So, you got yourself a bounty on your head in Starfield and you’re looking for a way to clear your name. The authorities are after you, bounty hunters are on the hunt, and you’re severely limited on where you can go within the Settled Systems. There are solutions, however, for Starfield does allow its players to get rid of their bounties, much like with some of Bethesda’s previous titles whenever legal trouble came knocking at our doors.
Of course, you’re going to need to commit to clearing your name if you wish to get rid of the price that’s associated with your name and reputation. Bounties don’t go away on their own; the statute of limitations isn’t apparent in space, so don’t expect the United Colonies and Freestar Collective to just forget about your criminal activity. Strangely enough, the concept of time and space won’t affect your bounties as well, no matter how long you choose to hide and wait it out. Therefore, you’ll need to wipe away your bounties if you’re looking to progress through Starfield without a price that has your name on it.
How to Clear Bounty in Starfield
Starfield players can get rid of their bounties by simply visiting any Trackers Alliance Bounty Clearance Service kiosk in the Settled Systems. These stations are typically located in major cities and civilian outposts, where the human population is very much active and cognizant. They’re distinguished by a typical Starfield kiosk that comes complete with a computer to accept your credits for payment(s).
To clear your bounty, interact with one of these kiosks to initiate the Starware Operating System. You are then quickly brought to the clearance screen, allowing you to swiftly pay off your bounty or accumulated criminal record. Spend the necessary credits, and you’re good to go. It’s as easy as that.
List of Bounty Kiosks
While you can find these kiosks in major cities and civilian outposts, here are a few locations to take note of whenever you travel in Starfield, complete with their associated factions:
- Akila City – Hitching Post Bar on planet Akila in the Cheyenne system. Freestar Collective. Akila City is also the capital of the Freestar Collective.
- Neon – Astral Lounge on planet Volii Alpha in the Volii system. Freestar Collective.
- New Atlantis – Viewpoint Bar on planet Jemison in the Alpha Centauri system. United Colonies.
- Cydonia – Broken Spear Bar on planet Mars in the Sol system. United Colonies.
- HopeTown – The Pit Stop on planet Polvo in the Valo system. Independent.
- Trident Staryard – Luxury line cruising around planet Akila in the Cheyenne system. Freestar Collective.
However, you can’t do this at any kiosk in the Settled Systems, depending on who is after you. If the United Colonies is after you, then you cannot settle your fines within any of their patrolled systems without the law on your six. Even if you choose to change your face, your reputation will haunt you as long as you have a bounty. The same goes for the Freestar Collective, though you can visit the opposing factions’ systems to wipe away your bounty if you don’t have any beef with the ones you’re visiting.
Granted, this is a little confusing at first, but you can reassure yourself by accessing your Starmap to see which systems are controlled by whom. The top right of the screen indicates whether or not you have an active bounty. If you do, it will display the amount of credits that you’re wanted for in Starfield. You can avoid this by visiting an independent system, one that is free from United Colonies and Freestar Collective authority and control.
Evidently, by doing this, you’ll have to pay an extra fine, so keep this in mind. They call it a “convenience fee” if you’re looking to evade further issues with a bounty in Starfield.
Expert Tip
It’s highly recommended that you do not engage in combat with the authorities if you’re not embarking on a villainous path in Starfield. If you refuse to cooperate with the authorities, they might either take you away to jail or attack you if you choose to be hostile. Not only will they fight back, but your bounty will increase, your companion will disapprove of your actions and depart, and nearby forces will aid in taking you down. Stick with the negotiation and persuasion routes to avoid further trouble for your bounty.
Should you cooperate with the law, you’ll have your illegal and stolen goods confiscated to complement the bounty that you’ve been carrying around. On top of your physical loss, your character will receive a penalty that results in the loss of XP. The law won’t be on your six, but this might set you back a bit in Starfield, depending on what crimes you’ve committed.
Removing a Bounty at Outposts
If none of the locations mentioned above are to your liking for one reason or another, you can always choose to make your own kiosk at any of your established Outposts in Starfield. Indeed, instead of stopping by one of the stationed clearance services in the Settled Systems, you can craft one within your Outpost for easier and uninterrupted access.
To craft one, designated as the Self-Service Bounty Clearance kiosk in the Miscellaneous section in Build Mode, assemble the following items:
- Aluminum (x4)
- Beryllium (x2)
- Zero Wire (x2)
From there, place the Outpost’s newest kiosk wherever you please within its vicinity. You can then access the computer to help clear your name in the Settled Systems.
What you do next is up to you in terms of clearing your name. Whether you choose to get into more trouble or if you accidentally kill the wrong person, you now know where to go to wipe away any legal fines. Just try not to rack up too high of a price for causing chaos in Starfield – leave that to the Spacers and the Crimson Fleet.
