Starfield: Jail and penalty system - how does it work? Starfield guide, tips

Players can end up in jail for breaking the law. On our Starfield guide page, we explain how the punishment system works, provide situations in which you can end up in jail, and how to avoid it.

Last update: 31 August 2023

Every civilization has its own system of laws and sanctions. Planets in Starfield are no different. For breaking the law, the player's character can end up in jail. In our guide, we explain how you can end up there, how to avoid it, and the potential consequences if you get caught.

• For what crimes you can go to jail in Starfield?
• How not to end up in jail in Starfield?
• What are the consequences of going to jail in Starfield?

For what crimes you can go to jail in Starfield?

If you do not break the laws in a given justice system, the chance of ending up in jail will be relatively low, if any at all. However, if you don't care about the consequences and feel good doing bad things, then the chances might rise.

1. Stealing items - you can acquire items in various ways. Picking them up from everywhere, receiving them for completed missions, collecting them from the bodies of dead enemies, or... theft. Items with a red icon indicate that they belong to a specific resident. If you get caught stealing from them, you could end up in jail for this offense.
2. Attacking characters in the city - every such act will be viewed as breaking the law. In the best case, you will end up in jail; in the worst, you will be attacked by guards, which will most likely result in your death.
3. Contraband - on your ships, you will be able to transport contraband. If you don't hide it properly and get caught, you could end up in jail.

How not to end up in jail in Starfield?

Not every violation of the law will result in you having to serve punishment for your wrongdoings. Usually you have three options:

1. Paying a fine - if you have a large amount of gold, you can pay the person who wants to put you in jail so you don't end up there.
2. Fight/escape - If you feel confident in your skills, you can try to flee or combat with all the people who maintain order in a given place. However, this is very risky. It's highly likely that you will end up dead.
3. Not getting caught while breaking the law - this is the best, albeit the most trivial advice. If you intend to steal or smuggle something, do it so no one would suspect you of it. Pick up items when no one is looking at you. Smuggle contraband by purchasing special modules to equip your ship with.

What are the consequences of going to jail in Starfield?

If you want to turn yourself in and pay for your crimes, remember about consequences. If you do this, all the items you've stolen will be taken from you. Moreover, you will irretrievably lose a certain amount of experience points. Still, this is a better solution than a potential fight for death or escape and ending up on the wanted list.