All we know about Starfield —release date, gameplay, plot

Olivia Richman Published 11/06/2023

Starfield is being touted as the next big Xbox exclusive and we got more information about the sci fi space RPG that will have Bethesda fans excited.

Starfield is the first new IP from Bethesda in over 25 years. This is the same studio that gave us Skyrim and Fallout, so fans have pretty high expectations. Unfortunately, the game was delayed a few times and fans are getting antsy to know when the game is coming out and what they can expect.

When is Starfield coming out?

The current goal for Starfield is to release the game on September 6, 2023.

Fans are a bit skeptical, of course, after the game was delayed twice. It was originally set to release in November of 2022 but was pushed back to 2023. Then the March 8, 2023 release date was delayed once again.

Is Starfield coming to PlayStation?

Unfortunately, Starfield is only launching for the Xbox Series S|X as an exclusive. It will then be available on PC. This is due to Bethesda being purchased by Microsoft. In 2020, head of Xbox Phil Spencer stated that future Bethesda releases would be exclusive to systems that support the Xbox Game Pass.

What is Starfield about?

The Xbox Games Showcase included a new Starfield trailer. The plot of the game is still unknown but it appears to be about a series of explorers working for a company known as the Constellation to explore thousands of planets to find out “what’s out there.”

The trailer shows a group of people working together on a spaceship and landing on different planets to study artifacts that may contain “secrets of the universe.” It also states that humans throughout the galaxy may be at risk, meaning Constellation most likely is looking to stop some type of threat with its research and exploration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxeHDo80GrI

What kind of game is Starfield?

Starfield is an RPG that looks to be quite similar in function to Skyrim and Fallout. You will have an open world — well, galaxy — to explore. But every decision you make will impact your story, including unlocking new paths and closing others. There will be multiple dialogue options and the ability to build or break connections with other groups.

There are multiple factions in Starfield that you will have to work with or against. This includes:

United Colonies — An advanced space republic
Freestar Collective — Western-style colony of people trying to survive in space
Ryujin Industries — A mega-corporation where you must apply for a job
Crimson Fleet — Pirate enemies you can side with or spy on, depending on how you want to play the game
The Red Mile — A colony beyond the reach of civilized space

Character building will be a big part of your gameplay, just like in Bethesda’s previous titles. You’ll start by building a character off of 40 present designs and then creating their background and traits. Throughout the game you can wear a variety of clothing and build on certain skills to determine your character’s strengths.

In Starfield, there are five skill trees to put your experience towards. You can choose to improve your combat skills for battle, your social abilities for persuasion, your physicality for stamina and carrying items, and your science and tech know-how.

There is also spaceship customization and outpost building, similar to Fallout 4. There’s weapon modifications, companions to bring along with you, and immersive combat.

Olivia Richman

About Olivia Richman

Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.

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