Have you ever found yourself under attack by UC and Freestar in the expansive realm of Starfield and wondered why they’re targeting you? This guide will unravel the motives behind UC and Freestar’s relentless assaults. Discover the triggers that lead these factions to attack players seemingly at random and gain valuable insights into how to avoid becoming their unexpected prey. So, what drives UC and Freestar to attack you in Starfield? Let’s delve into the mysteries and equip you with the knowledge to navigate this galactic challenge.
Why Is Starfield UC & Freestar Collective Attacking?
You encounter UC and Freestar attacks in Starfield due to crimes, bounties, missions, or accidental engagement.
In the vast universe of Starfield, players often find themselves under fire from two enigmatic factions: UC (United Colonies) and the Freestar Collective. But why do these groups attack you seemingly at random? Let’s explore the reasons behind their hostility and discover how to avoid becoming their target.
Committing Crimes in Faction Territories
In Starfield‘s unforgiving world, specific actions can provoke severe consequences. Engaging in criminal activities such as theft, smuggling, or piracy within faction territories is a surefire way to catch their attention. These crimes include:
- Murdering NPCs outside of quest requirements.
- Engaging in piracy by stealing cargo from traveling ships.
- Smuggling contraband within faction space.
- Attempting pickpocketing or theft and getting caught.
- Selling or using chems and getting caught in the act.
Committing any of these offenses can lead to your arrest, and if you resist, it will result in bounties being placed on your head.
Having a Pending Bounty by UC or Freestar Collective
As mentioned earlier, engaging in open theft, pickpocketing, or attacks on security or citizens within faction-controlled areas will result in bounties on your head. When you hover over a star system, your bonus and the colonizing faction’s name will be visible on the star map. When you enter their territory, you may be recognized and attacked if you fail to comply. These faction bounties apply to all star systems under their control.
Joining Crimson Fleet & Running Their Missions
Some players have encountered a peculiar bug in the game. Participating in missions for the Crimson Fleet, a faction hostile to UC and the Freestar Collective, can lead to these factions tagging you as an ‘enemy.’ This may trigger random attacks. While this bug is not universal, it has been reported in various comments and Reddit posts, indicating its existence.
Attacking UC or Freestar Collective Ships amid Space Battles

Image source: Bethesda Softworks via Gigascreens
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The universe of Starfield can be unpredictable. Sometimes, when you jump into a star system controlled by UC or the Freestar Collective, another faction initiates an attack. If you inadvertently engage with the wrong side during the battle, you may find UC or the Freestar Collective turning their weapons on you. Killing one of them can result in a bounty on your head.
Now that we’ve uncovered the reasons behind these attacks let’s explore steps to prevent UC and Freestar Collective from targeting you in Starfield:
- Pay off your bounty: If you have a catch with either faction, visit any space station to clear it. Once your prize is settled, UC and the Freestar Collective will no longer consider you hostile.
- Stop committing crimes: To avoid trouble with these factions, refrain from committing crimes against them. This includes theft, attacking their ships, and trespassing on their territory.
- Break your alliance: If you’ve encountered the Crimson Fleet bug, load a previous save and sever your ties with any factions hostile to UC or the Freestar Collective. This may halt the random attacks.
- Leave the system: If you are under attack in UC or Freestar Collective territory, consider leaving the system to avoid further confrontation.
- Stay vigilant: Be mindful of UC and Freestar Collective ships and personnel in their territories. Avoid confrontation whenever possible.
- Respect their territory: Do not trespass on UC and Freestar Collective territory or steal from their ships. Respect their boundaries to maintain peace.
- Promptly pay bounties: If you incur compensation, settle it promptly to avoid further hostilities.
With these strategies, you can navigate the intricate world of Starfield more smoothly and reduce the chances of becoming a target for UC and the Freestar Collective’s aggression. Explore DreamFox’s YouTube channel for insights and gameplay videos.