Stealth in Starfield is not just a skill—it’s an art. Whether you’re sneaking past enemies, executing silent takedowns, or navigating dangerous terrains without being detected, understanding the mechanics of stealth is crucial. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to master stealth kills in Starfield.
How to Perform Stealth Kills in Starfield
To enter stealth mode in Starfield, players need to crouch. This can be done by pressing the B button on Xbox or the left Ctrl key on PC. Once activated, a stealth detection bar appears at the top center of the screen. A clear white bar indicates you’re fully concealed, an orange bar means enemies might have detected something, and a red bar means you’ve been spotted.
Unlocking the Stealth Skill
While any player can crouch and attempt to sneak, truly mastering stealth requires unlocking the Stealth skill in the Physical skill tree. This skill enhances your sneaking abilities and provides various benefits:
- Rank 1: Introduces a Stealth Meter. Players become 25% harder to detect when sneaking, and suppressed weapons deal an additional 5% sneak attack damage.
- Rank 2: Upgrades the Stealth Meter. Players are now 50% harder to detect, and suppressed weapons deal 10% more sneak attack damage.
- Rank 3: Players become 75% harder to detect, and suppressed weapons deal 15% more sneak attack damage.
- Rank 4: Players are now almost invisible, being 100% harder to detect. Suppressed weapons deal 20% more sneak attack damage, and players can interact with doors without alerting enemies.
The key to stealth combat is to first activate the “HIDDEN” bar by crouching outside of combat. This enables the Stealth and Concealment skills, increasing your damage output. Moving undetected is crucial, and players should be aware of their surroundings, including potential threats from above. Using suppressed weapons is recommended, as they not only deal more damage but also keep you concealed.
Suppressor Weapon Mods
If you engage in combat with a standard weapon while in stealth, you’ll likely alert nearby enemies after your first shot. To remain undetected, it’s essential to equip weapons with suppressors. These can be found while looting or crafted using the Weapon Engineering skill in the Science skill tree. To add a suppressor mod, players need to access a weapon workbench, which can be found in various locations, including the basement of the Constellation headquarters.
Best Backgrounds for Stealth
When creating a character in “Starfield,” players can choose from 21 different backgrounds, each offering unique starting skills. For those looking to prioritize stealth, the Cyber Runner and Ronin backgrounds automatically unlock the Stealth skill. However, players can also unlock this skill upon leveling up, regardless of their chosen background.
Mastering Stealth
Stealth is more than just a skill—it’s a strategy. By understanding its mechanics, equipping the right gear, and honing your abilities, you can navigate the challenges of “Starfield” with finesse and precision. Whether you’re taking down enemies silently or sneaking past them entirely, mastering stealth is key to your success in the game.