Best Side Quests Worth Doing
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!
List of Contents
Best Side Quests to Do
Best Side Quests
| Quest Name | Location | Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| In Memoriam | Jemison, Alpha Centauri |
・EXP: 250
・Sarah Romance |
| Divided Loyalties | Random |
・EXP: 250
・Andreja Romance |
| Mantis | Denebola I-B, Denebola |
・EXP: 200
・Razorleaf Ship ・Mantis Space Helmet (x1)・Mantis Spacesuit (x1)・Mantis Pack (x1) |
| A Tree Grows in New Atlantis | Jemison, Alpha Centauri | ・EXP: 100 |
| Groundpounder | Altair II, Altair System |
・EXP: 300
・ Peacekeeper (x1) |
| First Contact | Porrima II, Porrima |
・EXP: 300
・Modified XM-2311 |
| Burden of Proof | Jemison, Alpha Centauri |
・EXP: 50
・Memento Mori |
| Leader of the Pack | Akila, Cheyenne System |
・EXP: 100
・ Despondent Assassin (x1) ・ 9x39MM (x34) |
| Run the Red Mile | Porrima III, Porrima |
・EXP: 100
・ Brute Force (x1) ・ 15X25 CLL Shotgun Shell (x22) |
| Overdesigned | Jemison, Alpha Centauri |
・EXP: 200
・ Kepler R (x1) ・ Kepler S (x1) |
| Tourists Go Home | Titan, Sol System |
・EXP: 50
・Monster Costume |
| Operation Starseed | Charybdis III, Charybdis |
・EXP: 300
・Amelia Earhart |
| Due in Full | Jemison, Alpha Centauri |
・EXP: 50 (x4)
・ Solace (x1) |
| Peacemaker | Ixyll II, Ixyll |
・EXP: 50
・Peacemaker |
| Start-up Stopped | Mars, Sol System |
・EXP: 100
・Riot Shotgun |
| Infinity's End | Oborum III, Oborum Prime |
・EXP: 200
・The Last Priest |
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.
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
| Quests | Weapon Rewards |
|---|---|
| Groundpounder | ・Peacekeeper (Rifle) |
| Due in Full | ・Solace (Pistol) |
| Peacemaker | ・Peacemaker (Rifle) |
| Start-Up Stopped | ・Riot Shotgun |
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
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| 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.
Starfield Related Guides
List of All Side Quests and Rewards
List of All Side Quests
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