In the sprawling Settled Systems of Starfield, where more than a thousand planets wait under cold stars, companionship can be both a comfort and a curse. Few crew members illustrate that tension better than the Adoring Fan. Introduced through the Hero Worshipped trait, this relentlessly cheerful follower is a direct nod to the similarly named character from The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, where he appeared after the Arena questline. In 2026, as Starfield's community continues to revisit old saves and begin new Starborn runs, the Adoring Fan remains one of the game's most polarizing companions. His praise can feel endearing at first. Then it becomes suffocating. Good grief.
The problem is simple: the Adoring Fan wants nothing more than to follow the Starborn's every footstep. That devotion can clash with the quiet awe of exploration. Few things interrupt the isolating feeling of being the first person to step onto a planet like a voice offering undying praise. The character can even become an outright liability. Bethesda was clearly aware of this potential issue, and Starfield gives players several ways to deal with the yellow-haired mosquito. They can banish him to an outpost, dismiss him from the crew, or end his life entirely. Talk about clingy. 🚀
A Devotion That Follows Like a Shadow
The Adoring Fan is not merely a companion; he is a walking, talking reminder that someone is always watching. That can be charming during early hours, when his compliments land like confetti. Over time, however, the constant adoration can wear thin. For players who value solitude, the character becomes a second shadow that refuses to fade. He can interrupt the silence of an unexplored moon, the tension of a firefight, or the simple satisfaction of looting a derelict ship. No kidding. 😅
Luckily, Starfield does not force players to tolerate him. The game provides a trio of practical solutions: exile to an outpost, dismissal from the crew, or lethal force. Each option carries different consequences, and each fits a different role-playing style. A merciful player might send him to a remote mining facility. A pragmatic player might simply remove him from the roster. A darker Starborn might choose the most permanent solution.
The Former Fan Surprise
One of the more curious details involves what happens when the Adoring Fan is never allowed to join the crew. If the player selects the Hero Worshipped trait during character creation, the fan approaches soon after landing at New Atlantis. He reports that he witnessed the Starborn's actions on Vectera and wants to join the crew. The request can be approved, but it can also be violently declined. At this point, the Adoring Fan can be killed. If he is, looking at his body reveals that his name has changed to Former Fan. This name change does not occur if he is killed after joining the crew. 💀
That small detail has become a favorite piece of dark humor among Starfield players. It is a rare example of Bethesda acknowledging the character's reputation and rewarding curiosity. The Hero Worshipped trait can only be acquired during character creation. At launch, this was not an option, but starting a new run as a Starborn allows the player to select new traits. That means players do not need to start from scratch to add the Adoring Fan to their roster, or to prevent him from existing altogether.
The Benefits of Keeping the Fan
Despite the annoyance, the Adoring Fan does have some genuine benefits. One of the biggest is that he has the highest carry weight of any companion due to his Weight Lifting perk. Players who keep companions around for extra loot can rejoice. He is also completely onboard with every player action, so Starborn pirates will not have to see the 'companion disliked that' message every time they take out a trader ship in Starfield. That makes him an unexpectedly useful ally for morally flexible runs. ⚖️
| Choice | Method | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Accept him | Approve his request after New Atlantis | He joins the crew and can later be dismissed, exiled, or killed |
| Refuse him | Violently decline during the first meeting | He can be killed, and his body is labeled Former Fan |
| Keep him | Retain him as an active companion | High carry weight and no moral disapproval |
| Remove him | Outpost banishment, dismissal, or lethal action | Peace and quiet returns to the ship |
For some players, the Adoring Fan is a beloved mascot. For others, he is a pest that deserves a one-way ticket to an empty outpost. Either way, Starfield's handling of the character reflects the game's broader emphasis on choice. The Settled Systems may be vast, but even the smallest companion can leave a large footprint. Whether that footprint is endearing or infuriating depends entirely on the player behind the helmet.