For this Starfield companions guide, start with one main follower, then assign specialists to your ship or outposts. That keeps credits, crew slots and quest progress under control.
Key points
- Major Constellation companions include Sarah Morgan, Sam Coe, Barrett and Andreja.
- Crew members can be assigned to ships or outposts through the Crew Roster.
- Ship crew capacity depends on ship modules, Crew Stations and the Ship Command skill.
- Companions can carry loot, fight, react to choices and gain or lose affinity.
The goal is practical: better combat support, more useful dialogue, extra carrying space and a stronger ship during the first hours.
Starfield companions guide: key takeaways
- Keep one main follower for quests, dialogue and ground combat.
- Assign other recruits to your ship or outposts through the Crew Roster.
- Sarah Morgan, Sam Coe, Barrett and Andreja are the main Constellation companions.
- Crew capacity depends on ship modules, crew stations and Ship Command.
- Do not pay a mercenary before you have a clear job for them.
Best order to recruit Starfield companions
The best early route is to reach the Lodge in New Atlantis. This unlocks Constellation and the companions with the most dialogue, reactions and personal quest value.
- Reach the Lodge through the main story.
- Speak with available Constellation members.
- Pick one main companion for several missions.
- Save early credits for healing, ammo and ship needs.
- Hire specialists only when you have a useful slot.
Choose the right companion for your build
Your active companion follows you on foot. They can draw fire, carry loot and react to your choices. Keep one person around if you want steady affinity progress.
| Companion | Best if you want | Early use |
|---|---|---|
| Sarah Morgan | Exploration, dialogue and Constellation focus | Main follower |
| Sam Coe | A pilot and gunslinger feel | Ground missions and ship crew |
| Barrett | A flexible, talkative ally | Combat, dialogue and long quests |
| Andreja | A quieter, more tense route | Hostile areas and cautious play |
Best beginner crew setup for your ship
Recruitment is only step one. A crew skill matters when the character is assigned to the right place. Open the ship menu, then the Crew Roster, to check active jobs.
During the first ten hours, follow three priorities. Keep one ground companion. Add one ship helper when pirates become a problem. Wait for a working base before assigning outpost staff.
How to unlock more crew slots
Crew limit is not just about how many people you recruit. Bethesda says it depends on ship modules, available stations and the Ship Command skill.
If no slot appears, stop hiring. Upgrade the cockpit, add the right module or invest in Ship Command if it fits your build.
Starfield companions guide: mistakes to avoid
The first mistake is hiring paid mercenaries too early. Early credits often do more for healing, ammo, digipicks and ship upgrades.
The second mistake is swapping companions constantly. You get more dialogue and relationship progress with one regular partner.
The third mistake is storing every resource on a companion. Bethesda notes that crafting stations do not automatically pull from companion inventory. Move resources to yourself or ship cargo first.
Recommended order for your first ten hours
- Reach the Lodge and recruit a major companion.
- Keep that companion for several quests.
- Sell unwanted loot after each major mission.
- Upgrade the ship when cargo, combat or jump range becomes a problem.
- Assign a ship specialist once you have a slot.
- Recruit for an outpost only after it produces useful resources.
- Clean companion inventory often.
- Hire a mercenary only for an immediate role.
To track official changes, use Bethesda’s news page, the companions support page and the Steam page.
On jeu.video, you can also browse latest news, the articles section and the news category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should I pick as my first companion in Starfield?Sarah Morgan is the simplest first pick because she fits early Constellation quests and exploration dialogue.
Keep one ground companion, then assign one useful ship specialist as soon as you have a free slot.
No. A companion must be recruited and assigned to the right role before crew skills become useful.
Keep the same companion for several quests, avoid choices they dislike and talk whenever new dialogue appears.
Hire one only when their skills solve a clear need, such as ship support or an active outpost role.
Your ship likely lacks crew capacity, Crew Stations or Ship Command progress.
Wait until the outpost has useful production and a Crew Station.
Use Bethesda’s official news page, the companions support page and the Steam page.
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