Starfield: Bounty System Explained

Rafeed Sultan
By Rafeed Sultan
6 Min Read
Credits: Bethesda Game Studios

Navigate the captivating Starfield universe, but beware, as one wrong move in its intricate Bounty System can spell trouble!

Bethesda Game Studios, renowned for games like Skyrim, is back on track with Starfield, their first onset into a brand-new fictional universe in 25 years. Starfield is a captivating science fiction RPG set in outer space.

Like numerous games in this category, Starfield offers players the freedom to select their way of life, let it lead you astray, or let it be on the right one. This guide will give you insights on how to align yourself on Starfields system, like tracking bounties, which reacts to disrupting the standard ethical systems.

How Does the Bounty System Work in Starfield?

How Does the Bounty System Work in Starfield?
Credits: Bethesda Game Studios

The victim’s faction will promptly issue a bounty against you if you engage in hostile actions.

As you commit more crimes, your bounty level escalates. Additionally, it’s essential to note that when a faction places a bounty on you, it prohibits you from visiting their controlled outposts. Violating this restriction results in an immediate attack or a demand for payment.

That said, you should not assume safety within the faction’s territory. Even outside their airspace, their ships can target and engage you. Vigilance is key, so always watch your back.

Another crucial point is that having an active bounty can hinder your ability to initiate missions or join factions. To rectify this, you must clear your bounty, and the cost or duration of this process varies based on the severity of your crimes.

Remember, more severe crimes, such as murder, incur harsher penalties than lesser offenses like pickpocketing.

The bounty system triggers when primary law enforcement factions, for example, the Freestar Collective and the UC Vanguard, catch you in the act. Avoiding detection means escaping consequences. However, your companions may report serious crimes they witness.

How Does the Bounty System Work in Starfield?
Credits: Bethesda Game Studios

To check for an active bounty, use the Starmap, select a solar system, and inspect the top right corner. A number next to the faction’s name indicates an active bounty, while its absence means no cause for concern.

How to Remove Starfield Bounty

To clear a bounty in Starfield, you have three primary choices: pay a fine, spend time in jail, or try to bribe the guards. Regrettably, these are your primary avenues for resolving your bounty situation because the bounty won’t naturally disappear over time.

How to Pay Starfield Bounty

How to Remove Starfield Bounty
Credits: Bethesda Game Studios

To clear your bounty in Starfield, you have several options, with paying it off being one of the primary methods. To do this, locate a Trackers Alliance Self-Service Bounty Clearance Kiosk near your ship’s landing area or a settlement bar. Importantly, visit a kiosk outside the faction’s airspace that placed the bounty on you; doing so within their territory is not feasible.

  • For the UC Vanguard Faction, head to Jemison City and look for The Viewport bar on the left side as you enter the main city. Inside this bar, you’ll find the clearance board to use.
  • For the Freestar Collective, head to Neon City and find the hotel next to the Reliant Medical shop, easily identifiable by its bright board. The Clearance board is located inside.

Note: Make sure you use the board in the faction where you don’t have a Bounty so you don’t get shot on your way.

Upon locating the appropriate kiosk, interact with it and select “Clear Bounty.” This action will allow you to remove the bounty on your head. The cost varies based on the severity of your crime, ranging from a minimum of 600 credits to a maximum of 100,000 credits. Before proceeding, assess your financial situation to determine if paying the bounty is feasible.

Another suggestion is to build your kiosk. Evading authorities while approaching these kiosks can be challenging, so establishing your kiosk in outposts offers a more convenient solution.

Remember that you can also pay the bounty directly to a faction guard, which causes forfeiting all stolen items. However, paying through the Self-Service board may cost a bit more, but you get to retain all your belongings.

How to Pay Starfield Bounty
Credits: Bethesda Game Studios

Offering a bribe is another avenue. You can attempt to bribe guards, like those in Neon, with an initial cost of 3,000 credits. If you use bribery often, invest in Negotiation skills in the second tier of the social skill tree. This allows you to negotiate and reduce bribe costs as your Negotiation skill improves. At level four, you can eliminate bounties at no cost. Your Charisma skill also influences your success in bribing guards.

How to Pay Starfield Bounty
Credits: Bethesda Game Studios

However, an unsuccessful bribe results in arrest, increasing your Starfield bounty fee. Generally, you can’t offer a bribe if the bounty exceeds 10,000 credits. If your bribe succeeds, the game will teleport you to jail, but you can leave.

So, choose your actions wisely in Starfield, as your path will impact your in-game experience.

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Rafeed Sultan is a Guide writer at GameRiv.