Starfield factions explained: All the different groups to join
Everything you need to know about factions and how they work in Bethesda's new space RPG.
Following in the footsteps of previous Bethesda games in the Fallout and Elder Scrolls series, Starfield features a series of different groups and Factions that you can join, or avoid, as you navigate the game.
From the United Colonies to the Freestar Collective, there are numerous factions you can interact with to learn about the worlds of Starfield, get rewards and generally flesh out Starfield beyond the main story.
However, with Starfield being such a massive game, it's useful to know just how many factions are actually out there and what each faction actually stands for.
Fortunately, RadioTimes.com has rounded up all the latest details about Starfield factions below.
What do we know about Starfield factions?
Starfield is set among the Settled Systems and picks up 20 years after the Colony War, a conflict between two factions: the United Colonies and Freestar Collective.
Every faction is now split across the galaxy and enjoying an "uneasy peace", with the player now part of a group of space explorers called Constellation.
At the time of writing, four Starfield factions have been unveiled: United Colonies, Freestar Collective, House Va'ruun and Crimson Fleet.
We also suspect there might be a faction in the Red Mile on Porrima, though nothing has yet to be confirmed - so we're leaving that one off for the time being.
Every faction has a different set of goals and objectives that can be completed. Lots of them are optional while some will be a requirement to beat the main story. Let's break down each faction.
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United Colonies
The United Colonies is one of two interstellar governments found within the Settled Systems and is considered one of the most powerful forces in Starfield.
The capital is located within the city of New Atlantis on the planet of Jemison in Alpha Centauri. The group controls a military branch known as the Vanguard made up of civilians that have pledged to defend the United Colonies.
It was established three years after humans first arrived in this star system in 2159.
Read more on Starfield:
- Starfield missions list - how far are you?
- Starfield tips and tricks - how to get started
- Starfield romance - all potential relationships
- Starfield character creation - all your options explained
- Starfield digipick - how to lockpick
- How long is Starfield? The hours you'll need
- Will Starfield ever come to PS5? Developer comments
- Starfield cast - all voice actors
- Starfield companions - who to recruit
- Starfield soundtrack - how to listen
- Starfield storage guide - don't be overburdened
- Starfield FOV - change your point of view
- Starfield FPS - developers explain 30fps
- Starfield PC requirements - specs needed
- Starfield performance - potential fixes
- Starfield factions - all possible groups
Freestar Collective
The other interstellar government found in Starfield is the Freestar Collective, a libertarian confederation found within the Cheyenne System on the planet Akila.
It's notably poorer in wealth than the United Colonies, with the capital Akila City run down in parts and more familiar to that of the Wild West. For instance, The Stoneroot Inn takes the design of a Western Saloon.
The Freestar Collective was founded by Soloman Coe in 2189.
Crimson Fleet
The Crimson Fleet is made up of a number of pirate captains spread out among the star systems. That said, it does have a headquarters of its own in The Key, a space station previously owned by the United Colonies found in the Kryx System.
House Va'ruun
A lot of mystery surrounds House Va'Rruun, the cult that fiercely worships the Great Serpent, a deity that is intent on devouring the universe. Everything we know so far suggests they are a hostile group not to be trifled with. Winning them over won't be easy.
Looking at picking up Starfield? Amazon is the best place to go, with the game available at an RRP of £69.99 across Xbox Series X/S and PC. There's still a chance to get the Starfield Constellation Edition, too, which comes bundled with lots of cool trinkets.
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Authors
Matt Poskitt is a freelance journalist who specialises in arts and culture – be that movies, TV, video games, tech or otherwise. Matt headed up the games and entertainment section at T3 (Future Publishing), alongside being found across The Guardian, CNET, PC Gamer Mag, GamesIndustry.biz, Insider, iNews, IGN, TechRadar, PC Gamer Mag, NME and many more.
