Hello, future hero of the Settled Systems! Are you ready to take your place among the finest volunteer fleet in the United Colonies? Do you have what it takes to defend humanity from the unknown threats lurking in the vastness of space? Then the UC Vanguard is the place for you!
Joining the UC Vanguard is a fantastic way to dive deep into Starfield's lore, earn some valuable rewards, and experience an exciting questline. This isn't just about shooting bad guys; it's about becoming a citizen, fighting for a cause, and seeing a different side of the United Colonies.
So, buckle up, because here is your comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to join the UC Vanguard in Starfield!
Step 1: Get to New Atlantis and Find Commander Tuala
First things first, you need to be in the heart of the United Colonies. If you've been following the main Constellation questline, you'll naturally be led to New Atlantis on the planet Jemison. If not, simply jump to the Alpha Centauri system and set a course for Jemison.
Once you land in New Atlantis, your destination is the MAST District. The easiest way to get there is by taking the NAT tram from the Spaceport. The MAST building is a massive, unmissable skyscraper. When you get off the tram, look for the large, futuristic building.
Inside the MAST lobby, you'll find Commander Tuala at a recruitment desk. He's hard to miss, usually standing to the left of the main entrance, engaging with potential recruits. Approach him and he will give you the sales pitch for the UC Vanguard, a civilian fleet that volunteers to protect the United Colonies.
You can speak with him about joining at any time, but if you're following the main story, you'll likely meet him naturally during the "The Old Neighborhood" mission with Sarah Morgan.
Step 2: Sign the Enlistment Agreement
So, you've heard the pitch and you're ready to commit. Excellent.
Commander Tuala will direct you to a nearby elevator and tell you to head down to the Vanguard Orientation Hall. Take the elevator and step out into a sprawling museum dedicated to the history of the United Colonies and the Vanguard.
Before you get to the fun part, you have some paperwork to do.
Sub-heading: Registration Terminal
As you exit the elevator, you'll see a Vanguard Registration terminal. Interact with it. You'll need to read through the lengthy Enlistment Agreement. You can just spam the 'A' button (or equivalent) to get through it quickly, but it's a great opportunity to learn more about the UC's history and the purpose of the Vanguard. You must accept the terms of the agreement to proceed.
Important: Make sure you don't have any outstanding bounties with the United Colonies. If you do, you'll need to pay them off before you can sign up.
Sub-heading: Explore the Orientation Hall (Optional but Recommended!)
Once you've signed the agreement, you can walk through the rest of the Orientation Hall. This is a fantastic, if slightly long, exhibit that details the major historical events of the Settled Systems, including the Colony War and the rise of the various factions. You'll find buttons at various displays. Pressing them will play audio logs and provide a deeper understanding of the world you're exploring.
This is an optional step, but it's highly recommended. Not only is it a lore goldmine, but Commander Tuala will be more impressed with you at the end of the mission if you take the time to learn the history. It's a nice touch that adds to the immersion.
Step 3: Pass the Piloting Exam in the Simulator
Now for the real test! After you've navigated the history lesson, take the elevator at the end of the hall to the Vanguard Examination Chamber. This is where you'll prove your piloting skills.
Sub-heading: Speak to the Exam Proctor and Prepare
In the Examination Chamber, you'll find the Vanguard Pilot Simulator. Before you jump in, speak to Exam Proctor Samuelson. He'll explain the rules: you need to defeat at least three waves of simulated enemy ships to pass. However, there are a total of six tiers you can attempt. The more tiers you complete, the better your final score and the more credits you'll receive.
Take a moment to prepare. Look around the room. You'll find a small break room area to the right. Here you can find a Skill Magazine: Vanguard Space Tactics which permanently increases your ship missile damage. Pick it up! It's a free perk that will help you in the simulator.
Sub-heading: Master the Simulated Combat
Enter the pilot's seat and prepare for a dogfight!
Tier 1: A single, low-level ship. Easy to take down. Use this as a warm-up.
Tier 2: Two slightly more challenging ships. Focus on one at a time.
Tier 3: Two more aggressive ships. This is the minimum requirement to pass.
Tier 4-6: These tiers get progressively more difficult, with multiple, high-level ships.
Tips for the Simulator:
Power Management: Before you start, re-allocate power pips. Maximize your shields, weapons (both lasers and ballistics), and engines. You don't need power to the Grav Drive in the simulator.
Weapon Usage: Use your lasers to deplete enemy shields, then switch to ballistics to destroy their hull. Fire missiles when you have a lock-on for massive damage.
Maneuvering: Use your boost (L-Shift by default) to evade incoming missiles. If a ship flies past you, quickly reduce your speed and use your thrusters to make a tight turn and get back on their tail. Use asteroids for cover!
Debug Tools: On a console near the pilot's seat, you can access "Debug Tools". With one point in the Security skill, you can use the "Authorized Users Only" option to give yourself permanent buffs for the entire simulation, including improved shields, weapons, and even an allied ship. This can make the higher tiers much more manageable.
You can fail and retry as many times as you like. Don't worry if you struggle; just reset and try again. Your highest score is the one that counts.
Step 4: Swear the Oath and Become a Provisional Member
Once you've passed the exam (by completing at least three tiers), exit the simulator and head back to the MAST lobby to speak with Commander Tuala. He will review your performance. If you completed more than three tiers, he'll be particularly impressed.
You'll receive a reward in credits based on your performance, with the top score (completing Tier 6) netting you a hefty sum of 20,000 credits!
Finally, Tuala will have you swear the UC Vanguard oath in a brief ceremony outside the MAST building. This is the moment you officially become a provisional member of the UC Vanguard. He'll then give you your first probationary mission, "Grunt Work," which will truly kick off your adventures with the faction.
Congratulations, Captain! You are now a part of the UC Vanguard!
Related FAQ
Here are 10 common questions that new recruits often have:
How to find Commander Tuala?
Commander Tuala is located in the lobby of the MAST building in the MAST District of New Atlantis, Jemison. He is at a recruitment desk on the left side of the main hall.
How to get to the MAST District?
Take the NAT tram from the New Atlantis Spaceport. The MAST District is one of the available stops.
How to pass the UC Vanguard piloting exam easily?
Focus on power management, prioritize your targets (shields with lasers, hull with ballistics), and use your boost to dodge missiles. If you have the Security skill, use the Debug Tools in the simulator for buffs.
How to get the most credits from the Vanguard exam?
Complete all six tiers of the piloting simulator. This is challenging but will earn you the maximum credit reward from Commander Tuala.
How to get the Vanguard Space Tactics magazine?
It is located in a small break room area inside the Vanguard Examination Chamber, right before you enter the piloting simulator.
How to start the UC Vanguard questline?
The questline begins with the mission "Supra Et Ultra," which you start by talking to Commander Tuala in New Atlantis and agreeing to join.
How to become a full UC Vanguard member?
You are a provisional member after completing "Supra Et Ultra." You need to complete your probationary mission, "Grunt Work," to become a full member and continue the questline.
How to get the best rewards from the UC Vanguard questline?
Beyond the initial credit reward, completing the entire questline, which culminates in "A Legacy Forged," will grant you a highly sought-after penthouse apartment in New Atlantis, access to powerful anti-xeno armor, and other benefits.
How to deal with Terrormorphs in the Vanguard quests?
Terrormorphs are a major threat. They are vulnerable to EM weapons. Be prepared with a good EM weapon, use your boost pack to stay mobile, and target their weak points.
How to get a penthouse apartment in New Atlantis?
You will be awarded a penthouse apartment in Mercury Tower, New Atlantis, after you complete the UC Vanguard questline. Speak to Commander Tuala after the final mission to receive the key.