In the spirit of the first astronauts, Starfield allows players to pioneer and explore space, including building small bases on multiple planets. Like Fallout 4 settlements, Constellation explorers can establish elaborate trade and resource networks between bases. While these outposts offer an engaging level of gameplay for detail-oriented players, the clunkiness of Starfield’s construction system often deters players from actually enjoying the resource management aspect of the game.
The latest Starfield update, released on March 19, 2024, addresses a hodgepodge of longstanding player complaints. Many of these fixes focused on UI, including one making Star Maps easier to read, while other tweaks added different field of vision customization options for space travel. In addition to space travel and combat updates, the most recent patch also tweaked outpost construction, finally allowing resource-focused players to build the space settlement factory of their dreams.
One of the primary reasons players build outposts is to optimize resource extraction. Burgeoning space industrialists should rejoice as the latest patch improves how resources are displayed while planning the base. Each settlement now designates links between resources, modules, and nodes. If the link is red, it indicates that it is not attached to anything.
Meanwhile, green links show connected nodes. And finally, yellow links highlight the flow of energy between buildings. Players might note that these links are animated, indicating the flow direction for the relevant connected modules. Reddit user EastWild0 highlights the tweaks as they showcase their outpost.
Outpost resource management was among the largest deterrents for players to venture into constructing these bases across the galaxy. This change will make it easier for players to build the best resource networks across the galaxy. The highlighted links add a much-needed layer of sheen to outpost management in Starfield, enabling explorers to understand the connected modules and nodes of their base with just a glance. While not as complex or detailed as a manufacturing-focused game like Factorio, the game’s latest update facilitates the construction of complex energy, cargo, and shipping networks.
Despite the improvements to Starfield’s outposts, this aspect of the game has garnered criticism. Compared to Fallout 4‘s settlements, fans have found outposts to be clunkier to manage and less rewarding. While the latest change makes the UI easier to understand, players have still raised concerns about the fundamental structure and nature of building bases across the stars. One glaring issue is Starfield’s relative lack of freedom and customization options in settlements.
However, despite limitations, Constellation explorers can still find ways to innovate and fashion small outposts in space with and without mods. One creative Reddit user, BackgroundMost1180, fashioned an amazing museum-house hybrid on a distant planet. Their outpost is an amazing highlight of what a crafty and dedicated player can create with the in-game engine.
BackGroundMost1180’s shared build includes a foyer, reception, and model ship room, all without mods. In addition to showcasing their wonderful outpost, they offered a selection of the best tips and tricks for constructing a dream base within Starfield. This includes using rugs to brighten the lighting and dropping items to decrease the settlement’s budget. Similar towns on the StarfieldOutposts subreddit only highlight players’ ingenuity and creativity while playing the game.
With the imminent release of the Shattered Space DLC, Bethesda should reconsider the mechanics behind the base building system in the game. The UI needs to be improved to simplify the game’s outposts further. Cargo and interstellar shipping between outposts are still obscured behind layers of menus. Players have also reported bugs when exceeding more than three cargo links, even when adding skills to the Outpost Management social skill.
Adding earlier and easier-to-obtain rewards might entice explorers to also engage with the settlement system in Starfield. Players have complained that they do not feel adequately compensated for their time building outposts. While a manufacturing base can provide explorers with mountains of money, actually setting up an easy-to-use system can be difficult for all those but the most experienced in outpost management.
Further outpost changes should also address improving player agency when building a new home on an unexplored planet. Bethesda should take inspiration from Fallout 4’s system. The relative freedom that Fallout’s workshop tool provides enables novice and expert players to build magnificent bases.
Starfield continues to evolve and update, adding new features and fixes. If future add-ons or DLC add new elements to settlement management, they should consider adding more base models and objects for players to experiment with, similar to Fallout. While Starfield’s 1.10.31 patch significantly improved player experience for outposts by making resource management easier, Bethesda should work to refine and improve the system, making it more rewarding, customizable, and accessible.
Source: EastWild0/Reddit, BackgroundMost1180/Reddit