Skipping Main Quest in Starfield NG+ guide: Finding artifacts, recruiting companions, and more

During the beginning of Starfield’s NG+, you’re given the option to completely skip the main quest. You give the other NPCs you encounter at that moment incredibly important information. It will change the game in some fundamental ways, however. Before you dive into New Game+, without the benefit of the storyline, we’ll go over the things you should be aware of.

You don’t have to skip the main story, though. You’ll be given a choice early in NG+, and it’s entirely up to you. You could choose to go through the story again and make different choices to see how things play out. Here’s what you need to know if you make this important choice in Starfield.

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Skipping the Main Quest in Starfield’s NG+

You can skip the main story if you wish while chatting with Sarah (Image via Bethesda)

Once you’ve seen the ending of Starfield and have begun the NG+ run, you can get ready to skip the main story quest. When you get to the lodge and see the familiar cast of characters, they’ll naturally be surprised that you’re alive. Talking to Sarah will give you two important choices. You can [Repeat Main Quest] or [Skip Main Quest].

If you opt to completely skip the MSQ of Starfield, your character will inform the assembled group about what they know. The important plot points, the fact that they’re a Starborn, and more gets revealed right out of the gate. This allows the player to take on the game from a whole new perspective.

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Changes to recruiting companions in Starfield’s NG+

You find Barrett in the same location, but you don't have to rescue him (Image via Bethesda)

You can still find romance in the NG+ run of Starfield. However, if you skip the Main Story, you’ll lose out on a significant number of opportunities to improve your relationships with allies.

Instead, you’ll have to use the various side content the game presents you with in order to improve your companion’s relationship status, in hopes to find love. Whether Sam or Andreja, it could become more difficult to build these bonds.

Some companions will require new methods to recruit them. A good example is Sam Coe and Andreja, who will not appear as companions until you collect all the artifacts. They’ll appear in the lodge again at this point, so you can add them to your team.

There are quite a few other companions, so just be aware that some may have alternate spots or may not appear at all.

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Locating artifacts changes in Starfield’s NG+

Vladimir Sall has the information you need on the artifact locations (Image via Bethesda)

Now that you’re in NG+, you need a new way to unlock artifacts. This is an alternate universe after all, so they will not be in the same location as before. You’re given the details thanks to Vladimir - now all you have to do is go to the spots he tells you, at your leisure. If you forget the locations, they will be found in the details for “Among the Stars.”

While you do retain your powers from the previous playthrough, you can still unlock more of them. Occasionally, you’ll hear from Vladimir about other temples you can visit, once you arrive in certain star systems. This allows the run to remain fresh, and offers new ways to grow more powerful in this second playthrough. There are a total of 24 new powers to find, and since their locations are random, it will take some exploring to find them.

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Other noteworthy changes in Starfield’s NG+

Future NG++ runs can even introduce you to the Hunter straightaway, offering some really unique interactions (Image via Bethesda)

There may be other changes to the story other than what’s listed here. These are just a few of the more interesting things that occur in NG+ when you skip Starfield’s story. Certain storyline moments no longer occur, such as the attack on The Lodge.

Other New Game+ runs can feature some very interesting interactions. One possibility is that waiting for you in The Lodge will be The Hunter, instead of Sarah and the rest of your future colleagues.

You’ll also find the Emissary and Hunter orbiting Oborum III instead of going directly to the Emissary’s ship. This is where you’ll choose which side you’re on instead of heading to the NASA Landmark. You don’t have to do that, so a new location has to be found.

In addition to knowing where all the artifacts are, players in this mode also get new gear: The Starborn Spacesuit Astra and the Starborn Guardian ship. The Spacesuit is incredible, and the new starship, while not the best in the game, definitely holds its own.

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Starfield is now available in early access for those who pre-ordered the game. The official launch is on September 6, 2023. If you want to know which classes are great for beginners, this list will help you out.