Give yourself the best start in Starfield by choosing the background to suit your character using our Starfield background tier list!

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Choosing a background in Starfield is worth taking some time over as it determines which three skills you start off with. If you are already an avid gamer and have a specific play style then you will definitely want to know which backgrounds would fit a particular build.

Best Background to Choose in Starfield

So as mentioned above, the best background really depends on what sort of playstyle you have and what kind of character you want to be. The tiers S, A, B, and C sort the backgrounds into most to least useful when you first start out. Eventually, you can gain skill points to spend on unlocking more stats but if you want the best start then S and A tiers might be your first choice. Of course, if you have something specific in mind and need the right starting skills to begin your build then check out the choices below.

Image via Bethesda TierBackgroundStarting SkillsSSoldierBallistics
Boost Pack Training
FitnessSBounty HunterPiloting
Boost Pack Training
Targeting Control SystemsSGangsterTheft
Shotgun Certification
BoxingACyber RunnerSecurity
Stealth
TheftABouncerSecurity
Fitness
BoxingABeast HunterGastronomy
Ballistics
FitnessARoninStealth
Duelling
ScavengingASpace ScoundrelPersuasion
Pistol Certification
PilotingA[File Not Found]Wellness
Piloting
BallisticsBCombat MedicWellness
Medicine
Pistol Certification BDiplomatPersuasion
Commerce
WellnessBLong HaulerPiloting
Weight Lifting
Ballistic Weapon SystemsBCyberneticistLasers
Medicine
SecurityBXenobiologistLasers
Surveying
FitnessCChefGastronomy
Duelling
ScavengingCExplorerLasers
Astrodynamics
SurveyingCHomesteaderSurveying
Geology
Weight LiftingCIndustrialistPersuasion
Security
Research MethodsCPilgrimSurveying
Gastronomy
ScavengingCProfessorAstrodynamics
Geology
Research MethodsCSculptorPersuasion
Medicine
Geology

After you’ve picked your background, it’s also crucial to know what each skill does – for that, we have a complete Starfield Skills Tier List, so make sure to give that a read too!

Whether you have a build in mind or you just want the best chance of survival at the start of the game, you can chose the right background for your character. Remember: you cannot change your background once you have chosen and begin exploring in Starfield!