The best planets for your first outpost in Starfield

Choose planets based on available resources like iron, aluminum, and helium-3 for early game outpost locations. Scan from orbit.
Avoid planets with extreme environments like heat or cold until you unlock later skills to mitigate them.
Callisto and Io in the Sol system are great starter choices with iron and helium-3 deposits.
Pontus in the Olympus system has aluminum, helium-3, and rare beryllium deposits in close proximity.
Maheo II and Zamka have tons of resources but can be overwhelming for a first outpost location.

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Relevant topic timeline:

9/4/2023

How to build Starfield outposts: Best locations & extra storage explained

Base building in Starfield is a straightforward way to extend gameplay and create outposts, but it's important to unlock different ranks of Planetary Habitation and build turrets for protection, while assigning companions and characters to enhance resource output and research.

9/11/2023

New Starfield Guide Details How to Build and Customize Outposts

To find your Outpost in Starfield, open up the system map and look for a trapezoid symbol with a door cut out above the system, then select the system and click on the planet to see your Outpost listed.