Skills are the primary progression element of Starfield and represent the capabilities of the Spacefarer. New Skills can be unlocked by leveling up, and unlocked Skills can be improved by using them to complete challenges and increase their rank. Some Skills are prerequisites for researching and crafting certain items.[1][2]
Skills are grouped into five categories: Physical, Social, Combat, Science, and Tech. Each Skill category is divided into four tiers: Novice, Advanced, Expert, and Master.[1]
The Spacefarer begins with three different Novice Skills unlocked as determined by their chosen Background. Additional Skills can be unlocked by purchasing them with Skill Points, which are earned by leveling up. Higher-tier Skills require that a certain amount of Skill Points be invested in a particular category before they become available. For example, Expert Physical Skills cannot be purchased until a minimum of 10 Skill Points have been invested across Novice and Advanced Physical Skills (with at least 4 points in Novice skills before accessing Advanced).[1][2]
A newly-unlocked Skill begins at Rank 1. By completing associated challenges, a Skill can be ranked up three additional times to Rank 4 to maximize its effectiveness.[1] The Skill challenges will only track progress toward the next rank; for example, Security Rank 2 requires you to pick 5 locks, but you will not make progress until you purchase Security Rank 1.
The skills of crew members function differently than the Spacefarer's skills.[3][4] The bonuses provided by each possible crew member's skills are not clearly listed in the game itself. However, the skills of crew members appear to stack with the Spacefarer's skills, even when the Spacefarer has maxed out a particular skill.
