Random Encounters are events that can happen in Starfield. They can occur either in space or on planets.
Space Encounters[]
LIST Ship[]
While traveling in space, there is a chance to encounter a LIST Settler ship which will hail the player. After going through the dialouge, the settlers can be given 20 Iron or their request can be denied. The settlers will provide more credit for the ore than its regular selling worth.
Juno Probe[]
While traveling in space, there is a chance to encounter Juno, a probe that became sentient after an undefined amount of time. Upon encountering the mission 'Juno's Gambit' will be provided. Juno appears to be a panel replaying images of Jupiter and Callisto, a Galilean moon. While Juno does have AI, it does not have the vocabulary or way of talking that a machine such as Vasco does, with responses such as: "Clarification: I am called Juno" and "Joke Detected".
Spacer Intimidation[]
A Spacer vessel may be encountered in space, demanding some payment from the Spacefarer as they could "use a vacation." They can either be paid, or be fought.
Star Parcel Freighter[]
A Star Parcel Freighter can be encountered in space having engine troubles, offering the Spacefarer a delivery job by requesting them to deliver the cargo in their stead.
The Valentine[]
A spaceship called the Valentine may appear when traveling through space, singing a song. After being spoken to, it grav jumps away.
Trade Authority vessel[]
A spaceship of the Trade Authority can be encountered and spoken to in space.
Sanctum Universum Pilgrim[]
The Sanctum Universum Pilgrim spaceship can be encountered on a pilgrimage through the stars.
Freestar Collective versus Crimson Fleet[]
A Freestar Collective patrol can be found fighting the Crimson Fleet as the player appears. If assisted, they will offer credits or Ship Parts.
Freestar Collective versus Ecliptic[]
A Freestar patrol can be found fighting the Ecliptic as the player appears. If assisted, they will offer credits or Ship Parts.
United Colonies versus Crimson Fleet[]
A UC patrol can be found fighting the Crimson Fleet as the player appears. If assisted, they will offer credits or Ship Parts.
United Colonies versus Ecliptic[]
A UC patrol can be found fighting the Ecliptic as the player appears. If assisted, they will offer credits or Ship Parts.
Planetary Encounters[]
Aceles Patrol[]
Upon completion of the UC Vanguard questline after choosing the Aceles option, three UC Vanguard recruits and their squad leader can be encountered transporting an Aceles on a planet in search of a Terrormorph that was reported.
Aceles versus Terrormorph[]
Upon completion of the UC Vanguard questline after choosing the Aceles option, up to two Aceles can be encountered fighting a Terrormorph.
Terrormorph[]
A Terrormorph may be found randomly on planets, and will attack the player when spotted.
Landing spacecraft[]
Spacecraft may land on a planet, carrying various possible characters. Some, like Colonists or UC Vanguard Captains, offer not much of substance, however the Crimson Fleet, Ecliptic, or Spacer spacecraft can oftentimes contain some valuable Contraband within.
MAST Zoologists Research[]
The corpses of three MAST Zoologists can be found at trait sites of a planet, with an alien egg (valuable miscellaneous item) in a nearby crate.
MAST Zoologist Capture[]
A deceased Lead Researcher and a large container can be found at trait sites. The container is locked with an advanced lock, and holds a deceased MAST Zoologist and an a local alien lifeform.
MAST Botanist Research[]
The corpses of three MAST Botanists can sometimes be found at Planetary Traits, such as Amphibious Thickets.
Ryujin Botanists[]
Three deceased botanists of Ryujin Industries can be found near trait sites on planets.
UC Marine Training[]
A group of three UC Marines and their Captain can be encountered at certain military sites, performing a combat training against two Robot Model S and a Combat Robot Model A.
Survivalist and UC Marines[]
A Survivalist can be encountered looting the corpses of deceased UC Marines at points of interest.
Survivalist and UC Vanguard[]
A Survivalist can be encountered looting the corpses of deceased UC Vanguard recruits at points of interest.