Skills	・ Ballistics ・ Pistol Certification ・ Shotgun Certification ・ Rifle Certification ・ Marksmanship ・ Rapid Reloading ・ Targeting ・ Crippling ・ Sharpshooting
Science Skills	・ Surveying ・ Weapon Engineering
Tech Skills	・ Ballistic Weapon Systems ・ Boost Pack Training ・ Piloting ・ Security ・ Targeting Control Systems ・ Engine Systems ・ Starship Engineering ・ Boost Assault Training

This build was made to capture the essence of being a cowboy who is well versed in both surface and space combat through the use of ballistic weapons. Embrace the spirit of the Wild West with this quick and precise cowboy build.

Best Space Cowboy Build

Unarmed Build

Traits	・ Terra Firma ・ Wanted ・ Neon Street Rat
Physical Skills	・ Boxing ・ Fitness ・ Stealth ・ Wellness ・ Energy Weapon Dissipation ・ Gymnastics ・ Pain Tolerance ・ Martial Arts ・ Neurostrikes ・ Rejuvenation
Social Skills	・ Persuasion
Combat Skills	・ Medicine ・ Spacesuit Design
Science Skills	・ Surveying ・ Weapon Engineering
Tech Skills	・ Boost Pack Training ・ Security ・ Targeting Control Systems

The unarmed build focuses on acquiring skills from the Physical tree in order to maximize damage and mobility in unarmed combat. This build also focuses on increasing survivability and sustainability to mitigate the risk of having to fight close range with enemies.

If you're someone looking to fight your way out with only your fists, then this is the build for you!

Best Unarmed Build

Pacifist Build

Traits	・ Extrovert ・ Empath ・ Raised Enlightened
Physical Skills	・ Fitness ・ Stealth ・ Wellness ・ Concealment
Social Skills	・ Commerce ・ Persuasion ・ Diplomacy ・ Intimidation ・ Negotiation ・ Instigation ・ Leadership ・ Manipulation ・ Xenosociology
Tech Skills	・ Boost Pack Training ・ Piloting ・ Security ・ Targeting Control Systems

Although it's impossible to achieve a completely pacifist playthrough in the game, this Pacifist build tries to achieve the most peaceful outcomes as possible. This concept is made possible by heavily investing in your social skills and utilizing your companions or enemies themselves to do the dirty deed for you!

Best Pacifist Build

Starfield Related Guides

Starfield Walkthrough and Guides Wiki

Starfield Wiki
Shattered Space DLC	REV-8
Main Quests	Side Quests
Factions	Best Weapons
Armor	Weapons
Tips and Tricks	Console Commands
Ship Parts	Ship Manufacturers
Planets	Star Systems
Cities and POIs	Choices
Skills	Traits
Resources and Materials	Outposts
Companions	Builds
Ship Designs	Ships
Starborn Powers	Collectibles
Shops	Items
Houses	Mission Board
Puzzle Solutions	Backgrounds
Enemies	Research Projects
Achievements	Bugs
Weapon Mods	Armor Mods
Fauna and Alien Creatures	Flora and Plants
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