Throughout your interstellar travels in Starfield, there are not only countless quests to embark on, and countless ways to customize your experience across space, but the all-new skill system provides near-infinite possibilities for the player to acquire a wide variety of different abilities and perks that make gameplay all the more exciting. If you’re wondering just how many there are to choose from, here is our handy guide to all challenges in Starfield and their rewards.
Compared to Bethesda’s other notable RPG titles, Starfield employs a unique, new way to level up your skills, which you can find anytime in your Character Menu on the top right. Skills are broken up into five main categories:
Combat
Physical
Social
Science
Tech
Each of these categories has well over a dozen skill sets relevant to that category. ‘Combat’ relates to skills with various weapons, while ‘Physical’ relates to your overall physicality and endurance. ‘Social’ relates to your people skills such as persuasion. While they seem similar, ‘Science’ relates to various fields such as Geology and Botany, which ‘Tech’ is mostly related to spaceship technology.
As you level up in the game by accruing XP, each time you do you gain a skill point to put towards any of the categories above. As you invest those points, you’ll have challenges to complete to then continue ranking up those skills with more points. We’ve provided details on each of those challenges and their subsequent rewards below, for those who want to specialize in a niche of skills, or have a broader spread across the board.
All Combat Skill Challenges, Ranks & Rewards
There are 17 Combat Skills in all to rank up via various challenges, and each provide their own stat rewards. We’ve broken each Combat skill down, how to earn all four ranks for each, as well as the rewards for each.
Ballistics Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Kill 20 enemies with a ballistic weapon
Ballistic weapons do 10% more damage
Rank 2 – Kill 50 enemies with a ballistic weapon
Ballistic weapons do 20% more damage
Rank 3 – Kill 100 enemies with a ballistic weapon
Ballistic weapons do 30% more damage
Rank 4 – N/A
Ballistic weapons range is increased by 30%
Dueling Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Kill 20 enemies with a melee weapon
Melee weapons do 25% more damage; take 10% less damage while wielding a melee weapon
Rank 2 – Kill 50 enemies with a melee weapon
Melee kills make you run 20% faster for 10 seconds
Rank 3 – Kill 100 enemies with a melee weapon
Melee weapons do 50% more damage; take 15% less damage while wielding a melee weapon
Rank 4 – N/A
Melee kills heal you for 10% of your health
Lasers Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Kill 20 enemies with a laser weapon
Laser weapons do 10% more damage
Rank 2 – Kill 50 enemies with a laser weapon
Laser weapons do 20% more damage
Rank 3 – Kill 100 enemies with a laser weapon
Laser weapons do 30% more damage
Rank 4 – N/A
Laser weapons have a 5% chance to set a target on fire
You can hold your breath longer with scoped weapons
Rank 3 – Kill 250 enemies using a scoped weapon
Headshots while aiming with a scoped weapon have a +25% critical hit chance.
Rank 4 – N/A
Scoped weapons do 50% more damage while using the scope.
Targeting Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Kill 50 enemies without aiming with a ranged weapon
Increased accuracy and range when shooting without aiming. Marks up to one enemy within 25m that inflicts damage on you.
Rank 2 – 125 enemies without aiming with a ranged weapon
Further increases accuracy and range when shooting without aiming. Marks up to two enemies within 50m that inflict damage on you.
Rank 3 – Kill 250 enemies without aiming with a ranged weapon
Greatly increased accuracy and range when shooting without aiming. Marks up to three enemies within 75m that inflict damage on you.
Rank 4 – N/A
10% chance to disarm targets hit when shooting without aiming. Marks up to four enemies within 100m that damage.
Armor Penetration Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Kill 20 enemies with a non-automatic weapon
Attacks ignore 15% of target’s armor
Rank 2 – Kill 50 enemies with a non-automatic weapon
Attacks ignore 30% of target’s armor
Rank 3 – Kill 100 enemies with a non-automatic weapon
Attacks ignore 50% of target’s armor
Rank 4 – N/A
Enemy armor is decreased by 25% for 6 seconds after a critical hit.
Crippling Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Put 20 enemies into the bleedout state
Human enemies have a 30% increased chance to enter a downed state after taking enough damage.
Rank 2 – Put 50 enemies into the bleedout state
Human enemies have a 50% increased chance to not naturally recover from a downed state.
Rank 3 – Put 100 enemies into the bleedout state
Human enemies now can enter a downed state earlier.
Rank 4 – N/A
Previous ranks now apply to all enemy types. You now do 100% more damage to downed enemies.
Sharpshooting Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Deal 50 ranged critical hits
Increase headshot critical damage by 50% with ranged weapons.
Rank 2 – Deal 125 ranged critical hits
Increased critical damage to enemy legs by 50% with ranged weapons
Rank 3 – Deal 250 ranged critical hits
Increase all critical damage to enemies by 50% with ranged weapons.
Rank 4 – N/A
Ranged critical hit kills increase your critical hit chance with all ranged weapons by 25% for 20 seconds.
All Physical Skill Challenges, Ranks & Rewards
There are 16 Physical Skills in all to rank up via various challenges, and each provide their own stat rewards. We’ve broken each Physical skill down, how to earn all four ranks for each, as well as the rewards for each.
Boxing Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Kill 20 enemies with an unarmed attack
Unarmed attacks do 25% more damage. 25% less oxygen used when using a power attack.
Rank 2 – Kill 50 enemies with an unarmed attack
Unarmed attacks do 50% more damage. 50% less oxygen used when using a power attack.
Rank 3 – Kill 100 enemies with an unarmed attack
Unarmed attacks do 75% more damage. While in a fight and unarmed, running consumes 30% less oxygen.
Rank 4 – N/A
Unarmed attacks do 100% more damage and have a chance to knock down opponents.
Fitness Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Use up all available oxygen 20 times
You have 10% more oxygen available
Rank 2 – Use up all available oxygen 50 times
You have 20% more oxygen available
Rank 3 – Use up all available oxygen 100 times
You have 30% more oxygen available
Rank 4 – N/A
Sprinting and power attacks now use significantly less oxygen
Stealth Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Perform 10 sneak attacks
Adds a Stealth Meter. You are 25% more difficult to detect when sneaking. Also, suppressed weapons do an additional 5% sneak attack damage.
Rank 2 – Perform 20 sneak attacks
You are 50% more difficult to detect when sneaking. Suppressed weapons do an additional 15% sneak attack damage.
Rank 3 – Perform 40 sneak attacks
You are 75% more difficult to detect when sneaking. Suppressed weapons do an additional 15% sneak attack damage.
Rank 4 – N/A
You are 100% more difficult to detect when sneaking. Suppressed weapons do an additional 20% sneak attack damage. Also, doors you interact with while in stealth no longer will alert enemies.
Weight Lifting Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Sprint for 1,000 meters while at 75% or more of your maximum load capacity.
Increase total carrying capacity by 10 kilograms
Rank 2 – Sprint for 2,500 meters while at 75% or more of your maximum load capacity.
Increase total carrying capacity by 25 kilograms
Rank 3 – Sprint for 5,000 meters while at 75% or more of your maximum load capacity.
Increase total carrying capacity by 50 kilograms
Rank 4 – N/A
Increase total carrying capacity by 100 kilograms. Gain 50% resistance to stagger.
Wellness Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Heal 200 damage
Increase maximum health by 10%
Rank 2 – Heal 500 damage
Increase maximum health by 20%
Rank 3 – Heal 1,000 damage
Increase maximum health by 30%
Rank 4 – Increase maximum health by 40%
Increase maximum health by 40%
Energy Weapon Dissipation Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Take 150 points of Energy damage
Energy damage is reduced by 5%
Rank 2 – Take 350 points of Energy damage
Energy damage is reduced by 10%
Rank 3 – Take 750 points of Energy damage
Energy damage is reduced by 15%
Rank 4 – N/A
25% chance to reflect energy damage back to an attacker when your health is below 50%.
Slight increase chance to recover from injuries naturally
Rank 2 – Recover from 15 injuries naturally
Moderately increased chance to recover from injuries naturally
Rank 3 – Recover from 30 injuries naturally
Noticeably increased chance to recover from injuries naturally
Rank 4 – N/A
20% chance of not gaining an injury when you otherwise would
Decontamination Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Recover from 5 infections
Slightly increased chance to recover from infections naturally
Rank 2 – Recover from 15 infections
Moderately increased chance to recover from infections naturally
Rank 3 – Recover from 30 infections
Noticeably increased chance to recover from infections naturally
Rank 4 – N/A
20% chance of not gaining an infection when you otherwise would
Martial Arts Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Deal 250 damage with unarmed attacks
15% increased chance to land a critical hit with a melee or unarmed attack
Rank 2 – Disarm 10 enemies using melee or unarmed attacks
15% chance to disarm an opponent with a melee or unarmed power attack
Rank 3 – Disarm 30 enemies using melee or unarmed attacks
While unarmed or wielding a melee weapon, take 10% less damage
Rank 4 – N/A
Reflect 50% damage back when blocking a melee or unarmed attack
Concealment Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Perform 10 melee/unarmed sneak attacks
You no longer set off enemy mines. Ranged sneak attack do 2.5x normal damage and your melee sneak attacks do 4x normal damage.
Rank 2 – Perform 30 melee/unarmed sneak attacks
Running while sneaking doesn’t affect stealth. Ranged sneak attacks do 3x normal damage and your melee sneak attacks do 5x normal damage.
Rank 3 – Perform 75 unarmed/melee sneak attacks
You gain a Chameleon-like ability when completely still and sneaking. Ranged sneak attacks do 3.5x normal damage and your melee sneak attacks do 8x normal damage.
Rank 4 – N/A
Engaging stealth causes distant enemies to lose you. Ranged sneak attacks do 4x normal damage and your melee sneak attacks do 10x normal damage.
Neurostrikes Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Stun 10 enemies with an unarmed attack
10% chance to stun an NPC with an unarmed attack
Rank 2 – Stun 30 enemies with an unarmed attack
Unarmed attacks now do additional EM damage
Rank 3 – Stun 75 enemies with an unarmed attack
20% chance to stun an NPC with an unarmed attack
Rank 4 – N/A
After stunning an enemy, you also knock down any enemies within close range.
Rejuvenation Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Fall below 25% health 3 times and fully heal
Slowly regenerate health outside of combat
Rank 2 – Fall below 25% health 8 times and fully heal
Regenerate health much more quickly outside of combat
Rank 3 – Fall below 25% health 15 times and fully heal
Regenerate health much faster outside of combat. You can now slowly regenerate health while in combat
Rank 4 – N/A
Regenerate health even faster outside of combat. You can now regenerate health quickly while in combat.
All Social Skills Challenges, Ranks & Rewards
There are 16 Social Skills in all to rank up via various challenges, and each provide their own stat rewards. We’ve broken each Social skill down, how to earn all four ranks for each, as well as the rewards for each.
Commerce Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Buy or sell 25 unique items
Buy for 5% less and sell for 10% more
Rank 2 – Buy or sell 75 unique items
Buy for 10% less and sell for 15% more
Rank 3 – Buy or sell 150 unique items
Buy for 15% less and sell for 20% more
Rank 4 – N/A
Buy for 20% less and sell for 25% more
Gastronomy Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Create 5 food or drink items
You can craft specialty food and drinks, and research additional recipes at a Research Lab
Rank 2 – Create 25 food or drink items
You can research and craft gourmet food and drinks
Rank 3 – Create 50 food or drink items
You can research and craft food and drink delicacies
Rank 4 – N/A
Crafting food and drinks occasionally doesn’t use up resources. You can research and craft exotic recipes.
Persuasion Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Succeed in 3 speech challenges
10% increased chance of success when persuading someone
Rank 2 – Succeed in 6 speech challenges
20% increased chance of success when persuading someone
Rank 3 – Succeed in 10 speech challenges
30% increased chance of success when persuading someone
Rank 4 – N/A
50% increased chance of success when persuading someone
Scavenging Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Loot 25 containers
There’s a chance you’ll find extra credits when searching containers.
Rank 2 – Loot 75 containers
There’s a chance you’ll find extra ammo when searching containers.
Rank 3 – Loot 150 containers
There’s a chance you’ll find extra aid items, like med packs or chems, when searching containers.
Rank 4 – N/A
Tracked resources will get highlighted when using the hand scanner.
Theft Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Successfully pickpocket 5 times
Unlock the ability to pickpocket targets
Rank 2 – Successfully pickpocket 10 times
10% greater chance to successfully pickpocket
Rank 3 – Successfully pickpocket 20 times
30% greater chance to successfully pickpocket
Rank 4 – N/A
50% greater chance to successfully pickpocket. Can now pickpocket holstered weapons.
Deception Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Convince 5 ships to surrender
Ships 10% stronger will automatically surrender to piracy demands. Enemy contraband scans are 10% less effective.
Rank 2 – Convince 10 ships to surrender
Ships 20% stronger will automatically surrender to piracy demands. Enemy contraband scans are 20% less effective.
Rank 3 – Convince 20 ships to surrender
Ships 30% stronger will automatically surrender to piracy demands. Enemy contraband scans are 30% less effective.
Rank 4 – N/A
Ships 50% stronger will automatically surrender to piracy demands. Enemy contraband scans are 50% less effective.
Diplomacy Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Successfully use Diplomacy on 5 different people
You can force a target NPC at or below your level to stop fighting for a while.
Rank 2 – Successfully use Diplomacy on 25 different people
You can force a target NPC up to 10 levels higher than you to stop fighting for a while.
Rank 3 – Successfully use Diplomacy on 50 different people
You can force a target NPC up to 20 levels higher than you to stop fighting for a while.
Rank 4 – N/A
You can force force target NPCs to permanently stop fighting (unless they’re attacked again).
Intimidation Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Successfully intimidate 5 different people
You can force a target NPC at or below your level to flee for a limited time.
Rank 2 – Successfully intimidate 25 different people
You can force a target NPC up to 10 levels higher than you do flea for a limited time.
Rank 3 – Successfully intimidate 50 different people
You can force a target NPC up to 20 levels higher than you to flee for a limited time.
Rank 4 – N/A
Intimidated targets now flee for a substantial amount of time.
Isolation Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Kill 20 enemies while not in command of a follower.
Do +10% weapon damage and gain 15 Damage Resistance for each Spacesuit and Helmet equipped when you don’t have a companion or any crew.
Rank 2 – Kill 50 enemies while not in command of a follower.
Do +20% weapon damage and gain 30 Damage Resistance for each Spacesuit and Helmet equipped when you don’t have a companion or any crew.
Rank 3 – Kill 100 enemies while not in command of a follower.
Do +30% weapon damage and gain 45 Damage Resistance for each Spacesuit and Helmet equipped when you don’t have a companion or any crew.
Rank 4 – N/A
Do +40% weapon damage and gain 60 Damage Resistance for each Spacesuit and Helmet equipped when you don’t have a companion or any crew.
Negotiation Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Bribe 3 times through persuasion
You now have access to Bribery in speech challenges.
Rank 2 – Bribe 5 times through persuasion
Reduces bribery cost by 25%
Rank 3 – Bribe 10 times through persuasion
Reduces bribery cost by 50%
Rank 4 – N/A
Occasionally bribery won’t cost any money.
Instigation Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Successfully instigate 5 different people
You can force a target NPC at or below your level to attack their allies for a limited time.
Rank 2 – Successfully instigate 25 different people
You can force a target NPC up to 10 levels higher than you to attack their allies for a limited time.
Rank 3 – Successfully instigate 50 different people
You can force a target NPC up to 20 levels higher than you to attack their allies for a limited time.
Rank 4 – N/A
Enemies affected by Instigation will attack their allies until they are dead.
Leadership Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Sprint 1,000 meters with an active follower
Companions gain affinity 25% faster
Rank 2 – Sprint 2,500 meters with an active follower
Companions have 50 more health and 50kg more carrying capacity.
Rank 3 – Sprint 5,000 meters with an active follower
Companions will occasionally heal you when you get low health.
Rank 4 – N/A
Doubles the bonuses of Combat and Physical Crew Skills on Companions. Companions have a chance to pick themselves up from a downed state.
Rank 1 – Successfully manipulate 5 different people
You can force a target NPC at or below your level to obey commands for a limited time.
Rank 2 – Successfully manipulate 25 different people
You can force a target NPC up to 10 levels higher than you to obey commands for a limited time.
Rank 3 – Successfully manipulate 50 different people
You can force a target NPC up to 20 levels higher than you to obey commands for a limited time.
Rank 4 – N/A
Manipulated targets now obey commands for a substantial amount of time.
Ship Command Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Destroy or board 5 ships with a crew of two or more
You can have up to four active crew members.
Rank 2 – Destroy or board 25 ships with a crew of four or more
You can have up to five action crew members.
Rank 3 – Destroy or board 50 ships with a crew of six or more
You can have up to six active crew members.
Rank 4 – N/A
You can have up to eight active crew members.
Xenosociology Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Successfully use Pacify on 15 different aliens
You can force a target alien creature up to 10 levels higher than you to stop fighting for a limited time.
Rank 2 – Successfully use Flee on 15 different aliens
You can force a target alien creature up to 10 levels higher than you to flee for a limited time.
Rank 3 – Successfully use Frenzy on 15 different aliens
You can force a target alien creature up to 10 levels higher than you to attack their allies for a limited time.
Rank 4 – N/A
You can force a target creature up to 10 levels higher than you to obey commands for a limited time.
All Science Skill Challenges, Ranks & Rewards
There are 16 Science Skills in all to rank up via various challenges, and each provide their own stat rewards. We’ve broken each Science skill down, how to earn all four ranks for each, as well as the rewards for each.
Astrodynamics Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Make 5 grav jumps
Increased grav jump range of jump drives by 15%
Rank 2 – Make 15 grav jumps
Reduced fuel cost of jump drives by 15%
Rank 3 – Make 30 grav jumps
Increased grav jump range and reduced fuel cost of jump drives by 30%
Rank 4 – N/A
Reduced fuel cost of jump drives by 50%
Geology Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Harvest inorganic resources from 20 sources
Get more common and uncommon inorganic resources from surface objects.
Rank 2 – Harvest inorganic resources from 50 sources
Get more rare inorganic resources from surface objects.
Rank 3 – Harvest inorganic resources from 100 sources
Get more exotic inorganic resources from surface objects.
Rank 4 – N/A
Occasionally harvest additional rare resources from surface objects.
Medicine Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Use healing items 20 times while wounded
Med Packs, Trauma Packs, and Emergency Kits restore 10% additional Health 10% faster.
Rank 2 – Use healing items 50 times while wounded
Med Packs, Trauma Packs, and Emergency Kits restore 20% additional Health 20% faster.
Rank 3 – Use healing items 100 times while wounded
Med Packs, Trauma Packs, and Emergency Kits restore 30% additional Health 30% faster.
Rank 4 – N/A
Med Packs, Trauma Packs, and Emergency Kits restore 50% additional Health 50% faster, and have a chance to cure an affliction.
Resources require to craft items and complete research projects is reduced by 40%.
Rank 4 – N/A
Sudden developments during research are twice as common. Resources required to craft items and complete research projects is reduced by 60%.
Surveying Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Use the hand scanner to scan 10 unique resources, flora, or fauna
Adds an optional zoom to the hand scanner, and scan distance is increased to 20 meters.
Rank 2 – Use the hand scanner to scan 25 unique resources, flora, or fauna
Adds another level of zoom to the hand scanner, and scan distance is increased to 30 meters.
Rank 3 – Use the hand scanner to scan 50 unique resources, flora, or fauna
Adds another level of zoom to the hand scanner, and scan distance is increased to 40 meters.
Rank 4 – N/A
Adds another level zoom to the hand scanner, and scan distance is increased to 50 meters.
Botany Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Harvest 20 organic resources from plants
Get more common and uncommon organic resource from plants, learn additional info about them from the scanner, and allows some plants to be cultivated at your outposts.
Rank 2 – Harvest 50 organic resources from plants
Get more rare organic resources from plants, and learn information about them more quickly using the scanner.
Rank 3 – Harvest 100 organic resources from plants
Get more exotic organic resources from plants, and learn information about them more quickly using the scanner.
Rank 4 – N/A
Occasionally harvest additional rare resources from plants, and learn information about them more quickly using the scanner.
Scanning Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Scan 5 planets or moons
You can detect uncommon inorganic resources on planet and moon surfaces, and more information about ships in shape.
Rank 2 – Scan 15 planets or moons
You can detect rare inorganic resources on planet and moon surfaces, and more specific information about ships in shape.
Rank 3 – Scan 30 planets or moons
You can detect exotic inorganic resources on planet and moon surfaces, and gain better combat information on ships in space.
Rank 4 – N/A
You can detect unique inorganic resources on planet and moon surfaces, and gain a complete list of cargo on ships in space.
Spacesuit Design Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Craft 5 spacesuit, helmet, and pack mods
You can craft improved spacesuits, helmets, and pack mods, and research additional mods at a Research Lab.
Rank 2 – Craft 15 spacesuit, helmet, and pack mods
You can research and craft superior spacesuits, helmet, and pack mods.
Rank 3 – Craft 30 spacesuit, helmet, and pack mods
You can research and craft cutting-edge spacesuits, helmet, and pack mods.
Rank 4 – N/A
Construction of spacesuit, helmet, and pack mods occasionally doesn’t cost resources.
You can craft improved weapon mods at a Weapon Workbench, and research additional weapon mods at a Research Lab.
Rank 2 – Craft 15 weapon mods
You can research and craft superior weapon mods.
Rank 3 – Craft 30 weapon mods
You can research and craft cutting-edge weapon mods.
Rank 4 – N/A
You can research and craft master-level weapon mods.
Zoology Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Harvest organic resources from 20 creatures
Get more common organic resources from creatures and harvest from them without harming them, learn additional info about them from the scanner, and allows you to produce animal resources at your outposts.
Rank 2 – Harvest organic resources from 50 creatures
Get more uncommon organic resources from creatures and learn information about them more quickly using the scanner.
Rank 3 – Harvest organic resources from 100 creatures
Get more rare organic resources from creatures, and learn information about them more quickly using the scanner.
Rank 4 – N/A
Occasionally harvest additional rare resources from creatures, and learn information about them more quickly using the scanner.
Astrophysics Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Scan 10 unique planets or moons
You can scan the moons on your current planet. You have a 10% chance to discover a trait when scanning.
Rank 2 – Scan 25 unique planets or moons
You can scan any planet or moon in this system. You have a 20% chance to discover a trait when scanning.
Rank 3 – Scan 50 unique planets or moons
You can scan any planet or moon within 16 Light Years. You have a 30% chance to discover a trait when scanning.
Rank 4 – N/A
You can scan any planet or moon within 30 Light Years. You have a 50% chance to discover a trait when scanning.
Chemistry Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Create 10 chems
You can create improved chems, and research additional chems at a Research Lab.
Rank 2 – Create 25 chems
You can research and create superior chems.
Rank 3 – Create 50 chems
You can search and create cutting-edge chems.
Rank 4 – N/A
Crafting chems occasionally triples the amount crafted.
Rank 1 – Build habitable outposts on 3 different planets
You can build outposts on planets with extreme temperatures (Deep Freeze and Inferno). Increase the maximum number of Outposts you can build by 4.
Rank 2 – Build habitable outposts on 5 different planets
You can build outposts on planets with extreme pressure. Increase the maximum number of Outposts you can build by 8.
Rank 3 – Build habitable outposts on 10 different planets
You can build outposts on planets with toxic or corrosive atmospheres. Increase the maximum number of Outposts you can build by 12.
Rank 4 – N/A
You can build outposts on planets with extreme gravity. Increase the maximum number of Outposts you can build by 16.
Special Projects Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Craft 10 common or uncommon manufactured components
You can research experimental projects at a Research Lab.
Rank 2 – Craft 10 rare manufactured components
You can craft rare manufactured components at an Industrial Workbench.
Rank 3 – Craft 10 exotic manufactured components
You can craft exotic manufactured components at an Industrial Workbench.
Rank 4 – N/A
You can craft unique manufactured components at an Industrial Workbench. Outpost extractors have a chance to produce additional resources.
All Tech Skill Challenges, Ranks & Rewards
There are 17 Tech Skills in all to rank up via various challenges, and each provide their own stat rewards. We’ve broken each Tech skill down, how to earn all four ranks for each, as well as the rewards for each.
Ballistic Weapon System Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Deal 1,000 damage to enemy ships with ballistic weapons
Ballistic ship weapons have 10% increased damage and cost 20% less to use in Targeting Mode.
Rank 2 – Deal 4,000 damage to enemy ships with ballistic weapons
Ballistic ship weapons have 20% increased damage and recharge 15% faster.
Rank 3 – Deal 10,000 damage to enemy ships with ballistic weapons
Ballistic ship weapons have 30% increased damage and recharge 30% faster.
Rank 4 – N/A
Ballistic ship weapons do 50% more damage to individual systems.
Boost Pack Training Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Boost jump 10 times while in combat
You can now utilize boost packs.
Rank 2 – Boost jump 25 times while in combat
Using boost pack expends less fuel.
Rank 3 – Boost jump 50 times while in combat
Boost pack fuel regenerates more quickly.
Rank 4 – N/A
Doubles all previous bonuses.
Piloting Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Destroy 5 ships
You can now utilize ship thrusters.
Rank 2 – Destroy 15 ships
Increased ship turning rate and maneuverability.
Rank 3 – Destroy 30 ships
Unlock the ability to pilot Class B ships.
Rank 4 – N/A
Unlock the ability to pilot Class C ships.
Security Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Pick 5 locks
You can attempt to hack Advanced locks, and 2 auto attempts can be banked.
Rank 2 – Pick 15 locks
You can attempt to hack Expert locks, and 3 auto attempts can be banked. Rings now turn blue when the pick can be slotted.
Rank 3 – Pick 30 locks
You can attempt to hack Master-level locks, and 4 auto attempts can be banked.
Rank 4 – N/A
Expend a digipick to eliminate keys that aren’t required to solve the puzzle. 5 auto attempts can be banked.
Targeting Control Systems Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Destroy 5 enemy ships while in targeting mode
Unlock ship targeting functionality.
Rank 2 – Destroy 15 enemy ships while in targeting mode
Time to lock onto enemy ships reduced by 15%. Target-locked ships fire at you 25% slower.
Rank 3 – Destroy 30 enemy ships while in targeting mode
Time to lock onto enemy ships is reduced by 30%. You have a 10% increased chance of critically hitting a target-locked ship.
Rank 4 – N/A
Time to lock onto enemy ships is reduced by 60%. Deal 20% increased system damage in targeting mode.
Energy Weapon Systems Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Deal 1,000 damage to enemy ships with Energy weapons
Energy ship weapons have 10% increased damage and cost 15% less to use in Targeting Mode.
Rank 2 – Deal 4,000 damage to enemy ships with Energy weapons
Energy ship weapons have 20% increased damage and cost 30% less to use in Targeting Mode.
Rank 3 – Deal 10,000 damage to enemy ships with Energy weapons
Energy ship weapons have 30% increased damage and cost 45% less to use in Targeting Mode.
Rank 4 – N/A
Energy ship weapons recharge 30% faster.
Engine Systems Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Boost 5 times with your spaceship while in combat
Your ship’s top speed is increased by 10%.
Rank 2 – Boost 25 times with your spaceship while in combat
Ship boosts last longer and the cooldown is shorter.
Rank 3 – Boost 50 times with your spaceship while in combat
Your ship’s top speed is increased by 20%.
Rank 4 – N/A
While boosting, all enemies disengage the player and can only reacquire them as a target after the player stops boosting.
Payloads Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Make 10 grav jumps with 75% or more of maximum cargo capacity
Ship cargo holds have 10% more capacity.
Rank 2 – Make 25 grav jumps with 75% or more of maximum cargo capacity
Ship cargo holds have 20% more capacity.
Rank 3 – Make 50 grav jumps with 75% or more of maximum cargo capacity
Ship cargo holds have 30% more capacity.
Rank 4 – N/A
Ship cargo holds have 50% more capacity.
Shield Systems Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Take 150 shield damage
Your ship has 20% increased shield capacity.
Rank 2 – Take 350 shield damage
Your ship has 40% increased shield capacity.
Rank 3 – Take 750 shield damage
Your ship has 80% increased shield capacity.
Rank 4 – N/A
Your shields will occasionally resist 100% of all damage received.
Missile Weapon Systems Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Deal 1,000 damage to enemy ships with missile weapons
Ship missile weapons do 10% more damage, and their Targeting mode cost is reduced by 20%.
Rank 2 – Deal 4,000 damage to enemy ships with missile weapons
Ship missile weapons do 20% more damage, and their Targeting mode cost is reduced by 40%.
Rank 3 – Deal 10,000 damage to enemy ships with missile weapons
Ship missile weapons do 30% more damage, and their Targeting mode cost is reduced by 60%.
Rank 4 – N/A
Ship missiles have a 20% Increased Range, Travel Speed, and Reload Speed.
Particle Beam Weapon Systems Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Deal 1,000 damage to enemy ships with particle beam weapons
Ship particle beam weapons do 10% more damage, and Targeting mode is reduced by 10%
Rank 2 – Deal 4,000 damage to enemy ships with particle beam weapons
Ship particle beam weapons do 20% more damage, and Targeting mode is reduced by 20%
Rank 3 – Deal 10,000 damage to enemy ships with particle beam weapons
Ship particle beam weapons do 30% more damage, and Targeting mode is reduced by 30%
Rank 4 – N/A
Increased critical hit chance with ship particle beam weapons.
Robotics Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Rewards
Rank 1 – Destroy 5 robots
You deal 10% more damage to Robots and Turrets. You can force a target robot up to 10 levels higher than you to stop fighting for a limited time.
Rank 2 – Destroy 25 robots
You deal 20% more damage to Robots and Turrets. You can force a target robot up to 10 levels higher than you to flee for a limited time.
Rank 3 – Destroy 5 robots
You deal 30% more damage to Robots and Turrets. You can force a target robot up to 10 levels higher than you to attack their allies for a limited time.
Rank 4 – N/A
You can force a target robot up to 10 levels higher than you to obey commands for a limited time.
Starship Design Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Install 5 unique ship modules
Allows the installation of improved ship modules.
Rank 2 – Install 15 unique ship modules
Allows the installation of superior ship modules.
Rank 3 – Install 30 unique ship modules
Allows the installation of cutting-edge ship modules.
Rank 4 – N/A
Allows the installation of experimental ship modules.
All ship systems have 25% increased damage mitigation.
Rank 3 – Use 15 ship repair kits
All ship systems repair 25% faster.
Rank 4 – N/A
Occasionally, repairing one block of a system will repair the entire system.
Automated Weapon Systems Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Deal 1,000 damage to enemy ships with automated turret weapons.
Automated ship weapons do 10% more damage and reduce all targeting mode costs by 20%.
Rank 2 – Deal 4,000 damage to enemy ships with automated turret weapons.
Automated ship weapons do 20% more damage and reduce all targeting mode costs by 30%. Your ship takes 20% less damage while in targeting mode.
Rank 3 – Deal 10,000 damage to enemy ships with automated turret weapons.
Automated ship weapons do 30% more damage and reduce all targeting mode costs by 40%. Increases crit chance against targeted sub-systems by 20%.
Rank 4 – N/A
Ship turret weapons recharge 40% faster and do 20% more damage to target sub-systems.
Boost Assault Training Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Deal 200 damage to enemies using the boost pack
Nearby enemies take damage when you boost and have a chance to catch on fire.
Rank 2 – Knockdown 20 enemies with a boost
Chance to knockdown nearby enemies when you boost.
Rank 3 – Deal 500 damage to enemies using the boost pack
Aiming down sights while boosting will let you hover in place. Fuel is still expended until empty.
Rank 4 – N/A
While hovering, time slows down and the world moves 70% slower around you.
EM Weapon Systems Skill Challenges & Rank Rewards
Rank Challenge
Rank Reward
Rank 1 – Deal 1,000 damage to enemy ships with EM weapons
EM ship weapons have 10% increased damage and cost 15% less to use in Targeting Mode.
Rank 2 – Deal 4,000 damage to enemy ships with EM weapons
EM ship weapons have 20% increased damage and cost 30% less to use in Targeting Mode.
Rank 3 – Deal 10,000 damage to enemy ships with EM weapons
EM ship weapons have 30% increased damage and cost 45% less to use in Targeting Mode.
Rank 4 – N/A
EM ship weapons have a small chance of instantly disabling enemy engines.
That concludes our guide to all challenges in Starfield and their rewards. We hope you find this helpful in leveling up all your desired skills. Let us know which you feel have been the most practical for your character, or the most fun to use.
Be sure to check out all of our other guides for Starfield, as well as our official review of the game.
Stephanie Watel is a freelance writer for Twinfinite. Stephanie has been with the site for a few months, and in the games media industry for about a year. Stephanie typically covers the latest news and a variety of gaming guides for the site, and loves gardening and being the bird lady of the neighborhood. She has a BA in Writing from Pace University in NY.
