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Starfield Skill Book locations for bonuses

Our in-progress guide to all Skill Book/Magazine locations.

edited image of red and white skill books on a blurred promo image of a rocky planet
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks

Skill Books in Starfield are the named magazines you find throughout your interstellar travels, with each giving you a different Skill Bonus.

It's a good idea to pick up Skill Books when you see them in Starfield, as they have a wide range of benefits, from increasing carry capacity, to reducing fall damage, to improving weapons - and that's just naming a few perks!

To help give you an edge while exploring the Settled Systems and beyond, we've got Skill Book locations in Starfield detailed below, including Mining Monthly, Peak Performance, and Constellation Guide locations.

Please note that this is an in-progress guide, so we'll update this page when we find more Skill Books.

Update: We added 15 more Skill Book locations on 14th September.

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If you’d like more help in your galactic adventures, visit our Starfield guides, tips and tricks page.

How to use Skill Books in Starfield

The great thing about them is that you only need to pick up Skill Books to use them in Starfield. The bonus you get is a permanent buff to your current character, so you don't even need to keep them in your inventory to take advantage of Skill Books.

menu image of varuun scripture skill book
Skill Books don't weigh anything, but you might want to get rid of some clutter. | Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks

You can even sell Skill Books for some quick Credits without losing their bonuses if you want - but they only go for 100 Credits each - but every little helps if you picked the Dream Home trait!

We tested this out by dropping our increased carry weight Skill Books, and then checking to make sure the number didn't change.

Starfield Combatech Catalog locations

If on a mobile device, scroll to the right of the table below to see a picture if you need more help finding a Combatech Catalog Skill Book.

Here's all of the Combatech Catalog locations in Starfield that we've found so far:

Skill Book Planet/Moon Landmark Location Bonus Picture
Combatech Catalog 02 Phobos (orbiting) - Sol star system UC Vigilance ship On a table under a monitor in a side room of the Operations Center. You need to take an elevator up to this room (the UC Vigilance might only be dockable after it you're caught with Contraband for the first time) Slightly increases the range and accuracy of CombaTech weapons
first person view of combatech catalog skill book
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
Combatech Catalog 03 Polvo - Valo star system Hopetown - Best Defense Take a right at the spaceport to find the Best Defense building. The Book is on a shelf near ammo containers inside the store Slightly increases the range and accuracy of CombaTech weapons
first person view of combatech catalog skill book on a shelf near ammo boxes
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks

Starfield Constellation Guide locations

If on a mobile device, scroll to the right of the table below to see a picture if you need more help finding a Constellation Guide Skill Book.

Here's all of the Constellation Guide locations in Starfield that we've found so far:

Skill Book Planet/Moon Landmark Location Bonus Picture
Constellation Guide 01 Jemison - Alpha Centauri star system New Atlantis - The Lodge On a standing desk by the floating Artifacts in The Lodge's main room Permanently reduces fall damage by 5%
first person view of constellation skill book
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
Constellation Guide 03 Cassiopeia I - ETA Cassiopeia system Dauntless Crew's Crash Site (companion story) You need to continue with Sarah's companion mission to unlock the 'Dauntless Crew's Crash Site'. When you get here, the Skill Book is on the dining table in the middle of building up the ramps (you will come here as part of Sarah's mission) Permanently use 15% less O2 while moving when overencumbered
first person view of a constellation guide skill book on a round cluttered table
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
Constellation Guide 04 Deepala (orbiting) - Narion system The Clinic Easily obtainable as part of the Surgical Strike mission. The Skill Book is on the table between the seats on the left side of reception Permanently use 15% less O2 while moving when overencumbered
first person view of looking at a skill book on  tbale between chairs in a white room
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks

Starfield Cyber Runner's Cipher locations

If on a mobile device, scroll to the right of the table below to see a picture if you need more help finding a Cyber Runner's Cipher Skill Book.

Here's all of the Cyber Runner's Cipher locations in Starfield that we've found so far:

Skill Book Planet/Moon Landmark Location Bonus Picture
Cyber Runner's Cipher 01 Volii Alpha - Volii star system Neon (Core main hub area) - Slayton Aerospace Go to the Trade Tower at the end of Neon's Core hub area (in the direction of GalBank and Terrabrew) and take the elevator on the ground floor of the tower to Slayton Aerospace. The Skill Book is on a coffee table on the left-hand side of the main lobby. Adds a bankable auto-attempt for hacking
first person view of cyber runners cipher skill book on a brown coffee table in a building lobby
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
Cyber Runner's Cipher 02 Jemison - Alpha Centauri star system New Atlantis - The Well (via Spaceport elevator) On a desk in Apex Electronics store Laser weapons permanently do 5% more critical damage
first person view of cyber runners cipher skill book
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
Cyber Runner's Cipher 04 Volii Alpha - Volii star system Neon (Core main hub area) - Volii Hotel You need to rent a room for 300 Credits to get the key to enter the room on the second floor of the Volii Hotel. The Skill Book is on a table in front of you as you enter the room. Adds a bankable auto-attempt for hacking
first person view of cyber runners cipher skill book on a silver table between two red chairs
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks

Starfield Freestar Captain's Log locations

If on a mobile device, scroll to the right of the table below to see a picture if you need more help finding a Freestar Captain's Log Skill Book.

Here's all of the Freestar Captain's Log locations in Starfield that we've found so far:

Skill Book Planet/Moon Landmark Location Bonus Picture
Freestar Captain's Log 03 Akila - Cheyenne star system Akila City - Consulate On a round glass table in the room behind Aaron Permanently increases carry capacity by 5kg
first person view of captains log skill book
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks

Starfield Gunslinger's Guide locations

If on a mobile device, scroll to the right of the table below to see a picture if you need more help finding a Gunslinger's Guide Skill Book.

Here's all of the Gunslinger's Guide locations in Starfield that we've found so far:

Skill Book Planet/Moon Landmark Location Bonus Picture
Gunslinger's Guide 01 Akila - Cheyenne star system Akila City - The Rock On a table between two red chairs, outside of Marshall Daniel Blake's office, same floor as the Ranger's sleeping quarters and meeting room. The Rock is the large building in front of the main square Permanently reload and draw Laredo weapons 5% faster
first person view of gunslinger guide skill book
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
Gunslinger's Guide 02 Akila - Cheyenne star system Akila City - Sinclair's Books On a tall wooden table to the right of the store's entrance. Take the path left of the statue in Akila's main square then go has the church to find Sinclair's Book. Permanently reload and draw Laredo weapons an additional 5% faster
first person view of gunslinger guide
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
Gunslinger's Guide 03 Polvo - Valo star system Hopetown - Freestar Rangers building Take a right at the spaceport to find and enter the Freestar Rangers building. The Skill Book is on the set of chairs to the right as you enter. Permanently reload and draw Laredo weapons an additional 5% faster
first person view of a gunslingers guide skill book on a set of white waiting chairs
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
Gunslinger's Guide 04 Volii Alpha - Volii star system Neon (Core main hub area) - Freestar Rangers building Enter the bulding and go up the stairs to find this Skill Book on the table beside the bed. Permanently reload and draw Laredo weapons an additional 5% faster
first person view of gunslingers guide skill book on a bedside table
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
Gunslinger's Guide 05 Jemison - Alpha Centauri star system New Atlantis (MAST area) - Freestar Rangers Embassy Take the elevator to the main part of the building to find this Skill Book on a round glass table in the small room at the top of the stairs (you will be tresspassing on Freestar Territory by entering this room unless you're affiliated with the Rangers) Permanently reload and draw Laredo weapons an additional 5% faster
first person view of gunslingers guide skill book on a round glass coffee table
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks

Starfield Mining Monthly locations

If on a mobile device, scroll to the right of the table below to see a picture if you need more help finding a Mining Monthly Skill Book.

Here's all of the Mining Monthly locations in Starfield that we've found so far:

Skill Book Planet/Moon Landmark Location Bonus Picture
Mining Monthly Issue 01 Piazzi IV-C - Piazzi star system Abandoned Mine On a desk in a small building with an airlock entrance, to the left of Deep Cave building entrance (not the airlock up the tall tower) Permanently increases tool-grip weapon damage by 2%
first person view of mining monthly skill book
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
Mining Monthly Issue 07 Mars - Sol star system Cydonia - Residential On a dining table in the Miner's Quarters Permanently increases tool-grip weapon damage by 2%
first person view of mining monthly skill book
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
Mining Monthly Issue 10 Tau Ceti VIII-b (moon of Tau Ceti VIII) - Tau Ceti star system Deserted Robotics Lab Easily accessible during 'Into the Unknown' main mission. In the lab, head into the break room and then the room on the right. The Book is on the table between the white and orange chairs Permanently increases tool-grip weapon damage by 2%
third person view of looking at a mining monthly isue skill book in a table between a white and orange chair
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks

Starfield Neon Nights locations

If on a mobile device, scroll to the right of the table below to see a picture if you need more help finding a Neon Nights Skill Book.

Here's all of the Neon Nights locations in Starfield that we've found so far:

Skill Book Planet/Moon Landmark Location Bonus Picture
Neon Nights 02 Volii Alpha - Volii star system Neon (Core main hub area) - Astral Lounge Go to the Trade Tower at the end of Neon's Core hub area (in the direction of GalBank and Terrabrew) and go up the stairs to enter the Astral Lounge. In the lounge, take the elevator up to the VIP section and check Booth 1 to find the Book on a round glass table. Permanently grants the recipe for the chem S.T.E.V.E, which slows down time and increases ranged damage for a limited time
first person view of a neon nights skill book on a glass table in a purple tinted night club booth
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
Neon Nights 03 Volii Alpha - Volii star system Neon (Core main hub area) - CeltCorp Go to the Trade Tower at the end of Neon's Core hub area (in the direction of GalBank and Terrabrew) and take the elevator on the ground floor of the tower to CeltCorp. The Book is on the arm of a sofa in the back, near the cubicles. Permanently grants the recipe for the chem 02 Shot, which increases oxygen regeneration for a limited time
first person view of a neon nights skill book on the arm of a sofa near cubicles
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
Neon Nights 05 Volii Alpha - Volii star system Neon (Core main hub area) - Xenofresh Corporate HQ Go to the Trade Tower at the end of Neon's Core hub area (in the direction of GalBank and Terrabrew) and take the elevator on the ground floor of the tower to Xenofresh Corporate HQ. The Book is in the lobby on table to the right of Amanda Oxendine Permanently grants the recipe for AddiJack, which removes addiction penalties and grants a bonus to researching
first person view of neon nights skill book on table beside silver chairs
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks

Starfield Nova Galactic Manual locations

If on a mobile device, scroll to the right of the table below to see a picture if you need more help finding a Nova Galactic Manual Skill Book.

Here's all of the Nova Galactic Manual locations in Starfield that we've found so far:

Skill Book Planet/Moon Landmark Location Bonus Picture
Nova Galactic Manual 01 Cassiopeia I - ETA Cassiopeia system Sarah's Crash Site - Escape Shuttle 03 Cabin (companion story) You might have to reach a high enough affinity with Sarah Morgan and start her personal quest to get the 'Sarah's Crash Site' landmark. When you do have it, go into the small escape shuttle and look down to find this Skill Book on top of a small white object Permanently reduces fuel needed for a grav jump by 1%
first personview of a nova galactic skill book on top of a white object in a dark room
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
Nova Galactic Manual 02 Luna (orbiting) - Sol star system Nova Galactic Staryard On a computer table on the top floor, up the stairs where a white spaceship is being built Permanently reduces fuel needed for a grav jump by 1%
first person view of nova galactic manual skill book
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
Nova Galactic Manual 03 Jemison - Alpha Centauri star system New Atlantis - MAST (Cabinet Chambers / Interstellar Affairs) Use the MAST building's elevator to go to the 'Cabinet Chambers / Interstellar Affairs' floor where you'll find this Skill Book an the coffee table of Deputy Elisabeth MacIntyre's office Permanently reduces fuel needed for a grav jump by 1%
fires person view of a nova galactic manual skill book on coffee table
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks

Starfield Peak Performance locations

If on a mobile device, scroll to the right of the table below to see a picture if you need more help finding a Peak Performance Skill Book.

Here's all of the Peak Performance locations in Starfield that we've found so far:

Skill Book Planet/Moon Landmark Location Bonus Picture
Peak Performance 01 Jemison (orbiting) - Alpha Centauri star system The Eye Beside a water cooler in the small weightlifting room at Facilities F01 entrance. Permanently increases carrying capacity by 5kg
first person view of peak performance skill book
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks

Starfield Solomon's Adventures locations

If on a mobile device, scroll to the right of the table below to see a picture if you need more help finding a Solomon's Adventures Skill Book.

Here's all of the Solomon's Adventures Manual locations in Starfield that we've found so far:

Skill Book Planet/Moon Landmark Location Bonus Picture
Solomon's Adventures 01 Akila - Cheyenne star system Akila City - Coe Estate On a bedside table in the bedroom Permanently increases weapon damage at night by 5%
first person view of solomons adventures skill book
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
Solomon's Adventures 02 Montara Luna (moon of Montana) - Cheyenne star system Waggoner Farm - Farmhouse Take a left from your ship and go through the farmhouse's door and head up the stairs. Go into the room to the left of the spacesuit workbench to find the Skill Book on cabinet near bunk beds Permanently adds 5% to melee weapon critical damage
first person view of solomons adventures skill book on a cabinet beside bunk beds
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks

Starfield The New Atlantian locations

If on a mobile device, scroll to the right of the table below to see a picture if you need more help finding a New Atlantian Skill Book.

Here's all of The New Atlantian locations in Starfield that we've found so far:

Skill Book Planet/Moon Landmark Location Bonus Picture
The New Atlantian 01 Tau Ceti II - Tau Ceti star system Tau Gourmet Production Center - Building near landing spot On a bench beside two ammo boxes, near a ground floor entrance Permanently grants the recipe for the The Deep food item
first person view of the new atlantian skill book
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
The New Atlantian 02 Voss (moon of Olivas) - Alpha Centauri star system Starstation RE-939 (orbiting Voss) Once you dock, go up the stairs and through the door to the Comms Center. Walk to the other side of this floor and go through the door labeled 'Living'. Take the stairs up and go through the door opposite the stairs and turn right into a small security room. The book is on the table next to a computer and some credsticks Permanently grants the recipe for the Panache food item
first person view of new atlantian skill book on computer desk
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
The New Atlantian 03 Jemison - Alpha Centauri star system New Atlantis - Residential On a balcony table accessed through Pioneer Tower's restaurant/ Pioneer Tower is to the right of the NAT tram station. Permanently grants the recipe for the the Astral Sliders food item
first person view of the new atlantian skill book
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
The New Atlantian 05 Jemison - Alpha Centauri star system New Atlantis - The Well (via Spaceport elevator) On a wooden desk up the stairs in Kay's House restaurant Permanently grants the recipe for the Shepherd's Pie food item
first person view of the new atlantian skill book
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks

Starfield Trackers Primer Manual locations

If on a mobile device, scroll to the right of the table below to see a picture if you need more help finding a Trackers Primer Manual Skill Book.

Here's all of the Trackers Primer Manual locations in Starfield that we've found so far:

Skill Book Planet/Moon Landmark Location Bonus Picture
Trackers Primer 02 Indum II - Indum star system Pilgrim's Rest Easily obtainable during 'Unity' main mission. The Book is behind the locked room you need to get into, on the table Permanently increases ballistic weapon damage by 5%
first person view with a pistol out looking at trackers primer skill book on a white cluttered bench
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
Trackers Primer 03 Porrima III - Porrima star system Red Mile On a round glass table in a bedroom with blood on the bed, up the stairs of the Red Mile Permanently increases EM weapon damage by 5%
first person view of the trackers primer skill book
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
Trackers Primer 05 Vectera - Narion star system Argos Extractors Mining Outpost Enter the building where the computer you need to fix as part of Back to Vectera main mission, then head through and keep looking left. You should find a room filled with several bunk bed compartments in it. The Skill Book is on the table in the middle of the center bunk bed unit Permanently increases EM weapon damage by 5%
third person view of looking at a trackers prime skill book on beside table between bunk beds
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks

Starfield UC Defense Manual locations

If on a mobile device, scroll to the right of the table below to see a picture if you need more help finding a UC Defense Manual Skill Book.

Here's all of the UC Defense Manual locations in Starfield that we've found so far:

Skill Book Planet/Moon Landmark Location Bonus Picture
UC Defense Manual 01 Niira - Narion star system 1-of-a-Kind Salvage On top of the middle bench, above an ammo box, on the upper floor of the 1-of-a-Kind Salvage building Slightly increases magazine size and weapon bash critical chance for all Allied Armaments guns
first person view of uc defense manual skillbook on bench
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
UC Defense Manual 02 Chphonia (orbiting) - Wolf star system The Den On a shelf in UC sleeping quarters. Take the right-hand corridor from the docking point to reach the room. Slightly increases magazine size and weapon bash critical chance for all Allied Armaments guns
first person view of the uc defense manual skill book
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
UC Defense Manual 03 Mars - Sol star system Cydonia - Residential On a big table in the UC Marine Barracks Slightly increases magazine size and weapon bash critical chance for all Allied Armaments guns
first person view of the uc defense manual skill book
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks

Starfield Va'Ruun Scripture locations

If on a mobile device, scroll to the right of the table below to see a picture if you need more help finding a Va'Ruun Scripture Skill Book.

Here's all of the Va'Ruun Scripture locations in Starfield that we've found so far:

Skill Book Planet/Moon Landmark Location Bonus Picture
Va'Ruun Scripture 01 Jemison - Alpha Centauri star system New Atlantis - Spaceport UC Security Office jail cells. Unlocked cell in the back, on the floor by the bed Permanently increases sneak bonus by 1% and melee sneak attack damage by 5%
first person view of varunn scripture skill book
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
Va'Ruun Scripture 06 Jemison - Alpha Centauri star system New Atlantis (MAST area) - House Va’Runn Embassy Accessible while following the voice on the intercom during the 'Friend’s Like These' UC Vanguard mission. The book is on a square table near the benchpress and red sofa Permanently increases sneak bonus by 1% and melee sneak attack damage by 5%
first person view of a varuun scripture skill book on a square silver table
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks

Starfield Vanguard Space Tactics locations

If on a mobile device, scroll to the right of the table below to see a picture if you need more help finding a Vanguard Space Tactics Skill Book.

Here's all of the Vanguard Space Tactics locations in Starfield that we've found so far:

Skill Book Planet/Moon Landmark Location Bonus Picture
Vanguard Space Tactics 01 Jemison - Alpha Centauri star system New Atlantis - MAST Take the elevator at MAST down to the Vanguard Orientation Hall and walk to the end and enter the Vanguard exam room. The Skill Book is on a bench in the locker room up the stairs, on the right-hand side (you might have to proceed with the 'Supra Et Ultra' UC Faction mission to unlock this area) Ship missiles permanently deal 5% more damage
first person view of banguard space tactics skill book
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks
Vanguard Space Tactics 02 Mars - Sol star system Cydonia - Red Devils HQ On a lab table near the bottom of stairs by the server room at Red Devils HQ (you gain access to this building while on the 'Delivering Devils' UC Faction mission) Ship energy weapons permanently deal 5% more damage
first person view of banguard space tactics skill book
Image credit: Eurogamer/Bethesda Softworks

We'll add more Skill Books as we find them!

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About the Author
Jessica Orr avatar

Jessica Orr

Senior Guides Writer

Jessica is a guides writer from Northern Ireland who likes screaming at her TV. Often at horror movies, occasionally at a Fortnite win. When not damaging her vocal cords, Jessica likes stressing over her inventory in RPGs, and getting lost in open worlds.

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