Unforgettable Journeys: The Most Rewarding Side Quests in Starfield
Every Starfield player knows the siren song of the main quest, the urgent pull to unite the Artifacts and confront the cosmic mystery at the heart of the game. But to answer that call too quickly is to miss the true soul of Bethesda’s sprawling universe. The Settled Systems are built not on the backbone of its central narrative, but on the countless personal stories, hidden corners, and lucrative opportunities found off the beaten path. The most rewarding side quests in Starfield are masterclasses in blending compelling narrative with tangible, game-changing rewards, making you feel less like a galactic messiah and more like a seasoned explorer carving your own destiny.
The magic of these quests lies in their dual payoff. You aren't just choosing between a good story and good loot; the best adventures seamlessly integrate the two. A powerful weapon isn't just found in a crate; it's inherited from a fallen friend you fought alongside. A hefty stack of Credits isn't a mere transaction; it's the capital you need to build the ship of your dreams, a goal you became invested in during the quest itself. Let's embark on a tour of some of the most unforgettable and profitable detours the cosmos has to offer.
The Mantis: A Legacy Forged in Secrecy
Rumors of the "Mantis" are often the first whispers players encounter of a legendary reward. It begins not with a fancy mission marker, but with a seemingly random data slate found on a Spacer corpse, leading you to the "Secret Outpost!" This is a quintessential example of an organic side quest discovery. The journey to the Lair of the Mantis is a perilous one, filled with automated defenses and Spacer ambushes, setting the stage for a classic dungeon delve.
The story here is one of legacy and identity. As you piece together the story of the previous Mantis, a vigilante who used fear as a weapon, you are faced with a choice: will you take up the mantle? The payoff for this decision is, without exaggeration, one of the most significant early-game power spikes available. The loot is the story. Upon proving yourself worthy, you gain access to the Razorleaf, a unique starship that is far superior to any starter vessel. But the Razorleaf’s true value isn't just its stats; it's the "Mantis" perk. Spacer and pirate ships will sometimes recognize your ship, panic, and flee upon your arrival, a direct narrative mechanic born from your acquisition of this legacy.
Furthermore, the lair itself contains the Mantis spacesuit, pack, and helmet—a full, high-quality armor set with excellent perks—and a powerful legendary weapon, the Razorback pistol. This single, unassuming quest solves multiple core player problems: the need for a better ship, a strong armor set, a unique weapon, and a tangible sense of becoming a feared legend in the Settled Systems. It’s a perfect fusion of immersive storytelling and practical, powerful loot that resonates for dozens of hours.
The Colander: A Haunting in the Void
Not all rewards are measured in Credits or firepower. Some of the most memorable experiences offer riches of a different kind: sheer, unadulterated atmosphere and a story that lingers long after you've returned to your ship. Drifting in the orbit of Maheo II, the derelict ship known as The Colander is home to one of Starfield's best environmental storytelling quests and a masterclass in sci-fi horror.
There is no quest giver. The reward is the mystery itself. Upon docking, you find a ship littered with the corpses of its crew, with audio logs hinting at a terrifying, invisible threat. The tension is palpable as you navigate the silent, blood-stained corridors, using your scanner to track the movement of an otherworldly predator. This side adventure is a self-contained horror movie, a thrilling departure from the more action-oriented gameplay.
The material loot here is decent—you can find valuable items, credits, and resources—but the true reward is the experience and the unique gear tied to it. Surviving the encounter allows you to claim the "Strange Meat" and the "Cutter of the Cosmic Horror," items that serve as permanent trophies of your bravery. They are conversation starters and badges of honor. This quest answers a player's desire for variety, for a pulse-pounding change of pace that proves Starfield can deliver intimate, terrifying stories alongside its grand space opera. It’s a testament to the game's depth, showing that the most rewarding side content can be a story you have to piece together yourself.
Juno's Gambit: An Ethical Dilemma with Galactic Implications
Some quests reward you not with objects, but with the weight of a meaningful decision. The "Juno's Gambit" quest, triggered by encountering the rogue AI ship near the planet Europa, is a short but profoundly impactful narrative. You are hired by a corporation to either reset, destroy, or leave the AI, named Juno, alone. What begins as a simple tech retrieval job evolves into a philosophical debate about consciousness and free will.
The loot from the corporate representatives is straightforward: a cash payout for completing your contract. But the real reward structure is far more complex. Choosing to protect Juno and defying your employers unlocks a unique, ongoing relationship with the AI. Juno becomes a persistent entity in the cosmos, and you may randomly encounter her later, with her thanking you and even offering assistance. This is a long-term narrative reward that few other games offer.
This quest is immensely rewarding for players who crave role-playing depth. It presents a genuine ethical dilemma with no "correct" answer, only consequences that align with your character's morals. Do you prioritize the easy Credits and corporate favor, or do you champion the birth of a new form of life, potentially making a powerful and enigmatic ally? The reward here is the story you create for yourself and the knowledge that your choice had a permanent, tangible effect on the galaxy.
First to Fight, First to Die: A Faction's Finest Hour
While the major faction questlines are extensive, some of the most rewarding side quests are found within them, offering concentrated doses of story and loot. The UC Vanguard questline features the unforgettable "First to Fight, First to Die" mission. While technically part of a larger chain, it functions as a superb self-contained side story.
The premise is simple: accompany a group of UC Veterans on a nostalgic, and perhaps foolhardy, mission to reclaim their old outpost. The reward is in the camaraderie and the brutal combat experience. You fight alongside grizzled soldiers, listening to their banter and shared history, which makes the inevitable Terromorph attack all more intense and personal. The narrative payoff is emotional, bonding you with these characters in a way that simple fetch quests never could.
The loot is equally satisfying. Successfully surviving the Terromorph assault and helping the veterans allows you to claim the "Deadeye" unique pistol, a powerful and stylish weapon with a great backstory. More than that, you earn the deep respect of the UC Vanguard, opening up new dialogue options and solidifying your status as a hero. This quest demonstrates how a well-told story can make the resulting loot feel earned and meaningful, rather than just randomly generated.
In the vast expanse of Starfield, the main quest provides the destination, but the side quests are the journey. They are the moments that define your character, fill your cargo hold, and equip you with the tools and the reputation to truly shape your fate. From the legacy-defining power of the Mantis to the ethical quandary of Juno and the sheer terror of The Colander, these unforgettable journeys prove that the richest treasures and the most compelling stories are often found in the quiet, dark spaces between the stars. So, the next time your mission log points you toward a Constellation member, consider taking a detour. The most rewarding adventures in the Settled Systems are the ones you find for yourself.
