Does Starfield have new game plus? Everything we know about the ‘unique’ mode

Does Starfield have new game plus? Everything we know about the ‘unique’ mode
Alex Raisbeck Updated on by

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Wondering is there a Starfield new game plus mode? Then you’re in luck. With how massive Bethesda Softworks’ space blockbuster is, it’s a challenge just to finish it. But for you dedicated players looking to do it all again a second time, you’ll want to know if there’s a dedicated new game plus mode.

Before fans throw themselves into space, you’ll want to familiarise yourself with the Starfield map. And if you’re wanting to set up a nice base on an alien world, check out our Starfield outpost guide for some tips on doing just that. Now let’s take a look at whether there is a Starfield new game plus mode.

Starfield new game plus: The outside of the city of Cydonia on Mars.

Does Starfield have new game plus?

Yes, Starfield does feature a new game plus mode. As well as being one of 2023’s biggest releases, the Bethesda Game Studios’ spacefaring RPG is a revolutionary game for the company for many reasons. One of these reasons is the introduction of a new game plus mode for the first time in a Bethesda title, which Game Director Todd Howard promises will have a ‘unique twist’.

In an interview with GQ, Howard spoke of the new game plus mode, stating that he wants to create a system which will bring players back for a second playthrough “if they ever finish it”.

“Starfield delivers [Bethesda’s] most immersive role-playing experience since 2006’s Oblivion. It gives you the flexibility and options to carve out a unique identity, and even adds a unique twist on new game plus to incentivise continued and repeat play”, Howard said in the interview.

Starfield brings whole host of new features previously unseen in Bethesda’s RPGs, and with how replayable games like Skyrim and Fallout are, fans will certainly be excited about the prospect of a new game plus mode in future Bethesda titles.

Starfield new game plus: A player mining Nickel with a cutter.

How does Starfield new game plus work?

While not called ‘new game plus’ specifically, that is essentially what it is, so we’ll continue to call it that for the sake of ease. During the final mission of Starfield’s main story, One Giant Leap, you’ll be given two options. You can either continue with your first playthrough, remaining in the save that you’re currently in and continuing to explore, or you can begin a new game plus playthrough.

If you choose to begin a new playthrough, there are a few changes you should be aware of first. You will return to the start of the game, with the same level, skills, and powers, but will lose all of your gear, ships, money, and any outposts you’ve built. In exchange, you will get the Starborn Spacesuit Astra, which contains a helmet, suit, and pack all in one spacesuit, and the Starborn Guardian ship. While the spacesuit is one of the best pieces of armor in the game, the ship is not customisable, so while it looks cool, there are better alternatives.

During new game plus, you’ll have the ability to skip any of the main quests, but everything else will be reset, and must be repeated. This includes side quests, factions, and your relationships with Constellation and any other NPCs. Although, you will gain access to some new dialogue options in some instances, which will help pass dialogue checks more quickly, to help you speed through.

Starfield new game plus: Four characters standing around a podium with artifacts floating above it.

Perhaps most notably is the relationship of ng+ with the game’s powers. Throughout the main missions, you’ll pick up a series of powers from visiting alien planets. However, when you start a new game plus save, you keep your powers, but have the chance to find new artifacts, and gain new powers. If you find a duplicate of a power you already have, this simply levels up your power instead of providing a new one.

Essentially, Starfield’s new game plus is an endless cycle that can be repeated as many times as you like. While losing your inventory, crew, quest progress, and any resources might not be ideal for some players, it has a lot of benefits, too. Keeping your skills will let you max out more quickly, letting you access more content the more repeat playthroughs you do, and will let you try out a new playstyle each time.

That’s everything you need to know about Starfield new game plus. If you’re excited about the game’s combat, you’ll want to check out our Starfield weapons guide. And if you’re more into the character creation side of things, our Starfield traits guide might be more up your street.

If you’ve started your playthrough, check out our Starfield tips and tricks, the best Starfield ships, how to pay off a bounty, the best Starfield spacesuits, our Sabotage, Entangled, Absolute Power, and Delivering Devils quest walkthroughs, and how to get the Mark 1 spacesuit and solve the Lair of the Mantis puzzle for an easy early game ship.

Starfield New Game Plus FAQ

Does Starfield have a new game plus?

Yes, while it isn’t specifically called that in-game, Starfield does have a new game plus mode.

Do I keep my skills in Starfield new game plus?

You will keep your level and all your skills when you begin a new game plus playthrough, though you will lose any items, ships, and money when you do.