Guide to Starfield’s Major Cities

Just landed in the Settled Systems and not sure where to start? The major cities are your best bet for getting your bearings. Stock up on supplies, meet the factions pulling the strings in the galaxy and pick up leads that could turn into your next big adventure (or your next big score). From the gleaming chrome of New Atlantis and the rugged frontier spirit of Akila City to the vibrant glow of Neon’s lights, each hub has its own rhythm and plenty of reasons to explore every nook and cranny. We’ve got some highlights to get you started.

Starfield is now available on Xbox Series X|S, Game Pass, PC and PlayStation 5. Learn more about the PlayStation 5 version here and check out everything that was added to the game in the new Free Lanes update and the Terran Armada DLC here.

Looking to step off the beaten path? Check out our guide to tracking down just a handful of the many side quests in Starfield.

New Atlantis

When the Earth was rendered uninhabitable, the colony on Jemison reinvented itself as New Atlantis, an ultra-advanced new capital built to showcase humanity’s prosperity. Polished, sprawling and imposing, New Atlantis is where the United Colonies’ influence is the strongest. Here you’ll find layered districts, constant foot traffic, and no shortage of places to spend (or earn) credits.

Faction Headquarters

1 – You'll find the United Colonies headquarters located inside the giant MAST building in the center of New Atlantis. Trust us, you can’t miss it. It’s the big pointy one.

Vendors

2 – If there’s one thing you’ll always need on your adventure through the stars, it’s medical supplies and Reliant Medical has you covered. With locations in New Atlantis, Cydonia and Neon, it’s a good resource to keep in mind.

3 – The UC Distribution Center is New Atlantis’ one-stop-shop for everything you could need, from weapons and ammo to gear and resources.

4 – If you’re looking for something more specialized, Centurian Arsenal is the way to go when you’re building your loadout.

Quests

4 – Nyssa Marcano is a bartender at The Viewport. Speak to her to kick off the “Distilling Confidence” quest. Complete that and she might have more work for you down the line.

5 – John Tuala can help you get started on your United Colonies adventure. Find him at the UC headquarters in the MAST building to start the faction questline, beginning with the quest “Supra et Ultra.”

6 – Louisa Reyez can be found in The Well investigating a series of concerning brownouts. Chat with her to begin the “Tapping the Grid” quest.

7 – Markieff Sutherland is a coffee snob. Track him down at Dawn’s Roost to start the “Terror Brew” quest. Hope you don’t mind getting your hands dirty.

Akila City

Akila City began as a humble outpost, but as freedom-seekers poured in, ambitions grew, and so did the outpost’s need for protection. It became the walled city you see now, where only the strong survive. Akila City’s dusty streets and practical, no-nonsense attitude match its inhabitants perfectly. If you like boots-on-the-ground, frontier justice-style problem solving, this is your kind of place.

Faction Headquarters

1 – The Freestar Collective headquarters is located in The Rock in the Core district of Akila City. Head here to join up with the Freestar Rangers and live out your space cowboy dreams.

2 – Want to try your hand at bounty hunting? Visit the Trackers Alliance headquarters to pick up some contracts. Take your new lifestyle to the next level with the Trackers Alliance bounty arc Creation.

Vendors

3 – Who doesn’t love hanging out in bookstores? We know a certain kid sure does. Stop by Sinclair’s Books if you want to peruse some books (and pick up a skill magazine while you’re at it).

4 – Shepherd’s General Store has everything you need, from weapons and ammo to gear and resources.

5 – Looking for something a little more specific than what Shepherd’s provides? Pop into Rowland Arms to fill out your arsenal.

Quests

6 – Daniel Blake is pretty tough to miss. You’ll catch wind of his predicament as soon as you get into Akila City, but follow his “Job Gone Wrong” quest to get started down the Freestar Collective questline.

7 – You can start Sarah Filburn’s “Beer Run” quest either at Filburn’s home or by overhearing some guard chatter about an argument between her and her brother.

8 – After you complete the “Job Gone Wrong” quest, you’ll be able to find Akila City’s head of security Davis Wilson in front of the Akila barracks and begin a series of quests, starting with “Defensive Measures.”

Neon

Neon is built right on top of the former Xenofresh fishing rig on the water planet Volii Alpha. Now, it’s a vice-soaked playground that’s home to some of the galaxy's shadiest players, and the birthplace of the intense psychotropic drug, Aurora. Bright lights and murky deals make up much of atmosphere in the pleasure city of Neon. You can find pretty much anything you’re looking for here, legal or... otherwise.

Faction Headquarters

1 – If the United Colonies and Freestar Collective are a little too upstanding for your liking, you might prefer to check out Ryujin Industries. Their headquarters is located in the Ryujin Tower building. Like the MAST building, it’s the biggest structure in the city, so it should be easy to make your way there.

Vendors

2 – Guns, guns, guns (and some knives). Neon Tactical is here to outfit you for the harsh corporate world.

3 – Newill’s Goods is more than just a handy general store. It’s also the source of a quest if you get to know the owner a bit better.

4 – The Mining League is a great stop if you’re looking for resources (and, of course, mining supplies), but it’s also a smart place to visit early if you want to pick up a quest that will introduce you to the other vendors in the area.

Quests

5 – If shady business dealings aren’t enough and you want to be a straight-up criminal, consider joining the Ebbside Strikers, a Neon street gang. Chat with Digger Zemin to start this questline with “The Audition.”

6 – If you’re like us and sometimes (or always) prefer the company of robots to other humans, you might want to lend Frank Renick at Neon Tactical a hand. A local gangster defaced his robo buddy Styx and he wants you to help him get a little payback in the quest “Bare Metal.”

7 – Remember Newill’s Goods? Well James Newill, the owner, wants a little help dealing with some corruption. Take on the “All For One” quest to provide a little extra protection to the local business owners.

8 – Sure, you can check out Ryujin Tower to see where the (dark) magic happens, but the real action is at the Ryujin Industries Kiosk located right by the spaceport elevator. Pop by to fill out a job application and start the Ryujin questline with “Back to the Grind.”