Player agency is becoming increasingly important in modern video games, with many developers allowing players to forge their own path throughthe choices that they make in-game. This practice is particularly prevalent in RPGs, with games likeStarfieldproviding players with plenty of opportunities to influence the narrative.
RELATED:Impossible Choices in Video Games
The first real instance of branching dialog inStarfieldcomes during the tutorial section after players have dealt with the Crimson Fleet Pirates on Vectera. Barrett will tell the playable character that they need to go with him to Constellation to deliver the artifact, at which point, players will be asked to respond. Sadly, however, this one ends up being a somewhat hollow choice.
Should You Agree to Go to Constellation with Barrett?
After Barrett tells players that they need to go with him to Constellation, four dialog options will appear onscreen. Although one of these options is a refusal,it really doesn’t matter which option (or options) players pick here. The same goes for the second set of responses too.No matter how players respond they will end up going to Constellation.
Do Choices in Starfield Matter?
Given how the interaction with Barrett goes down, some players will probably be wondering whether every dialog choice in the game is meaningless. However, this is far from the case. Granted, most of the decisions that players are asked to make will have little to no impact onStarfield’s main story, but some do, and others will affect the player’s relationships with any nearby companions.
How to Tell if a Decision in Starfield is Important
Sadly, there’s no surefire way of knowing if and when a choice inStarfieldcan have lasting or serious consequences, but there are a few things that players should try to keep an eye out for. One of these is square brackets, which usually indicate that an action will be carried out if the corresponding dialog option is chosen. This could lead to a fight or skirmish, or an opportunity to persuade an NPC to change their mind.
Players should also keep in mind which companion(s) they are traveling with and choose their answers accordingly. For example, Sam takes his position as a Freestar Ranger very seriously, so responding in a way that belittles the organization or the work that it does will generally annoy him. Conversely, Sam will usually like it when playersact in a just and dignified manner.
Starfieldis available now for PC and Xbox Series X|S.
