There are several side quests and missions that are worth doing to unlock special rewards like rare armor and weapons, unlock achievements, and companion romances in Starfield. Learn about the best side quests to do first and what side quests are worth doing!

Best Side Quests to Do

Best Side Quests

In Memoriam or Divided Loyalties Opens Up Romances

For those planning on starting a romance with a companion and getting married, complete companion questlines like In Memoriam to romance Sarah Morgan or Divided Loyalties for Andreja.

Marrying a companion will also unlock the Starcrossed Achievement.

All Romance Options

A Tree Grows in New Atlantis Delves Deep into Lore

A Tree Grows in New Atlantis is a simple quest that does not involve any combat or complicated choices. Instead, it is a great side quest that provides you some context into Starfield's political and scientific lore.

A Tree Grows in New Atlantis Rewards and How to Unlock

First Contact has the Best Plot

If you are looking for the side quest with the best and most memorable plot, prepare to be engaged in the storyline of the First Contact quest.

Here you will find a ship full of people who came from Earth and thought they were the last humans in the whole galaxy.

First Contact Mission Rewards and How to Unlock

Leader of the Pack Rewards You with a Legendary Weapon

Despondent Assassin is not only a great Rifle and one of the best scoped weapons in the game, but it is also a legendary weapon. You will receive this as a reward for finishing the Leader of the Pack side quest, which is fairly straightforward and easy to access.

Leader of the Pack Rewards and How to Unlock

Get a Strong Shotgun from Run the Red Mile

Run the Red Mile is a great early game side quest as it rewards you with the Brute Force shotgun, an exceptional weapon that will come in handy in your playthrough, and some ammo.

Run the Red Mile Rewards and How to Unlock

Meet Historical Figures in Operation Starseed

Operation Starseed is a late game side quest that gives players the opportunity to meet clones of famous historical figures like Franklin Roosevelt, Genghis Khan, and Amelia Earhart! The quest is heavy on choices, but has a good storyline, and you can even recruit Amelia as a companion by the end of the quest!

Operation Starseed Walkthrough and Choices

Get a Free Ship in Overdesigned

You can get a free ship in Overdesigned, the Kepler R. It is currently the ship with the largest cargo capacity, meaning you can store a lot of items inside without having to sell and clear them frequently!

You can also get the Kepler S, but that will depend on your choice's result during the quest!
Overdesigned Walkthrough and Choices

Groundpounder, Due in Full, Peacemaker, and Start-up Stopped for More Weapons

You can get additional weapons to aid you with exploration and other quests through Groundpounder, Due in Full, Peacemaker, and Start-Up Stopped. These quests are also relatively short, except for Groundpounder, meaning you can get and use them fast!

Unlock Other Quests as You Progress on Burden of Proof

The objective in Burden of Proof, the evidence, is mostly part of different quests or locked behind them. If you try to complete Burden of Proof, you will get access to these quests and also obtain their rewards if you finish them!
Burden of Proof Walkthrough

Best Side Quest Early Game

Mantis is the Best Side Quest to Do First

Quest Name	Location	Rewards
Mantis	Denebola I-B, Denebola	・EXP: 200 ・Credits: 2000 ・Mantis Set and Ship

Mantis is the best side quest to complete early on in the game as you can do the quest right away without having to even complete the second quest The Old Neighborhood.

The quest rewards players with the Legendary Mantis Helmet, Mantis Armor, and Mantis Pack, as well as the Razorleaf Starship which is a great early upgrade to the Frontier!

Mantis Quest Reward and Puzzle Solution

Tough But Doable Quest When Prepared

The recommended level for the quest is level 30 and the enemies are tough, but it is doable if you come prepared with enough ammo and a good amount of MedPacks for healing.

The Ballistics Combat Skill should be useful against a lot of the Spacers. Make sure to loot the laser weapons dropped by the Spacers to help deal with the robots you fight at the end.

Are Side Quests Worth Doing?

Worth it for Leveling and Gathering Resources

Most side quests reward you with EXP and credits. There are also side quests that grant you weapons, armor, and other valuable resources.

All of these rewards are useful for leveling up, crafting, and exploration.

How to Level Up and Farm Skill Points Fast

Increases Friendships With Companions

As you take on side quests across the galaxy, letting your companions tag along will slowly build your relationship with them. You can also do their unique personal quest line to further solidify your bond with them.

How to Increase Companion Affinity

Starts Romances with Companions

Once you raise your friendship high enough with a companion and complete their questline, you will have the option to start a romance with them and eventually marry them.

All Romance Options

Starfield Related Guides

List of All Side Quests and Rewards

List of All Side Quests

Best Side Quests Worth Doing