Starfield Top Quests for Loot: Side Mission Rewards Guide

Starfield Top Quests for Loot: Side Mission Rewards Guide

In the vast, uncharted cosmos of Starfield, exploration is only part of the adventure. While the main storyline offers epic encounters and narrative depth, it’s often the side missions that hold the keys to the most powerful gear, rare resources, and unique rewards. For loot-focused players, knowing which quests to prioritize can dramatically enhance your gameplay experience. This guide highlights some of the most rewarding side missions in Starfield, categorized by the type of loot you can acquire—from legendary weapons and armor to exclusive ships and game-changing credits.

1. “Echoes of the Past” – Legendary Weapon: The Starborn Reaper

Located in the Kryx system, this mission involves infiltrating a forgotten mercenary outpost rumored to hold advanced weaponry. The quest includes puzzle-solving, combat with high-level enemies, and moral choices that influence the reward.

Reward: Upon completion, you’ll receive The Starborn Reaper, a rare laser rifle with high base damage, armor penetration, and a unique perk: critical hits temporarily disable enemy shields. This weapon is ideal for tackling end-game content and boss fights.

Loot Tip: Explore the outpost thoroughly before concluding the mission. Hidden containers contain rare crafting materials like Tantalum-229 and Zero-Wire, essential for upgrading energy-based gear.

2. “The Crucible” – Unique Armor Set: Mantis Gear

This fan-favorite quest begins by retrieving a mysterious distress signal in the Sol system. The mission leads you to a secret lair filled with traps, enemies, and lore about the legendary vigilante known as Mantis.

Reward: The full Mantis Armor Set, which includes a helmet, spacesuit, and pack. The set provides exceptional radiation resistance, increased oxygen efficiency, and a stealth bonus. The helmet also highlights enemy weak points during combat.

Loot Tip: Don’t rush through the puzzle sections. Solving optional puzzles unlocks additional loot rooms with mods and credits.

3. “Freelancer’s Fortune” – High Credit Payout

Picked up in the bars of Neon City, this mission tasks you with hunting down a rogue freighter captain who skipped payment on a valuable cargo. The quest involves space combat, negotiation, and exploration.

Reward: A massive credit payout (up to 80,000 credits) and ownership of the stolen freighter, which features expanded cargo space and custom weapon slots.

Loot Tip: Choose the diplomatic resolution to maximize credit gain. If you opt for combat, you can loot additional items from the captain’s body but may receive fewer credits.

4. “Lost and Found” – Exclusive Ship: The Event Horizon

This multi-stage quest begins when you help a stranded explorer near Alpha Centauri. You’ll need to repair their ship, fend off pirates, and eventually uncover a hidden shipyard.

Reward: The Event Horizon, a sleek, agile ship with best-in-class jump range and stealth capabilities. It comes pre-equipped with advanced EM weapons and a shielded cargo hold, perfect for smuggling.

Loot Tip: Complete optional objectives like retrieving prototype engine schematics to unlock additional ship upgrades.

5. “Siren of the Stars” – Rare Resources and Crafting Blueprints

On the planet Volii Alpha, you’ll encounter a scientist seeking help to investigate an alien signal. The mission blends mystery, survival, and combat against exotic creatures.

Reward: Rare resources such as Voidstone and Neuro-Purifiers, along with blueprints for crafting high-end mods and pharmaceuticals. These materials are invaluable for upgrading gear and generating income.

Loot Tip: Scan all flora and fauna in the area—some contain unique components needed for late-game crafting.

6. “The Last Voyage” – Legendary Melee Weapon: Void-Touched Blade

In the harsh deserts of Akila, a dying explorer asks you to recover artifacts from a crashed starship. The mission is filled with environmental hazards and hostile scavengers.

Reward: The Void-Touched Blade, a monomolecular knife that ignores armor and has a chance to inflict bleeding damage. It also grants a movement speed boost after a kill.

Loot Tip: Search the surrounding wreckage for locked containers holding rare melee mods and credits.

7. “Eyes in the Dark” – Stealth and Cybernetic Enhancements

This espionage-themed quest in New Atlantis requires infiltrating a corporate facility to retrieve sensitive data. Stealth, hacking, and persuasion are key.

Reward: Chameleon Module, a cybernetic implant that grants temporary invisibility when crouching, and a silenced pistol with built-in toxin rounds.

Loot Tip: Use non-lethal takedowns to avoid triggering alarms, which unlocks an extra reward: access to the corporation’s secret armory.

8. “Titan’s Fall” – Heavy Weapon and Power Armor

On the moon of Titan, you’ll assist a group of miners against a mechanized threat. This mission emphasizes combat and heavy machinery.

Reward: The Gravity Hammer, a heavy weapon that launches enemies with kinetic force, and a set of Industrial Power Armor with increased carry capacity and damage resistance.

Loot Tip: Destroy all robotic enemies to salvage High-Tensile Alloys, used for upgrading heavy armor.

General Looting Strategies:

• Always Explore Off the Beaten Path: Many quests have hidden areas containing extra loot.
• Invest in Skills: Skills like Scavenging, Lockpicking, and Persuasion can unlock additional rewards.
• Revisit Locations: Some areas restock loot after a certain period or after completing specific story milestones.

Conclusion

Side missions in Starfield are not just filler content—they are treasure troves of powerful gear, unique items, and wealth. By prioritizing quests like “Echoes of the Past” for legendary weapons or “Freelancer’s Fortune” for credits, you can significantly boost your capabilities and fully enjoy everything the game has to offer. Happy hunting, Captain!