The Starfield Alien DNA trait is one of the more interesting buffs and debuffs in the game. The description of this trait says that your character volunteered for a controversial experiment that resulted in having more health and oxygen. But the downside is that healing and food items just aren’t as effective. Compared to other traits, like Dream Home and Adoring Fan, Alien DNA impacts gameplay directly and has significant impact right out of the gate. Here’s whether Alien DNA is a trait worth taking in Starfield.
Is the Starfield Alien DNA trait worth taking?
No, the Starfield Alien DNA trait is not worth getting unless you’re going for a melee or unarmed build.
The trouble with the Alien DNA trait is that the health bonus is fixed. There’s about a 50 HP difference between a character with the trait and one without. That’s a great boon at the start of the game when your max HP is only around 300. But since you gain 20 HP per level, this 50 HP difference becomes less and less significant.
The other main negative is that healing items become less effective. For example, a Med Pack only recovers 3 health per second instead of 4 health per second. Now, you’ll get a lot of Med Packs throughout the game, so this isn’t too much of a problem. But the hit to Trauma Packs and Emergency Kits later in the game is not great. One way to mitigate this is by taking the Medicine skill in the skill tree, so we recommend getting that as soon as you can if you choose to take the Alien DNA trait.
That said, the main boon of the trait is the increased oxygen level. This will not only allow you to run about 10 seconds longer than usual, but it will increase the number of power attacks you can use before you run out of oxygen. That’s why a melee or unarmed build, especially with the Martial Arts skill that gives you a chance to disarm a foe, should consider this trait.
Starfield Alien DNA Trait FAQ
A: The Alien DNA trait gives your character increased health and oxygen levels. This can be especially beneficial at the beginning of the game and for those focusing on a melee or unarmed build, allowing for extended running and more power attacks.
A: With the Alien DNA trait, healing items are less effective. For instance, a Med Pack will heal 3 health per second instead of the usual 4. The impact on Trauma Packs and Emergency Kits in the later stages of the game can be more pronounced. However, this can be somewhat offset by investing in the Medicine skill.
A: Not necessarily. While the trait offers an initial health bonus, this advantage diminishes as you level up. The trait is best suited for melee or unarmed builds, especially when paired with the Martial Arts skill that can disarm opponents, due to the extended oxygen levels allowing more power attacks.
