Starfield’s release date and time, preorder bonuses, platforms, gameplay, and other information have been revealed by Bethesda.
Bethesda Game Studios, the renowned creators behind beloved titles like Skyrim and Fallout 4, have ventured into a new realm with their latest creation – Starfield. While opinions remain divided on whether Starfield will meet its hype, executives are actively contributing to the buzz. One such figure is Phil Spencer, the Head of Xbox, who recently likened Starfield to Oblivion, hinting that this new RPG shares more similarities with The Elder Scrolls 4 than it does with Skyrim.
Now, let’s delve into all the details about Starfield.
Contents
What To Expect from Starfield?
Starfield introduces a fresh RPG concept that transports players to the Settled Systems, a constellation of planets and space stations situated 50 light years away from our galaxy. Although the narrative remains somewhat enigmatic, players can anticipate engaging in first-person or third-person combat and exploration across an astonishing one thousand planets. Yes, you read that correctly – a thousand planets dispersed across a hundred systems.
Players commence their journey as members of Constellation, a group of explorers grappling with the aftermath of a colossal, universe-spanning war. Character builds, a signature feature from the creators of Skyrim, assume a pivotal role in Starfield as well. Players can select skills, establish a series of traits at the game’s outset, and progressively unlock new enhancements as they advance.
Also, for those who are curious whether the upcoming game is multiplayer, regrettably, we must inform you that Starfield is exclusively a single-player experience.
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What is the Release Date and Time of Starfield?
Players can mark their calendars for the release of Starfield on September 6, 2023. Originally intended to launch in November 2022, the game’s debut was postponed to this year, along with the release of Redfall.
Furthermore, those who pre-order the Premium and Constellation editions will be granted the privilege of playing five days in advance, starting from September 1.
Bethesda has officially disclosed the global unlock timings for Starfield, accounting for both early access and the standard street release.
Starfield Early Access Release Times:
- United States on August 31 – 5:00 PM PT / 7:00 PM CT / 8:00 PM ET
- Europe on September 1 – 1:00 AM BST
Starfield Global Launch Release Times:
- United States on September 5 – 5:00 PM PT / 7:00 PM CT / 8:00 PM ET
- Europe on September 6 – 1:00 AM BST
It’s noteworthy that those who pre-ordered the Constellation or Premium Editions of the RPG will gain early access on September 1.
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What are the Starfield Preorder Bonuses?
Starfield presents three distinct editions available for preordering, each accompanied by its own exclusive perks and bonuses.
Starfield Constellation Edition Preorder
The Constellation Edition of Starfield boasts an array of bonuses, including:
- Base game
- Starfield Chronomark watch and case
- Constellation patch
- Starfield steel book display case
- Shattered Space Story Expansion (upon release)
- Up to 5 days early access
- Constellation Skin Pack: Equinox Laser Rifle, Spacesuit, Helmet, and Boost Pack
- Old Mars Skin Pack
- Access to Starfield Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack
- Credit Stick with Laser-Etched Game Code
Starfield Premium Edition Upgrade Preorder
The Starfield Premium Edition offers players an assortment of additional content for an extra $34.99, requiring the base game to be purchased separately. The package includes:
- Shattered Space Story Expansion (upon release)
- Up to 5 days early access
- Constellation Skin Pack: Equinox Laser Rifle, Spacesuit, Helmet, and Boost Pack
- Old Mars Skin Pack
- Access to Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack
Starfield Standard Edition Preorder
For those opting solely for the base game, the standard edition is priced at $69.99. Preordering the base game also grants access to the Old Mars Skin Pack.
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Will Starfield be Available on PlayStation or Xbox Game Pass?
If you’re a PlayStation user, brace yourself for unfortunate news – Starfield is launching as an Xbox Series S|X exclusive on consoles, while also becoming accessible on PC.
As a first-party title, the upcoimg title will be included in Xbox Game Pass and Game Pass for PC from day one. In a 2020 interview with Bloomberg, Phil Spencer, the Head of Xbox, confirmed that existing contracts for games like Deathloop and GhostWire Tokyo would be honored. However, moving forward, Bethesda’s new releases would be exclusively available on Xbox hardware and platforms that support Xbox Game Pass.
In a conversation with The Telegraph, Todd Howard elaborated on the decision to make the upcoming an Xbox and PC exclusive. “You don’t ever want to leave people out, right? But at the end of the day, your ability to focus and say, this is the game I want to make, these are the platforms I want to make it on, and being able to really lean in on those is going to make for a better product.”
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Now that we are aware of the basic overview of the game, let’s get into the details of gameplay and mechanics.
What is included in Starfield Gameplay and Mechanics?
Starfield promises to be an immense experience. Reports suggest that executives who’ve had the privilege of playing the game in advance have dedicated substantial hours to the game and yet feel there’s much more to uncover. Phil Spencer, the Head of Xbox, reportedly invested around 200 hours across various characters, while Bethesda executive Pete Hines amassed approximately 160 hours. This implies that the gameplay offers a plethora of content for fans.
Character Customization
Bethesda has introduced expanded player options in Starfield. Starting with the choice of around 40 preset characters, players can further customize their avatars. Utilizing the familiar facial customization technology, players can adjust facial features such as nose, chin, and facial hair. Backgrounds and traits can also be selected.
Backgrounds: Each background comes with a trio of core skills, aiding in the delineation of your character’s identity and origins. These backgrounds can prove useful in diverse situations, contingent on how well they match the circumstances.
Traits: These optional attributes confer specific advantages and disadvantages. Players can select up to three traits, encompassing a range from religious affiliations to having an “adoring fan” who accompanies and assists in item retrieval.
Factions
Factions play a crucial role in Starfield:
- United Colonies: A futuristic Space Republic reminiscent of NCR from Fallout New Vegas.
- Freestar Collective: Encompasses the aura of a space western fantasy, embodying individuals on the frontier struggling for survival, akin to the Minutemen in Fallout 4.
- Ryujin Industries: Represents the corporate facet of space existence. Described as an ideal starting point for players, though they’ll need to “apply for their job.”
- Crimson Fleet: This faction portrays pirates and assumes the role of the primary antagonistic force. Players can align with the pirates, even infiltrating their ranks. This offers the intriguing option to play as part of the villainous faction while remaining a protagonist. Alternatively, players can fully embrace the pirate’s path.
- The Red Mile: Details remain scant, but the latest Xbox showcase teased this organization as a body operating beyond the confines of civilized space.
Skills
The new space title incorporates five distinct skill trees, each influencing interactions within the game. For instance, the Xenosociology skill enables players to mind-control aliens, while the Boost Pack enhances mobility. Skills encompass various domains for investment, including stealth, combat, and speech. The skill trees are categorized as Physical, Social, Combat, Science, and Tech.
Combat and Construction
The Starfield development team has revamped combat animations and the overall combat experience. This installment includes the most extensive system of weapon modifications in any Bethesda game. The utilization of boost packs constitutes a significant element of gameplay, and areas with zero gravity introduce new dynamics since bullets propel characters backward. Energy weapons facilitate combat from more stable positions. The latest trailer hinted at mysterious gravity-based abilities, suggesting a potential supernatural facet of gameplay.
Players can construct their own outposts, facilitating resource collection, companion rest, and more. A dedicated base-building mode provides enhanced planning clarity. Objects and structures can be placed manually, and crafting and resource stations can be set up to automatically harvest items in the player’s absence.
Ship Customization
Every spaceport offers opportunities to purchase and modify ships. Individual components of ships, such as weapons and shields, can be individually upgraded and adjusted. Players can alter the ship’s appearance, design, and paint job. Changing ships also transform their internal layout, with the option to incorporate features like resting areas for NPCs.
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So, there you have it – everything we know about Starfield.
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