Powers (or Cosmic Powers) in Starfield add a nice extra flavor by granting your character some really fancy abilities, which can be very beneficial in combat situations. There are 24 powers in Starfield, each one connected to a temple scattered around the universe.

Unlocking Powers: Into the Unknown and Power From Beyond

Your first foray into this starts with the "Into the Unknown" main mission (the third, fourth, or fifth mission depending on your choices; it was the fifth for me), where you encounter your first temple, temple Eta on Procyon III. There, you must solve a puzzle by collecting shiny star clusters in time to spin the rings at the center of the temple until you unlock the power and exit the temple.

Completing Into the Unknown opens up a new quest line called "Power from Beyond," which serves as your roadmap to discovering the other 23 temples and, by extension, their powers.

Unlocking new Power from Beyond missions is random and seems connected to exploring and scanning new planets. Based on what I have experienced, every time I jump into a new planet, I can obtain a Power From Beyond mission (Scanning the planet may be a requirement).

While the whole "Power From Beyond" questline is optional, unlocking all Powers (or at least unlocking until you get the ones you want) is highly recommended.

All 24 Powers in Starfield

Before diving into the specific synergies and upgrades, let’s first get acquainted with the diverse set of powers available in the game. Below is a table showcasing all 24 powers and their respective descriptions:

PowerDescriptionPower CostAnti-gravity FieldGenerate a localized field of intense low gravity.45Grav DashManipulate gravity to propel yourself forward and increase damage inflicted.15Personal AtmosphereBreathe pure oxygen and counteract harmful carbon dioxide.45Gravity WaveEmit a gravitational force to propel objects and entities.25PrecognitionBend time to glimpse the future.35Sense Star StuffDetect the life force of beings.15Void FormBecome nearly invisible.25Alien ReanimationRevive deceased alien creatures.Elemental PullDraw elements to your being.25Solar FlareRelease searing hot plasma.25Create VacuumWithdraw oxygen from an area.25Creator's PeaceTemporarily disarm enemies.25Phased TimeEnter bullet-time, slowing down time for everyone around you.45

Powers & Skills Synergy

Certain powers are more than just extraordinary abilities; they can redefine your character builds. If you play a stealthy character, powers like Void Form will be your bread and butter. Conversely, if you focus on social manipulation, Precognition will give you an edge in conversations and make a great combo with your Persuasion skill.

How to Level Up Powers in Starfield?

But that's not the end. Starfield allows you to level up these powers to level 10, increasing their potency or effect duration by revisiting all 24 temples in each new game plus cycle. So, it takes nine additional playthroughs via new game plus to unlock these powers' fullest potential. Each time you pass through the Unity, essentially reset everything except for your level and skills; the temples also reset. To get all 24 skills to Level 10, complete the temple puzzle 240 times, 24 times in each of the 10 playthroughs. Even if you only want to get one power to level 10, you can't predict which one you will get at each temple, except Anti-Gravity Field, which is always the one you get at Temple Eta. Much grinding will be required to get your favorite power to level 10.

An easy way to overcome this issue of chasing temples and completing the minigame 240 times is to use a mod like Simple Temple Overhaul. The mod changes the leveling-up mechanics for Cosmic Powers, and each time you pass through the Unity, your powers level up instantly, so you won't have to go temple hunting. Completing the minigames will just reward you with 2 Quantum Essence using this mod.

Conclusion

Powers in Starfield are not merely add-ons but core elements that enrich your exploration and combat experience. Their acquisition and subsequent upgrades present a compelling meta-quest that parallels the main story, adding complexity and intrigue to an already expansive universe. With 24 options, each with its unique advantages and synergies, your journey through the Settled Systems will be anything but mundane.
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