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Starfield Raised Enlightened or Raised Universal: Which trait is better?

Updated: Sep 6, 2023 2:10 pm
Starfield Raised Enlightened or Raised Universal: Which trait is better?

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Is it better to be Raised Enlightened or Raised Universal in Starfield? This choice is presented at the start of the game. The Enlightened and Universal traits can be selected during character creation but only one can be chosen.

There are plenty of other traits you can select from such as hero worshipped, empath, introvert, kid stuff, and dream home. Of course, most of these work together but some, like the religious traits, conflict. Does one offer better rewards than the other? Does it affect your missions?

Does being Enlightened allow you to go to different planets? Does being Universal affect your crew cost or companions? These religion traits stick out amongst the others on the list. What is the difference between them? Is it better to be Raised enlightened or Raised Universal in Starfield?

What is the difference between the Raised Enlightened and Raised Universal traits in Starfield?

The Raised Enlightened and Raised Universal traits are different despite them sounding the same. These traits have the following effects:

  • Raised Enlightened – You grew up as a member of the Enlightened. You gain access to a special chest full of items in the House of the Enlightened in New Atlantis, but lose access to the Sanctum Universum chest. (Can’t be combined with any other religion trait.)
  • Raised Universal – You grew up as a member of the Sanctum Universum. You gain access to a special chest full of items in the Sanctum Universum in New Atlantis, but lose access to the House of the Enlightened chest. (Can’t be combined with any other religion trait.)

If you are wondering what is in each of the chests that you get access to, you will get the following items depending on the trait you choose:

  • Raised Enlightened Chest Contents:
    • Med Packs
    • Penicillin
    • Water Drink Pack
    • Settler Poncho
    • Charity in a Godless Universe, Part I
    • Charity in a Godless Universe, Part II
    • Charity in a Godless Universe, Part III
    • Charity in a Godless Universe, Part IV
  • Raised Universal Chest Contents:
    • Med Packs
    • Addichrone
    • Festive Neocity Poncho
    • Boom Pop! Orange
    • Sanctum Universum, Vol I
    • Sanctum Universum, Vol II
    • Sanctum Universum, Vol III

Is it better to choose the Raised Enlightened or the Raised Universal trait in Starfield?

When choosing between these two traits, we think that the Raised Universal trait is slightly better than the Raised Enlightened trait. First, you can access your chest quicker in the story since the chest location is in the MAST District of New Atlantis.

Second, throughout the story, you will also interact with multiple Universal characters which gives you access to more dialogue options.

Finally, the outfit from the chest will make it so you consume less oxygen by giving you an increase in your O2 recovery rate.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. You can also choose to not have either trait and instead choose something like extrovert, serpent’s embrace, or Terra Firma. Keep in mind, that none of these traits will get you that annual pass to the Universal Sanctum theme park where you can visit the space wizards at Starwarts.


Aden is an avid gamer with a love for RPGs. He isn't afraid to scour the dungeon or raid the castle.

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