Starfield Ship Power Allocation System Explained: What Each System Does

When getting into scuffles in outer space in Starfield, it is essential to understand how your ship’s power allocation systems work. For newcomers, this mechanic might seem quite “micromanagy” and possibly cause many to overlook their Spaceship’s allocated stats. However, when you get into aerial combat in space, you’ll need to properly manage your systems to achieve an ideal outcome — aka victory over your opponents. That said, there are six ship systems in Starfield to which you’ll need to allocate power.

How Does Power Allocation Work for Ship Systems in Starfield?

Spaceship Power Allocation System in Starfield — Image Source: Bethesda via The Nerd Stash

Three of the six ship systems in Starfield involve power allocation for weaponry, while the other three affect traversal and defense. Let’s take a look at each by using the Galileo’s systems as an example:

Starfield Ship System for Power Allocation	Description
Ballistics – BAL	Allocating power to this system increases your Ballistic weaponry’s damage output and recharge rate.
Lasers – LAS	This system involves how effective your Energy damage-dealing Laser weapons are in space combat.
Missiles – MSL	As their name implies, adding power to your Missiles system boosts their performance in battle.
Engines – ENG	Allocation of your ship’s power to the Engine system in Starfield will increase your max speed, which can be useful when fleeing from danger.
Shields – SHD	When your Shields’ system is at its max, your ship can endure a beating longer before taking damage to its hull.
Grav Drive – GRV	You need to allocate power to your Grav Drive when traveling to distant planets across the galaxy.

You can manage the power allocation to your ship’s systems in Starfield using the arrow keys on PC or the D-pad on Xbox. It will take some practice to utilize this mechanic in the heat of combat, but the payout is worth it when you overcome challenging foes in space. For instance, if you’re quick with your fingers, you can quickly allocate power to Shields before getting hit but reroute a bar or two to your weapon systems when locking in on a target.

To increase the maximum power allocation supply to your ship’s system in Starfield, visit a Ship Services Technician and purchase a better Reactor. The Spaceship Reactor is the module that determines how much power your vessel will have at its disposal.