Starfield Unveiled: A Gastronomic Expedition

In the recent 'Direct' video presentation by Bethesda, it is evident that the creators of Starfield have a strong focus on food. Throughout the Settled Systems, food and drink can be found in virtually every corner. In addition to the pre-packaged food that is always carried by players, Starfield offers a comprehensive cooking and crafting system for a wide range of edible items.

Although the benefits of the cooking system in Starfield are briefly mentioned early in the game, there is no dedicated quest or tutorial to fully explore its potential. However, players who eagerly dive into the system will discover that some of the game's top items can be created at any cooking station. This guide aims to provide players with an easy-to-follow tutorial that will greatly enhance the use of food in Starfield.

Where to Cook in Starfield

To maximize the culinary experience in Starfield, it is essential to familiarize oneself with the central hub of cooking and crafting. Soon after starting the game, players will be introduced to the Lodge, the headquarters of Constellation in New Atlantis. Located in the basement of this building is a comprehensive collection of crafting stations conveniently assembled in one place.

Discovering the cooking station requires players to acquire full membership in Constellation. Upon joining the group, each member will be granted a Lodge Key, enabling access to the basement area. Positioned in the corner of the basement, just before the corridor leading out of the laboratory space, lies the coveted cooking station.

How to Cook in Starfield

Preparing meals in Starfield is a simple process. To begin, approach a cooking station and press the A button (or the corresponding key on PC) to interact with it. This action will bring up the cooking station menu, granting the player entry to all the recipes they possess at that moment.

At the start of the game, players will have access to a restricted selection of recipes. Considered as tutorial foods, these options offer minimal health and other benefits. Nevertheless, as players progress, they can unlock additional recipes by acquiring new skills and conducting research.

Using the above image as an example, players can see that the Ham and Cheese Sandwich requires the following ingredients:

1 Bread

1 Synthmeat Ham

1 Cheese

Eating it will provide the following effects:

Restores 5 Health

Crafting a +8 Oxygen Level for Five Minutes item can be done by pressing A. Once crafted, locate the item in the Aid section of your inventory to enjoy its benefits. While seasoned players may find the effects of these food items insignificant, it is worth noting that this recipe is accessible right from the beginning of Starfield. As you progress in the game, more superior dishes will become accessible.

How to Unlock New Recipes in Starfield

Unlocking new recipes is dependent on the utilization of two primary systems, namely Skills and Research. The seamless integration of these two mechanics enables the progression of skills to unlock a wider range of recipes for thorough research.

How research works in Starfield:

When it comes to cooking, the skill that players should prioritize is Gastronomy. Investing in this skill will unlock the possibility to research and cook more advanced types of food. Upon reaching Level 2, players will gain access to gourmet items, while Level 3 will grant them the ability to prepare delicacies.

Research encompasses all the activities carried out at any Research Station in Starfield. At this particular station, players can contribute materials towards projects that will ultimately grant them access to a wide range of crafting stations. In this instance, players should make it a point to explore the Food and Drink section.