In Starfield, the vast open-world game by Bethesda, you have the opportunity to embrace different religions on your galactic journey. Each religion offers unique benefits, but also presents its own challenges and conflicts. Deciding which faith to follow can influence your in-game choices and even affect the game's ending. Let's delve into the religions available in Starfield, how to join them, and the pros and cons of each.
Starfield's Major Religions: An Overview
Starfield features three primary religions: The Enlightened, The Sanctum Universum, and The House of Va’runn. Each religion has its distinct beliefs and implications for your character.
The Enlightened
The Enlightened is more of a philosophical movement than a traditional religion. It promotes secular humanism, science, and charity, resembling aspects of real-world religions like Buddhism and Christianity but without divine figures. Although it's not a faith in the traditional sense, joining The Enlightened can lead to conflicts with those who follow more superstitious belief systems. You can find them in the House of the Enlightened in New Atlantis, and joining grants you access to the Inclement Weather Outfit.
The Sanctum Universum
The Sanctum Universum is a futuristic religion with parallels to major contemporary faiths. Followers believe in a living divine entity, God, existing somewhere in the universe. They see the development of the Grav Drive as evidence of humanity's mission to explore the stars under divine guidance. Joining The Sanctum Universum unlocks the Neocity Urbanwear outfit, beneficial in the early stages of Starfield. Be aware that joining this faith may raise eyebrows among The Enlightened and The House of Va’runn.
The House of Va’runn
The House of Va’runn represents the most secretive and cult-like religion in Starfield. They hold conservative and extreme beliefs, centered around the Great Serpent—a colossal, Lovecraftian space snake destined to consume the universe and offer salvation only to its followers. While the House of Va’runn once waged a Holy War, their modern incarnation preaches a more tolerant doctrine. However, they remain mistrusted by most in Starfield. Joining this faith provides lore insights and the Serpent’s Embrace buff, enhancing your HP and oxygen.
How to Join a Religion in Starfield
Joining a religion in Starfield is straightforward. When creating your character, select the corresponding trait based on your chosen faith:
- The Enlightened: Raised Enlightened trait
- The Sanctum Universum: Raised Universal trait
- The House of Va’ruun: Serpent’s Embrace trait
You can also leave a religion by speaking to the religious leader and ending your association with them. Subsequently, you can join another faith or lead a secular life without any religious affiliation.
Real-Life Religions in Starfield
While you can't formally join real-life religions in Starfield, you'll encounter NPCs who still follow certain faiths. You can role-play as them and reject the in-game religions if you prefer to adhere to your own beliefs.
Does Religion Matter in Starfield?
Religion in Starfield mainly enriches your character's backstory and identity. It may provide you with perks and dialogue options, but its impact on the game world is relatively minor. Nevertheless, it helps shape your character's philosophy, influencing in-game choices and ultimately affecting the game's ending. You can choose to embrace your faith wholeheartedly or simply ignore it and follow your own path in the vast cosmos.
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