Starfield: How to acquire Quantum Essence? Starfield guide, tips

During your adventure in Starfield, you will be able to collect Quantum Essence, which is useful primarily during battles. Here you will learn all about the Essence.

Last update: 20 September 2023

On this page of our guide we explain what the Quantum Essence is in Starfield and how to acquire it. We also explain how to use it, what are its limitations and how to check how much you have left.

• What is Quantum Essence?
• Gathering Essence

What is Quantum Essence?

At some point in Starfield you'll unlock powers.

1. These can be used while on the surface by pressing "Z"/"LB" and "RB".
2. Using powers depletes the power bar, in the lower-right corner of the screen, under your health meter.

Power regenerates slowly and each use consumes a different amount - some Powers deplete the entire meter with a single use. This makes Quantum Essence very useful.

1. Using it significantly increases your Power regeneration for 60 seconds.
2. Essences do not stack, so you can only use one at a time. Essences always last 60 seconds.
3. To check how much Essence you have, open the Power menu - you'll see their number in the lower-left corner of the screen.
4. They can be used within the Power menu as well. Press "R"/"X" on the controller.

Gathering Essence

1. Quantum Essence can be obtained by killing a temple guardian.
2. They are dangerous enemies who spawn every time you collect a new power and leave the temple.
3. A notification about acquiring Quantum Essence is displayed after defeating a guardian, in the upper-right corner of the screen. You don't loot it like other combat spoils, as the Guardians are vaporized after death.
4. Guardians are Starborn, but not every Starborn gives Quantum Essence. You can encounter other Starborn, for example in outer space, but killing them won't give you any Essence. It can only be acquired by killing temple guardians.