The Stellar Cities of Starfield: A Navigator’s Guide
Sep-13-2023
As Starfield takes you on an interstellar journey, there are four significant landmarks that you wouldn't want to miss — New Atlantis, Akila City, Neon, and The Key. Unfolding the layers of civilization hosted by various planets, these cities are just the tip of a cosmic iceberg waiting to be explored. Beyond facilitating new quests and upgrade opportunities, they are home to unique cultures and factions. Let's traverse these cities one by one.
New Atlantis, Jemison's Pride
New Atlantis is the cosmopolitan capital of Jemison in the Alpha Centauri star system. This bustling metropolis serves as the United Colonies headquarters. It welcomes all interstellar citizens, serving as a melting pot of multiplanetary cultures. The city is an essential part of the game's main storyline, and you will stumble upon it once you complete the quest, 'One Small Step.'
Akila City, Fortress Amidst the Stars
Sheltered by tall walls, the Akila City on the planet Akila is a guarded oasis within the Cheyenne star system. Home to the Freestar Collective, Akila is unique for another reason. It is one of the few places in Starfield where you will face off against the Ashta — predatory creatures resembling wolverines. Completing 'The Empty Nest' quest will guide you to this city.
Neon, The Pleasure City
Neon, on the planet Volii Alpha, embodies a cosmic Las Vegas within the Vol II system. Known for its vibrant nightlife and high-profile casinos, Neon offers visitors an otherworldly leisure experience. However, Neon's origins were humble — it began as a humble fishing hub until business tycoons discovered a fish species with unique psychotropic qualities. They capitalized on this, turning Neon into a bustling metropolis that can be visited after completing the 'All That Money Can Buy' quest.
The Key, Haven for Space Pirates
Despite not being on a planet, we'd be setting you on the wrong course if we didn't mention 'The Key.' This space station, located close to Suvorov in the Kryx star system, serves as the Crimson Fleet faction's headquarters, offering a unique blend of infrastructure. However, don't plan a casual sightseeing trip! Navigating this pirate's lair requires joining the faction and undertaking their missions.
Bonus Destinations
Starfield, though dotted with cities, also teases players with iconic landmarks, including Cydonia, the Red Mile, and Paradiso:
- Cydonia: A mining settlement on Mars controlled by the U.C.
- Red Mile: A notorious gambling den located on Porrima III in the Porrima system.
- Paradiso: A space hotel serving as a luxurious bastion on Porrima II in the same system. A visit here gets you a remarkable in-game swimsuit.
In conclusion, Starfield subtly blurs the boundary between a gaming console and a spaceship's control deck, inviting players to a universe where they get to explore diverse planetary cultures and civilizations. Each city introduces new dynamics to the gameplay, promising a gaming experience that's refreshingly stellar.
