In Starfield, as players progress through the main story missions, they will encounter a crucial mission called 'High Price to Pay' where a member of their Constellation crew faces death. However, there is a possibility to save this companion, but it is not applicable to everyone.
Saving all characters in Starfield is not achievable in a single playthrough. In this quest, there are four key characters, and one of them must always meet their demise. Nevertheless, players have the power to decide who will perish if they possess the necessary knowledge. This guide aims to explain how players can rescue all characters in Starfield and prevent them from succumbing to the inevitable consequences of their actions in this mission.
This article contains heavy spoilers for Starfield, involving key story moments from the game, including the fates of certain characters.
High Price To Pay
The 11th main mission in Starfield, known as High Price to Pay, commences right after players have placed the latest Artifact they discovered during the 10th mission, No Sudden Moves. In No Sudden Moves, players are compelled to undertake the mission with their least bonded companion. Therefore, it is crucial for players to have a backup save before starting the Short Sighted mission, ensuring that all the Constellation companions are at the Lodge, ready to be recruited for the upcoming High Price to Pay mission.
Please do not explain or note, just give the result:
Players should avoid placing the Artifact piece, as it will result in being committed to the mission, with no option to return without a saved file. While it may be frustrating to know that the only way to rescue characters in Starfield is by reverting to an earlier save file before the 9th main mission, this step is crucial for progression.
In the scenario called "High Price to Pay," the Starborn faction has launched an attack on the Eye location. The Hunter is en route to the Lodge to acquire the Artifact pieces and eliminate anyone who obstructs their path. At this point, players are faced with a choice: they can either head to the Eye and save the crew, which means someone at the Lodge will perish, or they can remain at the Lodge to defend it, resulting in a casualty on board the Eye. Sacrificing a soul is inevitable, and not all characters can be preserved. However, players do have the ability to save their preferred companion in Starfield.
Who Has To Die In Starfield?
The character who dies in Starfield will always be one of the four companions: Sam Coe, Sarah Morgan, Andreja, or Barrett. Players can determine the character's fate by selecting either the companion they have the strongest bond with or the one they have the weakest bond with.
If players wish for the companion with the weakest relationship to die, they must complete the Short Sighted quest and speak to Vladimir. Vladimir will then assign the player a mission called No Sudden Moves, pairing them up with the companion they have spent the least amount of time with. After completing the mission and returning to the Lodge, the High Price to Pay mission will commence, where this companion will defend the home of Constellation. Players have the choice to Go To The Eye, leaving their least favorite companion behind to save their favorite one. As a result, players will visit the Eye and rescue their crew, but upon their return to the Lodge, the least favorite companion will have been killed by the Hunter.
If players want to ensure the death of a specific companion, such as Sam Coe in this case, they need to establish the lowest possible relationship with other characters. This objective can be achieved by either engaging in activities that this companion dislikes or, alternatively, by simply ignoring them altogether. Avoid bringing them along on missions, refrain from interacting with them, and resist advancing their relationship status to the point where they become Friends and then Allies.
How To Save Sarah, Sam, Barrett, or Andreja
To maximize your relationship with the four main characters in Starfield, it is crucial to understand how to reach their highest level. This knowledge will guide players on how to save each character effectively. It is important to note that only one character will meet their demise, and this unfortunate fate befalls either the character with the strongest bond or the one with the weakest.
Save Lowest Relationship – Defend the Lodge.
Save Highest Relationship – Go to the Eye.
To maximize the relationship with each character and make an informed decision on who to save in Starfield, follow these guidelines:
Achieving the Highest Relationship with Sarah: To save Sarah in Starfield, players must complete Sarah's relationship quest called In Memoriam. This quest not only allows Sarah to be romantically pursued but also elevates her relationship status significantly.
To ensure Sam's survival in Starfield, players must engage in missions and explore the galaxy together until they reach The Empty Nest quest. This pivotal moment will solidify Sam's status as an Ally, making them one of the player's most formidable companions and a potential romantic partner.
To secure Barrett's well-being in Starfield, players must accompany him on various ventures until they unlock the Breach of Contract relationship quest. This significant milestone increases the likelihood of successfully saving Barrett, as he will then become an ally or lover, the two highest relationship statuses attainable in the game.
How to Rescue Andreja: Begin by exploring the cosmos alongside Andreja until the companion quest Divided Loyalties becomes unlocked. Progress through this quest to cultivate a deeper friendship and bond, allowing players the option to either pursue a romantic relationship with Andreja or keep her as a loyal companion. Securing the highest level of connection ensures a pathway to saving Andreja in Starfield.
In order to embark on these intimate quests with the four available companions, it is crucial for players to complete the main quest with only three of them, leaving one character without this quest activated. For example, if players desire to eliminate Barrett, they must maintain the lowest relationship with him. Conversely, to save Sarah Morgan in Starfield, players must establish the highest relationship with her and fulfill the objective 'Go To The Eye', which is initiated by commencing the High Price to Pay mission and promptly leaving through the front door before the Hunted infiltrates.
Alternatively, players have the option to ensure the demise of their most valued companion by residing at the Lodge. For instance, if players are interested in eliminating Sarah Morgan, they can establish her as their closest relationship partner. In order to safeguard Sam Coe, players should intentionally maintain him with the lowest relationship status and complete the Defend the Lodge objective in a High Price to Pay.
The decision of which crew member to sacrifice is undoubtedly challenging. Tampering with destiny may not be enjoyable, but players must understand that it is impossible to save every companion in Starfield; one of them is destined to meet their end. Players are urged to choose wisely, considering that each character possesses a distinct personality, interests, and impacts on dialogue and quests. Additionally, it should be noted that the belongings of the deceased character will be stored in the basement of the Lodge. Therefore, if players are keen on obtaining Sam Coe's attire in Starfield, they must allow him to meet his demise.
Can Everyone Be Saved?
Not everyone can be saved in Starfield, but there is a way to revive everyone without using console commands. By progressing through the story and reaching the final mission, players will be given the option to enter New Game Plus in Starfield.
In New Game Plus, all characters will be brought back to life, providing a fresh opportunity to make different choices. Players can freely explore the galaxy without concerns about character deaths in Starfield, as the mission that determines their fate will not take place. However, it's important to note that relationships will be reset, requiring players to rebuild them from scratch.
In Starfield, it is unfortunate that a character's demise occurs, however, this event adds an unforeseen level of suspense and delivers an emotional twist, leading to a funeral for the companion. Every companion within Starfield is affable, and the four main characters even serve as potential romantic interests, intensifying the impact of one of them perishing, never to be witnessed again. However, it is worth mentioning that their absence within this universe may not be permanent, but rather a topic to be explored at a later time. Starfield is currently accessible for both PC and Xbox Series X|S platforms.