What to know
- Quantum Essence is a rare resource dropped by Starborn enemies and ships.
- You need at least 10 Quantum Essence to craft the Quantum Entanglement Device.
- The device lets you carry items into New Game Plus (Unity).
- Farming Starborn ships is currently the fastest way to gather Essence.
If you are planning to step into New Game Plus in Starfield, understanding Quantum Essence and the Quantum Entanglement Device is absolutely essential. With the latest updates, this system has become one of the most important progression mechanics, letting you carry valuable gear forward and power up your character far more efficiently than before.
Here is a quick overview of Quantum Essence and the device:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Resource Name | Quantum Essence |
| Primary Source | Starborn enemies & ships |
| Main Use | Crafting & upgrading Quantum Entanglement Device |
| Crafting Cost | 10 Quantum Essence + materials |
| Device Function | Carry items into New Game Plus |
| Max Capacity | Upgradable up to ~200 mass |
| Additional Uses | Upgrade powers, boost regeneration |
Understanding what Quantum Essence actually does
Quantum Essence is no longer just a temporary combat boost—it is now a core progression currency in Starfield’s late game. Originally used to increase Starborn power regeneration, it has evolved into something much more impactful.
When you defeat Starborn enemies or destroy Starborn ships, you earn Quantum Essence. This resource does not sit in your regular inventory; instead, it is managed through your powers interface.
The biggest change is that Quantum Essence now directly powers New Game Plus progression systems, including crafting and upgrading the Quantum Entanglement Device. It also allows you to improve Starborn abilities without replaying temples repeatedly, which dramatically changes how you approach endgame grinding.
How to unlock the Quantum Entanglement Device
Unlocking the Quantum Entanglement Device is tied to late-game progression, specifically around the Unity and Starborn mechanics. You will not access it early in your playthrough. Here is how to craft the Quantum Entanglement device step by step:
Step 1
Collect every Artifact to complete the main quest up to building the Armillary at The Lodge.
Step 2
Enter Unity via Armillary; return to your ship/Lodge room for the schematic datapad (50 mass, auto-receives).
Step 3
Gather materials: Defeat Starborn for 10 Quantum Essence; buy/craft 1 Adaptive Frame (Jemison outpost), 1 Isocentered Magnet (research labs), 1 Tau Grade Rheostat (advanced vendors).
Step 4
Craft at Lodge workbench; place items inside pre-Unity, then jump—items persist in NG+.
Step 5
Feed extra Essence to expand slots for weapons, suits, or Aid items.
How to farm Quantum Essence efficiently
If you try to rely only on temple encounters, farming will feel slow. You need a better strategy.
Defeating Starborn at temples
Every time you complete a temple, a Starborn enemy appears and drops one Quantum Essence. This is reliable but limited and tied to progression.
Destroying Starborn ships (best method)
The fastest and most repeatable farming method is space combat.
With recent updates, Starborn ships now drop Quantum Essence when destroyed, making them a consistent farming source.
Main story encounters
You will also earn some Quantum Essence naturally while progressing through story missions involving Starborn, but these are limited and non-repeatable.
What the Quantum Entanglement Device actually does
The Quantum Entanglement Device allows you to carry items into New Game Plus, which fundamentally changes how you prepare for the Unity.
Instead of starting from scratch, you can store gear and bring it with you. However, there are limits.
Core features
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Item Transfer | Carry selected gear into next universe |
| Base Capacity | ~50 mass |
| Upgrade System | Increase capacity using more Quantum Essence |
| Max Capacity | Around 200 mass |
| Restrictions | Credits cannot be transferred |
This means you should carefully choose what to carry forward—typically weapons, armor, or rare resources.
How to upgrade the device capacity
- The base capacity is very limited, so upgrading is crucial.
- After crafting the device, continue farming Quantum Essence.
- Return to The Lodge and invest Essence into upgrades.
- Increase capacity gradually to carry more items into New Game Plus.
The more Essence you invest, the stronger your next playthrough becomes, especially if you bring optimized gear.
Additional uses of Quantum Essence you should not ignore
While the device is the main focus, Quantum Essence has other powerful uses.
| Use | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Power Upgrades | Rank up Starborn abilities without temples |
| Combat Boost | Faster power regeneration for 60 seconds |
| NG+ Preparation | Strengthen builds before Unity |
Upgrading powers directly is one of the biggest quality-of-life improvements, removing the need for repetitive temple grinding.
Best strategy before entering Unity
You should not rush into New Game Plus without preparation.
The ideal order is:
- Craft the Quantum Entanglement Device
- Fill it with your best gear
- Upgrade its capacity
- Upgrade your key powers
- Save leftover Essence
This approach ensures your next cycle starts significantly stronger instead of feeling like a reset.
Quantum Essence has transformed from a niche mechanic into one of Starfield’s most important endgame systems. If you take the time to farm it efficiently and invest it wisely, you can completely reshape how New Game Plus feels.
The Quantum Entanglement Device is a strategic advantage. With proper planning, you can carry your strongest gear forward, skip repetitive grinding, and build a far more powerful character across cycles.
