All Damage Types Explained

Damage Types in Starfield determine how you deal damage to enemies, or how you take damage from others and the environment. Learn more about each damage type and how it affects you and your playthrough!

All Damage Types Explained

Explanation and Overview

Damage Type	Explanation
▼Physical	Damage from melee weapons, bullets, explosions, and the like.
▼Energy	Damage from energy weapons and similar items.
▼Electro Magnetic	Damage from EM ship weapons, explosives, etc.
▼Thermal	Damage from extreme heat or cold.
▼Airborne	Damage from contaminants and disease.
▼Corrosive	Damage from substances, weapons, or local wildlife that cause decay.
▼Radiation	Damage from radiation found in the environment or items.

Physical

Physical (PHYS) damage is one of the most common types of damage you will encounter in Starfield as most ballistic weapons, melee weapons, and throwable explosives deal this form of damage.

Energy

Energy (ENGY) damage are mostly inflicted by weapons that utilize particle beams and lasers.

Weapons with this damage type are particularly favorable in zero-gravity environments since they do not displace the shooter. They can also deal more damage to enemies who are less resistant to ENGY, such as robots.

Electro Magnetic

EM damage is most commonly found on ship weapons. These types of weapons can help you disable a ship's systems, making it easier to defeat or hijack an enemy ship.

It is also inflicted through weapon mods which deals non-lethal damage to enemies. This damage type will disable enemies and can help if you do not want to kill a certain NPC or if you are playing a pacifist run.

All EM Weapons Explained

Thermal

Thermal damage can mostly be encountered as you explore planets or moons with extreme weathers and environments. You can counter or increase your resistance to such conditions through items, gear, and armor.

How to Cure Burn Affliction

Airborne

With the vast galaxy of Starfield, it's no question that airborne contaminants, disease, or even drugs (as mentioned in their rating) can deal damage over time as you explore different planets. Some armor and gear are shown to offer resistance against this damage type.

List of All Armor and Gear

Corrosive

Corrosive damage deals damage over time, and it is likely caused by harmful substances from items, explosives, weapons, or even the local flora, fauna, and wildlife of planets. Armor, gear, and aid can give you resistance against corrosion.

Radiation

This damage type is still unclear but is likely caused by the environment of planets you are in or dangerous items. Make sure to scan a planet before entering its atmosphere to be prepared against this damage type. You can also cure radiation poisoning by using certain Aid items.

This damage type will be further updated once the team confirms where it can be commonly encountered.

How to Cure All Afflictions

Starfield Related Guides

Tips and Tricks

All Tips and Tricks