Starfield is a fun space game by Bethesda Game Studios. You explore space and pick who you want to be, and there are 21 choices. Some are good at fighting, some at exploring, and some at trading.
In our guide, we’ll discuss the Starfield Backgrounds Tier List and share the best picks for your space adventure.
Choosing the best background in Starfield is important for your character’s journey. It’s like making your character’s story. You can learn all the skills no matter which background you start with.
Don’t worry if it’s confusing. We have a list of Starfield ranking backgrounds to help you decide!
Starfield Backgrounds Tier List Guide
We’ve sorted the Starfield Backgrounds into 4 categories: S, A, B, C, and Good. Here’s a table to help you understand:
Tier | Detail |
---|---|
S | OP (Overpowered) |
A | Best |
B | Good |
C | Average |
Starfield Backgrounds S-Tier
These backgrounds are incredibly strong and provide a significant advantage. They are the best of the best and offer outstanding starting skills.
Tier | Background | Starting Skills |
---|---|---|
S | Bounty Hunter | Piloting, Targeting Control Systems, Boost Pack Training |
S | [File Not Found] | Wellness, Ballistics, Piloting |
S | Diplomat | Persuasion, Commerce, Wellness |
S | Space Scoundrel | Pistol Certification, Piloting, Persuasion |
S | Cyber Runner | Stealth, Security, Theft |
Starfield Backgrounds A-Tier
Backgrounds in A-tier are excellent choices. They provide valuable starting skills and offer a great overall experience for your character.
Tier | Background | Starting Skills |
---|---|---|
A | Combat Medic | Pistol Certification, Medicine, Wellness |
A | Soldier | Fitness, Ballistics, Boost Pack Training |
A | Industrialist | Persuasion, Security, Research Methods |
A | Cyberneticist | Medicine, Security, Lasers |
A | Ronin | Dueling, Stealth, Scavenging |
Starfield Backgrounds B-Tier
Backgrounds in B-tier are solid choices. While not as exceptional as higher tiers, they still offer good starting skills and can be a reliable option.
Tier | Background | Starting Skills |
---|---|---|
B | Beast Hunter | Fitness, Ballistics, Gastronomy |
B | Xenobiologist | Lasers, Surveying, Fitness |
B | Long Hauler | Weight Lifting, Piloting, Ballistic Weapon Systems |
B | Gangster | Shotgun Certification, Boxing, Theft |
C-Tier Starfield Backgrounds
Backgrounds in the C-tier are decent but may not offer as much of an advantage as higher tiers. They are average choices with moderate starting skills.
Tier | Background | Starting Skills |
---|---|---|
C | Professor | Astrodynamics, Geology, Research Methods |
C | Homesteader | Geology, Surveying, Weight Lifting |
C | Sculptor | Medicine, Geology, Persuasion |
C | Chef | Gastronomy, Dueling, Scavenging |
C | Explorer | Lasers, Astrodynamics, Surveying |
C | Pilgrim | Scavenging, Surveying, Gastronomy |
C | Bouncer | Boxing, Security, Fitness |
Best Backgrounds in Starfield
Here are the best backgrounds in Starfield:
Bounty Hunter

If you’re new to space adventures, being a Bounty Hunter is a great choice. You have a cool Boost Pack to help you explore planets safely. Plus, you learn how to fly ships and fight in space early on. These skills will help you, no matter if you’re new to games like this or if you play them a lot.
Here are all the Diplomat BG’s starting skills:
- Piloting: You’re good at flying spaceships because many people are going to space.
- Targeting Control System: You know how to make missile weapons even better at hitting enemies.
- Boost Pack Training: You get special training to explore strange alien planets with ease.
[File Not Found]
![Starfield Background [File Not Found]](https://slaso.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Starfield-Background-File-Not-Found-1024x597.webp)
If you want a fresh start for your character, the File Not Found background is the way to go in Starfield. It’s unique because there’s no information about your past life that NPCs refer to with their skillsets or jobs. Only your character knows the secret.
Here are all the skills you’ll start with as a File Not Found character:
- Wellness: Your maximum health increases.
- Ballistics: You’re better with ballistic weapons, so they deal more damage.
- Piloting: You can use the Space Thrusters.
Diplomat

If you want to be really good at talking to people and getting better prices when you buy or sell things, the Diplomat background is a great choice. When you pick this background, you’ll have three special skills:
Here are all the skills you’ll start with as a Diplomat:
- Wellness: Makes you healthier by increasing your maximum health.
- Persuasion: Boosts your chances of persuading someone successfully.
- Commerce: Allows you to buy items for less and sell them for more profit.
Space Scoundrel

If you want to be a pro at flying spaceships and smooth-talking NPCs, Space Scoundrel is the way to go. It’s like being a space cowboy with great skills!
Here’s what you get:
- Pistol Certification: You become an expert with personal sidearms, which are super popular in the Settled Systems.
- Piloting: You’re a certified pilot, so you can handle all sorts of spacecraft like a pro.
- Persuasion: You’re really good at talking and listening, which can be even more powerful than shooting in some situations.
So, if you’re not sure which background to pick, Space Scoundrel is a solid choice with strong skills.
Cyber Runner

If you like sneaking around and being stealthy, Cyber Runner is the way to go in Starfield. You can sneak up on folks, steal stuff, and even hack things. Plus, you start with these skills right from the beginning.
Here’s what you get with the Cyber Runner background:
- Stealth: You get a Stealth Meter, making it hard for others to spot you when you sneak. Also, your suppressed weapons deal extra sneak attack damage.
- Theft: You can pickpocket people like a pro.
- Security: You’re a master at hacking advanced locks and even bank security systems.
But if Cyber Runner isn’t your thing, don’t worry. There are other backgrounds to choose from. We’ve ranked them from best (Tier-A) to average (Tier-C) based on what we think works best.
Disclaimer: The Starfield background rankings provided are based on our recommendations and playstyle preferences. Your enjoyment of the game may vary, so feel free to choose the background that suits your personal style best.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found our Starfield Background Tier List Guide helpful in choosing the best background for your space adventure. Remember it is all about tailoring your character to your preferred playstyle.
If you’re interested in more tier lists and gaming guides, be sure to explore our Games Tier List section.
And don’t forget to check out other exciting articles like “Wayfinder tier list” “Grand Summoners tier list,” and “Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis tier list.” Happy exploring and enjoy your journey in the vastness of space!