The galaxy is avast collection of star systemswith innumerable resources and items to discover and examine. But a big part of theresource-collection processrevolves around completing research projects inStarfield. If players want thebest equipment,better modifications, and tobuild the best outpostimaginable, it all starts with research.

Starfield: 15 Best Weapons, Ranked

There are so many different weapons to experiment with in Starfield. Here are the very best of them.

But it’s not enough to max out thebasic research projects. If you have completed the current projects and are looking for more to sink your teeth into, there’s a Special Projects perk that unlocksadditional research opportunitiesfor late-game and high-tier unlocks. Here’s how to make the most out of Special Projects!

Starfield - Weapons Feature-1

Updated by Jeff Brooks on June 20, 2025: This guide has been updated to include new links throughout to help guide readers to relevant and valuable content to enhance their Starfield experience.

What Is The Special Projects Skill?

Special Projects in Starfield is a Master-level skill under the Science Skill Tree.To unlock it, players must spend 12 skill points in the Science tree beforehand.This does require a focused investment inthis particular skill tree, which naturally means that you’ll have to sacrifice progress in other skill trees early on if you want to unlock Special Projects quickly.

Like most other skills in the game, Special Projects features four tiers:

Starfield Special Projects

Starfield: 10 Best Weapon Types, Ranked

Weapon types can make all the difference in Starfield. If you want to know which tools are right for the job, we’ve got you covered!

Is Special Projects Worth Investing In?

Absolutely! While it’s not immediately useful, like Boost Pack Training or Ballistics, Special Projects unlocks the ability to craft rare components necessary for high-end crafting and weapon modifications.For instance, at Tier 4 of Special Projects, players will unlock the ability to craft Sterile Nanotubes, Microsecond Regulators, and Nuclear Fuel Rods. These components prove extremely useful when crafting outpost construction items, like improved generators.

Every Crafting Component Special Projects Unlocks

Special Projects unlocks a large variety of components to craft with every tier. The higher your tier in the perk, the more you can craft. It’s straightforward enough and opens a lot of doors when constructing outposts or building new weapon modifications, for instance.

Common and Uncommon Components

Adaptive Frame

Austenitic Manifold

Comm Relay

Isoenceted Magnet

Isotopic Coolant

Mag Pressure Tank

Monopropellant

Polytextile

Reactive Gauge

Tau Grade Rheostat

Rare Components

Drilling Rig

Molecular Sieve

Paramagnon Conductor

Positron Battery

Semimetal Wafer

Supercooled Magnet

Zero-G Gimbal

Exotic Components

Control Rod

Microsecond Regulator

Nuclear Fuel Rod

Power Circuit

Sterile Nanotubes

Next:Starfield: Best Early Game Skills

All five weapon types from Starfield are displayed in a grid

Starfield Research Lab

Starfield Crafting Manufacturing 2 At Research Station