When talking about upcoming games, there are few more hotly anticipated than Starfield – which will be launching any day now. First formally announced back at E3 2018, it’s been a long 5-year wait for Starfield.
But galactic adventures are here and gamers can’t wait for Bethesda Studio’s first new IP in 25 years. And the team behind Elder Scrolls and Fallout are back to serve us up a sprawling interstellar RPG where you can pretty much go anywhere and be anyone!
So, to get ready for release, we’ve put together a little guide to answer all your burning questions, including release date, Starfield pre-order details and everything you need to know right now about Starfield gameplay, characters and more.
What is Starfield’s release date?
First things first. When can you get your hands on it? The release date of Bethesda's long-anticipated masterpiece is slated for launch on 6 September 2023 – that’s for both Xbox Series X and S and Windows gaming PCs and gaming laptops. So, mark your calendars, pilots! It's time to start customise your spaceship in time for launch!
How much will Starfield cost?
The cost of entry to the Starfield universe will depend on what version of the game you by. The standard edition is £59.99 on PC and £69.99 on Xbox – though you can currently get 20% off if you pre-order now. Then there are more expensive premium editions with extra features.
But the great news is that it’s available day one on Xbox GamePass! So, you could play through it on GamePass and save a few credits.
Can I pre-order Starfield?
You can indeed pre-order Starfield and secure your spot on the first spaceship out of the atmosphere. Pre-orders are available via Microsoft’s store, games retailers like Currys or Steam – for PC players. In fact, if you pre-order a premium version of Starfield, you’ll be able to start playing the game days before anyone else!
Starfield's platforms and crossplay
The starry expanse of Starfield will be open for exploration on Xbox Series X and S and Windows PCs. And here's a little cherry on top for the gaming community: Bethesda has hinted at the possibility of crossplay, allowing PC and console players to coexist harmoniously. So, if you’ve got a game running on the Xbox, you can pick up your save on the PC – and vice versa. And the fact that you can stream GamePass on loads of devices (including phones and smart TVs) means you’ve loads of ways to play.
How to play Starfield
Starfield serves up a dynamic, open-world space RPG experience like no other. You start by defining a character, background and appearance, then it’s up to you to take on the story any way you choose – or just leave the main game plot behind, build you own bases and ships and explore 1,000 worlds – some desolate, some teeming with alien life!
Every decision you make shapes your destiny. Will you become a ruthless space pirate or a fast talking merchant? It’s up to you.
How many hours of gameplay will Starfield have?
Early estimates suggest that the game will offer 30-40 hours of gameplay to complete the main campaign. But because this is a giant galactic open world, you could easily lose thousands of hours to Bethesda’s blockbuster.
What are Starfield’s main factions?
There are five main Starfield factions - Constellation, Crimson Fleet, United Colonies, Freestar Collective, and Ryujin Industries. You’ll likely bump into all the main factions in the main campaign – but how much you work with them (or join them) is up to you.
Constellation
A force for good (generally), exploration and scientific advancement. With their HQ in New Atlantis City, you’ll encounter them early on in the game.
Crimson Fleet
A force for looting and piracy! Not only do they want to use their power to plunder the Settled Systems, they also have ambitions to rule in too.
United Colonies
The largest faction in the game – because they’re the government of the Settled Systems. Their sworn enemies are the Freestar Collective – with whom they’re currently sharing an uneasy peace.
Freestar Collective
Space cowboys on the galactic frontier. Freestar Collective based in the Cheyenne System and are all about personal freedom, saloons and oversized hats.
Ryujin Industries
Like something out of CyberPunk 2077 – a huge galactic corporation headquartered in the bustling Neon City. They’re a good faction if you want to put morals aside for profit - without going full pirate. And it’s easy to join the faction – you just apply for a job!
There are also loads of minor factions – from House Va’Ruun (a sinister space cult) to the Ecliptic Mercenaries – elite guns for hire. But who you side with is your call! Will you be a diplomatic diplomat, a cunning trader or a laser-sword-wielding renegade? The choice is yours!
What Starfield features are player customisable?
One small step for gamers, one giant leap for character customisation! Starfield brings an impressive array of player-customisable features to the table.
From tweaking your character's appearance and skills to personalising your spacecraft's aesthetics and loadout to base building and weapons and armour crafting, you'll have more control over your character than ever before.
What are the different Starfield game mode options?
Right now, we only know of a singe player mode. It’s likely that we’ll see different difficulty settings – but this doesn’t seem to include a hardcore or survival mode. That said, initially you’ll only have a ship powerful enough to explore nearby systems. This is a classic way of keeping things easier to start with and then ramping up the difficulty as new systems and skills get unlocked.
Will Starfield have a multiplayer mode?
It should come as no surprise that right now Starfield is a single-player space adventure. There are currently no plans for multiplayer. But looking at other titles like GTA, this may change in time if the main game is a big seller and retains a large player base.
Previous Bethesda releases in chronological order
Starfield may be nearly with us, but why not check the classic RPG titles that have led up to this moment? Before you launch headfirst into the unknown reaches of Starfield, let's take a moment to pay homage to Bethesda's amazing RPG catalogue. We won’t include Fallout 76 (2018) because it’s not strictly a single-player RPG. (And many fans would rather forget it!)
The Elder Scrolls: Arena (1994)
An open-world RPG set in the fantasy world of Tamriel, where players embark on a quest to save the empire from a powerful sorcerer.
The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall (1996)
Another instalment in the Elder Scrolls series, featuring a vast open world with a focus on exploration and political intrigue.
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (2002)
Players assume the role of the Nerevarine, a prophesied hero, in the fantastical land of Vvardenfell, with deep lore, complex quests and a unique atmosphere.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006)
Set in the realm of Cyrodiil, players take on the role of the Hero of Kvatch, navigating a world threatened by an otherworldly crisis.
Fallout 3 (2008)
A post-apocalyptic RPG set in a devastated Washington, D.C., where players emerge from a fallout shelter to explore and thrive in the wasteland.
Fallout: New Vegas (2010)
Developed by Obsidian Entertainment but published by Bethesda, this RPG continues the Fallout series with a new protagonist exploring the Mojave Wasteland. With its commitment to player freedom and decision making, many people see this as one of the best RPGs of all time.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)
Widely acclaimed and still hugely popular, this game places players in the role of the Dragonborn, with a focus on dragon slaying and exploring a massive open world. This game has also spawned hundreds of popular memes – including the classic arrow in the knee.
Fallout 4 (2015)
Set in a post-nuclear Boston, players searched for their missing child. Fallout 4 stepped away from pure RPG to focus more on Fallout’s looter shooter side. But with its base building mechanic, Fallout 4 introduced an endlessly playable new face to Fallout that has clearly influenced Starfield’s base building and crafting.
Pre-order Starfield now and take control with an official Starfield controller!
