There are many factions in Starfield, including the one around which the primary quest is centered (Constellation), but there are also four other significant factions. In contrast to other pseudo-factions like the Ecliptic or Ebbside Strikers, the UC Vanguard, the Crimson Fleet, the Freestar Collective, and Ryujin Industries are linked to achievements, storylines, and more. In other words, it’s likely that players will check these out first, and all of them are superior to Starfield’s primary mission in general.
However, there is still a distinct hierarchy for each primary faction objective in Starfield. The best faction is, maybe shockingly, the one that doesn’t seem like it on the outside. The most direct military faction, the UC Vanguard, takes the prize. Ryujin Industries is about corporate espionage in a Cyberpunk-like world, Freestar Collective lets players become space cowboys, and Crimson Fleet allows players to become space pirates.
S-Tier: UC Vanguard
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The fact that there are, in a sense, two tales in the UC Vanguard makes it unique. The basic UC Vanguard storyline is excellent, but one leads players to join the Crimson Fleet as an undercover spy, giving them a choice in how to go through that narrative. Players delve into a study into the origins of Terrormorphs, creatures similar to Fallout’s Deathclaws. The missions that go along with these revelations are some of the most enjoyable in Starfield. Players learn how Terrormorphs spread around the galaxy (with a genuinely unexpected conclusion), and how one person has coordinated Terrormorph attacks throughout the galaxy. The frosting on the cake is that during this quest path, players can also obtain their UC citizenship and a home.
A-Tier: Crimson Fleet
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Players in Crimson Fleet learn about piracy in the Settled Systems and are forced to choose between the UC and the Crimson Fleet while doing so. Whatever option they select, the objectives are rather simple as players try to capitalize on Jasper Kryx’s legacy. Although not as unexpected as the UC Vanguard, the missions are enjoyable, and the endgame prize is a quick way to earn a ton of Starfield credits. Additionally, it gives players access to The Key, one of the game’s best faction hubs with a ton of businesses. Additionally, in Starfield, playing a space pirate is a terrific method to roleplay.
B-Tier: Freestar Collective
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Even while the Freestar Collective has a fantastic faction tale, it can’t compare to the UC Vanguard or the Crimson Fleet in terms of quality. Players in it look into The First, a gang of mercenaries who were detained during the Colony War. Despite having a few enjoyable missions, the story is fairly predictable despite being an intriguing narrative of politics in the Settled System and providing some context for the events leading up to the Colony War. The plot’s main element of surprise is removed by the twist at the center of it all, which is also very obvious to see coming. There is a free ship available to Starfield gamers, but there is no unique hub or significant financial incentive linked with it.
C-Tier: Ryujin Industries
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In a competition among the best, Ryujin Industries finishes last. The premise is wonderfully set up, and a tale of corporate espionage sounds like a lot of fun, but the pacing is horribly incorrect. Compared to other Starfield factions, it offers more missions, although the first five or so (the significant difference in number) feel like filler. While the Ryujin Industries questline’s last assignment has its share of great moments, it is best described as “this could have been an e-mail.” The main benefit of the task is situational, unlike the other quests, and can be useful for fun roleplaying and stealth gameplay as well as subsequent persuasion checks.