Unlocking the Peaceful Path: Starfield's Game-changing Pacifist Experience

Highlights

Lead designers confirm that a full pacifist run in Starfield is not possible, but players will have dialogue options and non-lethal weapons to avoid combat.

Although there are dangerous encounters in certain areas of the game world, some quests do provide nonviolent alternatives. While a complete pacifist approach is not possible, players can still explore numerous options and choices to overcome the game's challenges without resorting to violence.

Two of the lead designers responsible for Bethesda's highly anticipated space-themed RPG, Starfield, have clarified that while players will have the option to negotiate their way out of difficult situations, achieving a complete pacifist playthrough will not be possible. The persuasion system in Starfield, which has been likened to that of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, will provide players with various choices for handling social encounters.

Combat often plays a significant role in most contemporary RPGs, and the mechanics involved in fighting are usually complex. Nevertheless, a substantial number of players strive to minimize or completely avoid combat, attempting what is known as a pacifist run in many popular RPGs. The objective of a pacifist run or playthrough is typically to complete the game without causing harm to any non-playable characters (NPCs).

During a recent Discord Q&A session with Starfield developers, lead quest designer Will Shen and lead designer Emil Pagliarulo were asked about the possibility of a pacifist playthrough in Starfield. Pagliarulo responded by mentioning that the development team had considered the idea of incorporating a fully non-lethal approach to the game. However, after careful deliberation, they concluded that it wouldn't be entirely feasible. He did emphasize that players would have dialogue options to avoid combat and access to non-lethal weapons in many situations. Nevertheless, he couldn't confidently assert that it would be possible to complete the entire game without any killing.

Shen explained that most quests involving important characters will include scripted speech challenges, providing players with the opportunity to resolve conflicts peacefully. However, in certain areas of the expansive Starfield game world, players are more likely to encounter hostile NPCs who attack without hesitation. According to Pagliarulo, players can generally feel safe in the "mostly civilized" Settled Systems, but venturing off the beaten path and exploring the game's fringes will lead to more dangerous encounters.

While achieving a completely pacifist playthrough may not be possible, both Pagliarulo and Shen suggest that many of the game's challenges will offer nonviolent solutions for players who prefer that approach. Fans eager to explore the game's wide range of options, choices, and possibilities won't have to wait much longer, as Starfield is now available for preloading on Xbox.

Starfield releases September 6 for PC and Xbox Series X.

Source: Games Radar