Constellation Log — Va'ruun'kai Operations
Shattered Space: The Complete DLC Guide
Starfield's first story expansion, Shattered Space, transports you to the hidden homeworld of House Va'ruun — Va'ruun'kai — a handcrafted planet wrapped in gravitational anomalies and political intrigue. This guide covers everything from starting the DLC to mastering the new Void Powers and optimizing your ship for deep-space encounters.
I. How to Start Shattered Space
Requirements:
- Own the Shattered Space DLC (free for Premium/Constellation Edition owners)
- Complete the base game's first mission: "One Small Step"
- Recommended level: 35 (Bethesda's official recommendation)
Trigger: Grav-jump to any system that is not flagged for an active mission or encounter — a "blank" system with no quest markers. A distress call from the orbital station The Oracle will automatically trigger, adding the DLC questline to your log. Board the Oracle to begin.
II. New Void Powers
| Power | Effect | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Void Form | Full invisibility + 100% crit chance for 8 seconds | Stealth builds, boss burst phases |
| Gravity Well | Creates a singularity that pulls and damages enemies | Crowd control, grouping enemies for AoE |
| Vortex Shield | Absorbs projectiles, reflects as energy blast | Countering heavy-gunner enemies |
| Particle Beam | Continuous beam weapon that ignores shields | Ship combat against shielded vessels |
III. Best Weapons & Gear on Va'ruun'kai
| Item | Type | How to Obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Va'ruun Starshard | Particle Rifle | Complete "A House Divided" faction quest |
| Serpent's Fang | Melee Blade | Found in the Oracle med-bay locker (level 45+) |
| Zealot's Mantle | Spacesuit | Drops from Zealot captains, 200+ phys/energy resist |
| Gravitic Torpedoes | Ship Weapon | Dazra ship vendor after completing main story |
IV. Key Decision Points & Endings
The Council Choice
During "A House Divided," you must choose which Va'ruun council faction to support. House Ka'dic favors military expansion into Settled Systems space. House Dul'kef advocates isolationism and preserving Va'ruun tradition. Your choice affects the entire second half of the DLC — Ka'dic supporters face more combat encounters but get the Va'ruun Starshard earlier. Dul'kef unlocks additional dialogue and a unique ship part.
The Serpent's Fate
The final mission presents a binary choice: release the Great Serpent entity (unlocking Vortex Shield power permanently) or seal it (unlocking Particle Beam for your ship). You cannot get both in one playthrough. NG+ runs let you experience the other path.
V. Ship Building for Shattered Space
Va'ruun'kai's gravity wells damage unshielded ships. Prioritize shield capacity over hull. The White Dwarf Reactor paired with Delta Wings maintains class-A mobility even with 5000+ cargo. Gravitic Torpedoes — purchasable after the main story — bypass shields entirely and are the best anti-Va'ruun ship weapon available.