How to Pickpocket and Steal
Once you stray from the path of a model stellar citizen, you will want to know how to pickpocket and steal in Starfield. While most things in the game can be acquired by scavenging, purchasing, and completing quests, there’s a certain appeal to pilfering for profits.
Pickpocketing and stealing are, by no means, new additions to Bethesda titles. Skyrim and Fallout 4 both allowed players to rummage through NPC pockets and take what they fancy. There are certain differences to be aware of when planning to take things that aren’t yours!
How to Pickpocket in Starfield?
Not many things can be as rewarding or satisfying as pulling off the perfect heist. From approaching your target to finding your exit after getting what you need, pickpocketing has been one of the most sought-after skills in Bethesda games.
After all, sometimes you can even pickpocket your enemies’ weapons and leave them defenseless! That same rewarding experience is found in Starfield, and to acquire it, you’ll need to be mindful of your early skill points.
It can be tempting to put your acquired points into something like Ballistics or Boost Pack Training early in the game, and these are some very useful acquisitions. However, you also want to focus on the bread and butter of your build, which will be in the Physical and Social trees.
The first skill you will want to get to become an adept pocket snatcher is the Theft skill. This can be found in the Social tree, and the first rank gives you the ability to pickpocket.
Tip
If you’re just starting and know you want to become a stellar thief, then you can choose the Cyber Runner or Gangster background when creating your character. You will have the Theft skill the moment you start the game, but only the first rank.
Keep in mind that you’re still a novice at this stage, and the chances of getting caught are very high. When a Starfield NPC notices your attempts, they will most likely turn hostels, and you may even end up with a bounty on your head. Subsequent ranks in this skill will give you an increased chance of successful pickpocketing, with the final rank giving you a bonus ability.
- Rank 1: Unlock the ability to pickpocket targets.
- Rank 2: 10% greater chance to successfully pickpocket.
- Rank 3: 30% greater chance to successfully pickpocket.
- Rank 4: 50% greater chance to successfully pickpocket, and the player can pickpocket holstered weapons.
You can improve the skill by constantly engaging in pickpocketing in the game. It should be noted that while some NPCs and enemies can be harder than others to steal from, you can improve your chances by paying attention to certain aspects.
How to Steal in Starfield?
Stealing is easier than pickpocketing in Starfield, as you can pick up whatever you want, as long as you are hidden. If the item has a red square next to it, it will be countered as stealing if you take it. If you get caught stealing, it will prompt the security forces of the region to descend upon you.
The trick to not getting caught is to ensure you are not in a person’s line of sight when taking an item or going through an owned container. Given that the only requirement is that people are not looking at you stealing an item, you can perform this action without a single skill point investment.
Tip
Opening the container to view the contents is not an issue and can be done even if someone is looking at you.
Sometimes, items that are of super low value, such as random cups and plates, might not even register as a stolen item. It will also not be considered stealing if you take items from a location of which you are a member, such as the House of the Enlightened.
How to Become a Better Thief in Starfield?
As with all other actions in the game, you need to time the usage of your skill. There are certain factors to remember when you engage in pickpocketing and stealing, and it’s not the only way to make easy money in Starfield. You can begin your thieving journey by approaching an NPC and then selecting the pickpocket action after acquiring the skill to open up their inventory.
The items will be displayed in various colors, and these denote the success rate of swiping these items from their pockets.
- Blue (Very Easy): 99% to 65% chance of success
- Green (Easy): 64% to 35% chance of success
- Yellow (Medium): 34% to 11% chance of success
- Red (Hard): 10% to 1% chance of success
- Grey (Impossible): Only possible after unlocking Rank 4 in Theft.
At the initial levels of Theft, you will have the most success stealing small, low-value items. Doing so will steadily increase your ranks in this skill and would be a lower risk as well.
The highest rank allows you to disarm enemies, but for that, you need to sneak up on them. The Stealth skill does not directly impact Theft but is essential if you want to approach enemies without being detected.
Each subsequent rank in stealth will make you 25% harder to detect. They will also give you a 10% damage increase to your silenced weapons, and the final rank will allow you to interact with doors without alerting enemies on the other side. This is an essential rank if you want to sneak inside and take away some weapons quickly.
Tip
You can also pickpocket from an NPC after you have been detected, but this slashes your success rate immediately by 25%. Make sure you quick save before your attempt!
If you are caught stealing or pickpocketing, you will be tracked down by the nearest guard. If you comply with their demands, you will have to pay the required fine and end up at the nearest Security Station. All of your stolen items will also be confiscated, but they will be placed in a chest in the Station that can be broken into when the guards are not looking.
Now that you know the basics, you’re ready to become an intergalactic thief! Where do you find it most profitable to employ your pickpocketing skills? Let us know in the comments below and check out our other Starfield guides to master other gameplay systems.
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