How to Build an Outpost in Starfield

Outposts are central in Starfield because they allow you to construct your own settlements on almost any planet. However, the sheer scale of things to learn in Starfield means you may be unsure how to build your outpost. Fortunately, once you know the mechanics, setting up your dream outpost on any world becomes simple.

Read on to learn everything you need about outpost construction in Starfield.

How to Place an Outpost Beacon in Starfield

You can’t just fly off with some lumber and nails and start building your cosmic base with zero preparation. First, you must scout the ideal location to set up your settlement, then place an outpost beacon to mark it. This will also allow you to fast travel to your base.

1. Travel to your selected outpost location and open your Scanner.
   
2. Navigate to and select Outpost from your command bar at the bottom of your scanner.
   
3. Access your Outpost Builder.
4. Select and then place an Outpost Beacon by moving it to where you wish to build your outpost.
   

You can view all outposts in Starfield to decide where you want to place an Outpost Beacon.

How to Place an Outpost Module in Starfield

After you’ve marked your outpost location with a beacon, you can start installing your outpost modules. These modules come in a wide variety of categories, and each is designed to perform a specific function on your outpost. Combining modules allows you to build a complex structure that can be used for various purposes, from mineral extraction to research stations to defense systems.

Building an outpost module requires sufficient resources, and the amount and types of resources will vary depending on the module.

1. Travel to your Outpost Beacon’s location.
2. Enter the Building Screen and select your preferred module from the inventory panel on the right of your screen.
   
3. Drop the module to the location you want it within your designated outpost area.
   
4. Place the module using the promoted control at the bottom of your screen.
   

How to Power Your Outpost in Starfield

Power is one of the most important considerations when building your Starfield outpost. If you don’t produce enough power to support your base, it will be no more than a decoration on the surface of a planet or moon. That’s because most systems on your outpost require a power source. The type of power source needed for your settlement will depend on the planet or moon you’ve chosen and your outpost’s specific needs.

You can use three primary power sources to provide energy to your outpost. They’re solar, wind, and fuel-based, and you have to discern which one you choose to power your base. For instance, there’s no use installing a solar array on a planet that doesn’t receive much sunlight. Once you’ve identified the best power source, all you need is the required resources to install the power module at your outpost to start generating power.

1. Go to your outpost.
2. Select your preferred Power Module from the inventory panel on the right of your screen.
   
3. Navigate the module to your desired location.
   
4. Place the power module using the control at the bottom of your screen.
   

To keep your outpost running, you will most likely need to build multiple power sources of different varieties. This is especially true as your outpost becomes more extensive and complex. You can master this by following our Starfield Outpost guide.

Main Skills for Outpost Building

Starfield has almost 100 unique skills to unlock and rank up. If you can’t build or do something on your outpost, it’s usually because you don’t have the needed resources or skills. Thus, unlocking and ranking up skills related to outpost building is essential for constructing your outpost without any limitations.

• Outpost Engineering: This skill is essential for improving outpost modules and researching additional outpost modules. Furthermore, ranking up this skill will continue improving the quality of your modules, give you access to new modules, and even reduce the cost of building them.
• Outpost Management: This skill is vital for the functionality and efficiency of your outpost. Ranking it up will allow you to add cargo links, construct robots, assign crew members, and increase extraction at your outpost.
• Planetary Habitation: Many planets in the Starfield universe have extreme and volatile conditions. Unless you unlock and rank up this skill, you cannot construct your outpost on planets with these conditions. Additionally, ranking it up will increase the number of outposts you can build in Starfield.
• Botany: The native flora found on your planet of choice plays a crucial role in your outpost. You can cultivate and harvest the vegetation to use in construction and crafting. However, Botany skills are required to cultivate some plants.
• Zoology: Like the flora, the local animal life is also essential for harvesting. Without this skill, you won’t be able to produce animal-based resources.

How to Select an Outpost Location

Before beginning construction of your celestial base, you should figure out what the prime purpose of your outpost will be and then find a suitable location based on that purpose. There are many things to consider when looking for the perfect place to call home.

• Planetary conditions: The conditions of the planet or moon you want to build your outpost must be considered. Many planets have extreme weather conditions, poisonous atmospheres, intense temperatures, etc. These will impact your ability to set up shop on some planets, although they become less of a factor as you progress in the game.
• Resources: Money talks, in real life, and Starfield. Therefore, setting up a base on a planet with abundant inorganic resources should be at the top of your list when deciding on a location. Mining these resources will provide you with a steady revenue stream, and that’s always an important factor.
• Native plants and animals: The animals and plants that call your outpost planet home differ from planet to planet. Native flora and fauna are valuable resources you can harvest for various uses. Therefore, picking a planet with plenty of wildlife is a good move.
• Terrain: Building your outpost on flat ground with few impediments like big rocks and trees is much simpler.
• View: You can set up your output to overview lush green forests, neon-lit skyscrapers, or barren wastelands ready to be conquered. If you want to step back and enjoy the scenery, then a luxury outpost might be your thing.

A Home Among the Stars

Building an outpost in Starfield provides untold benefits, a steady income stream from extraction, conducting research, crafting, or upgrading gear. With some resource management, your first outpost will be well underway.

Next, you might want to learn how to use shielded cargo in Starfield.

FAQs

Why Can’t I Place an Outpost in Starfield?

You may be unable to place an outpost in Starfield for a couple of reasons. Firstly, you cannot place outposts in areas already inside the bounds of an outpost or settlement. You will need to move outside the perimeter to place your outpost.

Additionally, if you are on a planet with a hazardous environment, you cannot place an outpost until you unlock and upgrade the Planetary habitation skill.

What Resources Are Needed To Build an Outpost?

The resources used to build outposts depend on the modules you choose to add; however, almost every module requires some amount of Lead and Sealant, so you will want to ensure you have plenty of both. Aluminum and titanium are also often required, so keeping a sizeable stash is a good idea.

However, some modules, such as Iron and Argon, require different resources—additionally, the list of necessary resources multiplies when you populate the outpost’s interior.