Starfieldset out to bring Bethesda fans an immersive space adventure, and while much of the game’s exploring can be satisfying, it can also struggle with its characters. Since its launch in 2023,Starfieldhas been the focus of debate among a lot of Bethesda fans. Bethesda built a reputation for deep, well-written characters that helped make its game’s worlds feel more alive, but a common criticism ofStarfieldis that its characters lack the depth of its predecessors.
When it comes to companions inStarfield, there is a lack of moral complexity that can be found in past games, likeSkyrimandFallout 4. While there is a small degree of moral differences between companions inStarfield, it can be difficult to attempt a satisfying evil playthrough with the options that are offered. Overall,Starfieldfeels more tame than its predecessors, which has left some longtime Bethesda fans hungry for more moral gray areas and downright immoral characters. There are questions about whatStarfield’s next DLC has in store, and bringing more diverse moralities to companions would be a great addition.
Starfield’s Lack of Morally Questionable Companions Needs Addressed
Looking to Skyrim and Fallout 4 For Inspiration
SkyrimandFallout 4have featured some interesting companions with warped moral compasses. From the downright mad to the simply apathetic, these personality traits are seemingly absent fromStarfield’s world, at least with companions.Skyrim’s Cicero and Serana serve as strong examples of these differing levels of morally gray NPCs. Cicero is an insane jester who will attack or kill anyone who questions the power of the Night Mother. When it comes to Serana, her moral quandary is essential to her backstory.Serana willingly becomes a vampire, which instantly puts her in the camp of characters who aren’t completely adverse to wrongdoing, despite her good qualities.
Two ofFallout 4’s most morally twisted companions are found in Cait, a cage fighter, and Strong,a Commonwealth Super Mutant. Cait’s traumatic background is largely responsible for her warped sense of morality. With Strong, his desire to make his race more powerful by introducing them to humanity’s knack for teamwork, even if by force, presents a hilarious contradiction. The moral alignment of these two can quickly be decoded when finding out which actions and decisions they dislike.
SkyrimandFallout 4have other characters that illustrate the complexities of each game, but narrowing it down to four is still enough to showcase whereStarfieldneeds to improve. Inthe recentShattered SpaceDLC, two new companions were introduced, but they still lacked a lot of the intriguing backstories and motivations that previous Bethesda games had excelled at.
Shattered Spaceintroduced the base game’s mysterious House Va’ruun.
Starfield’s Next DLC Has to Impress
The nature ofStarfield’s upcoming DLChas yet to be revealed, but afterShattered Space, Bethesda will really need to bring something strong to the table.Starfieldharbors plenty of potential, but the character development and flexibility featured in past Bethesda titles being absent from the space adventure can be deeply felt at times.
Starfield’s next DLC is theorized to be called “Starborn.”
Whenthe next expansion forStarfieldis announced, it will be interesting to see if Bethesda works to address the lack of diversity in companion personalities or not. Until then, the future ofStarfieldmay still be a struggle for some players seeking an evil role-playing experience.
