A Starfield Sequel Has a High Bar to Clear With Traits

Highlights

• Starfield’s traits impact gameplay and plot, encouraging experimentation for higher stakes.
• Bethesda could innovate future Starfield titles by making traits synergize for greater rewards.
• The wide variety of traits in Starfield offers replayability and can be changed during gameplay for flexibility.

Starfield is a sci-fi game that has players exploring the cosmos while unraveling the secrets of the strange artifacts that are being found. Players have great freedom when it comes to where they explore, which factions they join, and what choices they make. There is also a robust character-creator system that lets players create the character of their dreams.

One of the most interesting aspects of the character creator is the inclusion of traits that influence the events of Starfield. The traits are well-implemented enough to encourage players to experiment with different traits on different playthroughs. The next Starfield game will have to do something special if it wishes to surpass the traits of its predecessor.

How the Next Starfield Game Could Innovate on the Traits

Part of why the traits of Starfield work is that they are not just superficial. Instead, they affect the game and the plot, making the stakes higher for players when picking traits. Future Starfield titles should build on this, introducing traits that are not just unique but also deeply affect the gameplay and plot.

One of the ways Bethesda could innovate on the traits is by making different Starfield traits synergize. For example, the “Kid Stuff” and the “Extrovert” traits would work well to form a close-knit family that offers players greater rewards than if they had chosen a different combination. Several other traits would work well together, but it would be up to players to experiment and figure out the best ones.

Bethesda could also add new, interesting traits to spruce things up. The possibilities are endless, and the studio could take inspiration from other pieces of sci-fi media. Lastly, the studio could expand on existing traits that weren’t used to their full potential. This is the case with the Serpent’s Embrace trait which has very loose ties to House Va’Ruun and doesn’t help players know more about the mysterious faction.

The Clever Traits of Starfield

One of the more interesting traits of Starfield is the “Hero Worshipper” trait which has the player followed around by a fan who shares the likeness and mannerisms of the Adoring Fan in The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion. It’s a clever, nostalgic Easter egg for long-time Bethesda fans while adding an interesting feature for new players. There’s also the “Kid Stuff” trait that gives players parents that they can visit. It’s a nice human touch to a tale that often involves cosmic mysteries.

The variety of traits ensures that Starfield has replayability, as the traits make a difference in how the game plays out. For instance, players may go for the “Serpent’s Embrace” which gives health and oxygen boosts, or even choose to be an introvert or extrovert. This sets a high bar for future games in the franchise which will have to somehow find a way to top the traits of the original game.

Traits Can be Changed in Starfield

The best part is that players aren’t stuck with the traits they pick at the start of the game. Some Starfield traits can be changed by visiting the right places. For example, one can change from an introvert to an extrovert if they wish, which is useful if players decide they prefer traveling with companions over exploring solo.

Starfield is an excellent addition to Bethesda’s roster of games, and it has the potential to survive for as long as franchises like The Elder Scrolls if the studio is careful with future releases. Focusing on the traits is one way to ensure the Starfield franchise doesn’t stagnate, and there are many ways to switch things up to keep things interesting for newcomers and series veterans.