Unleashing the Power of Starfield: A Comprehensive Guide to Boost Packs

With the release of Bethesda's Starfield, players can now embark on an exciting journey filled with new game mechanics, captivating stories, and breathtaking locations to explore. One notable addition is the introduction of jetpacks, known as "Boost Packs" in-game. These remarkable devices grant players the ability to navigate both vertically and horizontally across the diverse worlds of the Settled Systems. As the game currently lacks ground vehicles, a reliable Boost Pack becomes indispensable for swift travel, significantly easing the exploration of vast open spaces. Additionally, the Boost Pack's usage directly affects the player's oxygen consumption, especially when burdened with excessive equipment.

Players should familiarize themselves with the four main categories of Boost Packs, as each offers a distinct jumping style and varies in Boost consumption. The Boost meter, conveniently displayed alongside the player's health bar, indicates the remaining power of the Pack and determines whether another jump is feasible.

How To Use & Upgrade Boost Packs

To make use of Packs, players must first invest in the Boost Pack Training skills perk. It is highly advisable for players to acquire this perk early on since certain planets will be inaccessible without the aid of a Pack. To enhance their Packs, players can visit renowned retailers in major cities, undertake quests, and venture into enemy territories such as outposts. Additionally, Packs can be upgraded by triumphing over specific adversaries using specialized equipment.

Basic

The default "Basic" pack type offers a moderate jump and consumes a moderate amount of Boost. Although there are modified versions available, they may be slightly less effective than other pack types. The Basic pack is best for preventing falls and quickly moving during intense combat. However, compared to other Boost Pack types, it has its limitations. Players are likely to grow frustrated with these limitations and will seek out better pack types. Nevertheless, some of the most renowned Packs in the game are classified as Basic, but have been heavily upgraded with modifications.

Balanced

The Balanced Boost Pack type is an improved version of the Basic type, however, it lacks any significant advantage in terms of vertical lift. Despite this drawback, Balanced packs surpass Basic ones in energy efficiency. They prove to be extremely useful when traversing vast open areas, a common requirement throughout the game.

Though Balanced Packs may not contain as many specialized or legendary items as the Basic pack type, they generally provide a superior flight experience compared to the average Basic Pack. Regardless of the player's Boost Pack skills in their Tech skill tree, the pack will still have limited thrust and remain quite inefficient. Even with extensive Boost pack training, it is often more beneficial to opt for a specialty pack such as Power or Skip, unless the player already possesses a highly upgraded rare or legendary pack.

Power

Power Boost Packs specialize in vertical thrust, allowing players to reach inaccessible areas. However, these packs are not very efficient when it comes to Boost consumption. Just a few jumps can severely deplete the pack. If players attempt to use the pack to save themselves from a big fall, it can be costly and potentially fatal if Boost levels are not monitored.

Power packs are highly favored among players due to their superior lift and usefulness in combat situations. The ability to effortlessly navigate a room, ascend taller objects, and reach elevated surfaces grants a significant advantage over other pack types.

Skip

Skip Packs offer a distinct experience compared to other pack types, providing short bursts of medium-height thrusts. While they may not possess the ability to reach the heights of a Power pack, Skip Packs excel in both combat and traversal. They greatly facilitate covering long distances and outmaneuvering enemies.

Notably, Skip Packs are particularly effective when it comes to utilizing Boost. They are the ideal choice for gracefully descending from immense heights, ensuring a safe landing while conserving enough Boost. Moreover, Skip Packs optimize Boost efficiency, enabling players to have more oxygen available. This means less time spent exhausted and recharging the Oxygen meter, allowing players to dedicate more time to exploring the myriad of intricacies that await in the vast expanse of Starfield.

The video below demonstrates the differences between the pack types:

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Starfield is available now on Xbox Series X/S and PC.