Starfield Gameplay Video
Featured: Game Comparisons
Starfield Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Creation Engine 2 |
| Genre | Action RPG, Open World, Sci-Fi, Space Exploration |
| Initial Release | 2023-09-06 |
| Developer | Bethesda Game Studios |
| Publisher | Bethesda Softworks |
| Setting | The Settled Systems (Approx. 50 light-years around Sol), Year 2330 |
| Perspective | First-Person (Default), Third-Person (Optional) |
| Platforms | PC, Xbox Series X|S |
| Multiplayer | None (Single-Player Only) |
| Unique Feature | Extensive Spaceship Customization & Combat, Over 1000 Explorable Planets, Deep Character Creation & Skill System, Outpost Building, 'NASA-Punk' Aesthetic. |
Starfield System Requirements
1080p
tune Minimum (1080p ~30 FPS, Low Preset) – Low Preset
tune Recommended (1080p ~60 FPS, High Preset, likely with FSR/DLSS Quality) – High Preset (FSR/DLSS Quality often needed for 60 FPS)
1440p
tune High (1440p ~60 FPS, High/Ultra Preset with FSR/DLSS Quality/Balanced) – High/Ultra Preset (FSR/DLSS Quality or Balanced recommended)
2160p
tune Ultra (2160p/4K ~30-60 FPS, Medium/High Preset with FSR/DLSS Performance/Balanced) – Medium/High Preset, FSR/DLSS Performance/Balanced (Native 4K Ultra 60FPS is exceptionally demanding)
Starfield Laptop Recommendations
memory Intel Core I7 12700 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3070 140W
storage 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
1349
Model: MSI Pulse GL66 with RTX 3070 and i7 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I7 12700 H (Score: 900)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Score: 6600) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory Intel Core I9 13900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
999
Model: Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 13900 H (Score: 1058)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory Intel Core I9 14900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory Intel Core I9 12900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3070 TI 150W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1397
Model: Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 12900 H (Score: 1030)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 TI (Score: 7100) @ 150W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 680 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1299
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G15 with RTX 3060 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 680 H (Score: 880)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3060 (Score: 7448) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 590 HS
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3080 100W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
1489
Model: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 Ultra with RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 590 HS (Score: 820)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3080 (Score: 7904) @ 100W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory Intel Core I7 13620 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1350
Model: MSI Katana 15 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core I7 13620 H (Score: 843)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory Intel Core I7 14700 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-5600MHz
1899
Model: Alienware M18 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core I7 14700 H (Score: 860)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (QHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory Intel Core I9 14900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4070
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
1699
Model: MSI Creator M16 HX with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (QHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset).
-
Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10 version 21H1 (10.0.19043) or Windows 11
64-bit Windows 10 (specified version or newer) or Windows 11 required.
- memoryDirectX: DirectX 12
DirectX 12 API is required.
- save_altStorage Note: 125 GB available space (SSD Required).
An NVMe SSD is strongly recommended for the best experience due to asset streaming and load times.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: Supports AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 2 (FSR 2). NVIDIA DLSS support was added via official patch; DLSS 3 Frame Generation is also supported if your GPU allows. Intel XeSS may be available via mod or future update.
Key Settings: Shadow Quality, Volumetric Lighting, Crowd Density, GTAO Quality, Grass Quality, Motion Blur, and Dynamic Resolution (if not using fixed FSR/DLSS percentages) heavily impact performance. Render Resolution Scale is the primary tool for performance tuning.
Starfield: Post-Launch Content / DLC
The first major story expansion, 'Shattered Space,' is confirmed and included in the Premium/Constellation Editions, expected in Fall 2024. Bethesda has also stated plans for ongoing support with new content, features, and official mod support (Creations).
Starfield Skills & Upgrades Overview
Player progression uses a skill system divided into five trees: Physical, Social, Combat, Science, and Tech. Each skill has multiple ranks that are unlocked by spending skill points (earned by leveling up) and then completing in-game challenges related to that skill. Research projects at workbenches unlock new crafting recipes for weapon mods, suit/pack/helmet mods, outpost components, and chems/food. Powers, akin to space magic, are unlocked by finding and interacting with alien temples.
Starfield: Game Editions
Available in Standard Edition, Premium Edition (included 'Shattered Space' story expansion upon release, Constellation Skin Pack, digital artbook & soundtrack, and 5 days early access), and the Constellation Edition (physical collector's edition with a SteelBook display case, Constellation patch, Chronomark watch & case, credit stick with game code, and all Premium Edition digital content).
Starfield: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
Starfield supports Xbox Play Anywhere, meaning a digital purchase on Xbox allows play on both Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, with shared saves and progression between these platforms. However, there is no direct cross-platform multiplayer as the game is single-player only.
Starfield Specific Game Elements
Starfield Weapons
- securityBallistic Weapons (Pistols, Rifles, Shotguns, SMGs, Heavy) (Firearm (Projectile-based))
Wide variety of conventional firearms using physical ammunition. Includes pistols (Eon, Sidestar), rifles (Grendel, Beowulf, Lawgiver), shotguns (Coachman, Pacifier), and heavy weapons. Can be modified extensively for different ammo types, barrels, stocks, sights, etc.
- securityElectromagnetic (EM) Weapons (EM Pistols, EM Rifles) (Non-Lethal Firearm (Stunning/Disabling))
Weapons designed to incapacitate targets by dealing EM damage, draining their 'stun' meter rather than health. Useful for non-lethal takedowns or capturing ships. Includes Novalight pistol, Novablast Disruptor rifle.
- securityEnergy Weapons (Laser Pistols, Laser Rifles) (Firearm (Directed Energy))
Weapons firing laser beams, effective against robots and some enemy types. Includes pistols (Equinox, Solstice) and rifles. Use energy cells as ammunition. Modifiable.
- securityExplosives (Grenades, Mines) (Throwable/Deployable (Area of Effect))
Includes Frag Grenades, Incendiary Grenades, Impact Grenades, various types of Mines. Used for area denial, crowd control, or dealing heavy damage.
- securityMelee Weapons (Knives, Axes, Cutlasses, Rescue Axe, Tanto, Va'ruun Painblade) (Close Quarters Combat)
Various bladed and blunt weapons for close-quarters combat. Damage and speed vary by type. Some unique melee weapons have special properties.
- securityParticle Beam Weapons (Particle Pistols, Particle Rifles, Particle Shotguns, Heavy) (Advanced Firearm (Energy/Ballistic Hybrid Damage))
High-tech weapons that deal both energy and physical damage simultaneously. Very effective against a wide range of targets. Includes Va'ruun Inflictor, Big Bang, Magshear, MagSniper. Uses specialized particle ammunition.
- securityUnique & Legendary Weapons (Varied (Named Special Versions))
Special named versions of standard weapons with unique appearances and pre-set powerful enchantments (e.g., increased damage, elemental effects, special properties). Found as quest rewards, loot from powerful enemies, or in specific locations.
Starfield Vehicles
- directions_carBoost Pack (Jetpack) (Personal Traversal Gear)
Equipped as part of the 'Pack' armor slot. Allows for boosted jumps, short bursts of flight, and maneuvering in low-gravity environments. Different types of boost packs offer varying thrust, duration, and control.
- directions_carEnemy/NPC Starships (AI Controlled Spacecraft)
Various starships piloted by factions (UC, Freestar, Crimson Fleet, Spacers, Ecliptic, Va'ruun), traders, and civilians. Encountered in space for combat, piracy, or peaceful interactions.
- directions_carGround Traversal (On Foot) (Player Locomotion)
Primary means of exploring planetary surfaces. Player movement includes walking, running, sprinting (uses O2), jumping, and using the boost pack. There are no player-controlled ground vehicles like rovers or bikes in the base game for planetary exploration.
- directions_carPlayer Starships (Various Manufacturers & Classes) (Customizable Spacecraft (Primary Vehicle))
The player's primary means of interstellar travel, combat, and mobile base. Ships come in various classes (A, B, C - determining module compatibility and reactor power) from manufacturers like Stroud-Eklund, Deimos, Nova Galactic, Taiyo Astroneering, HopeTech. Can be heavily customized with different weapons (lasers, ballistics, missiles, particle beams, EM), shields, engines, grav drives, reactors, cargo holds, hab modules, and cosmetic parts. Can be stolen, bought, or awarded.
Starfield Animals / Creatures
- petsApex / Scavenger / Hunter (Generic Procedural Predator Types) (Various Procedurally Generated Carnivores)
Role: Predatory creatures found on many planets, ranging from pack hunters to solitary apex threats. Their aggression and abilities vary widely.
- petsAshta (Akila) (Canid-like Predator)
Role: Hostile Apex Predator on Akila, resembles a wolf/hyena hybrid.
- petsFloating Gas Bags / Filter Critters (Generic Procedural Aerial/Aquatic Fauna) (Various Procedurally Generated Aerial/Aquatic Life)
Role: Creatures found flying in atmospheres or swimming in bodies of water on different planets. Some may be passive, others defensive.
- petsHunting Grazer / Flocking Filterer / Herding Herbivore (Generic Procedural Types) (Various Procedurally Generated Fauna)
Role: Common herbivores found on many planets, varying in appearance and behavior. Primary source for organic resources and XP via scanning/hunting.
- petsHunting Swarmer / Flocking Scarab / Herding Beetle (Generic Procedural Types) (Various Procedurally Generated Insectoid/Small Fauna)
Role: Smaller creatures, often in groups, some may be passive or mildly hostile. Source for specific organic resources.
- petsTerrormorph (Apex Xenomorph)
Role: Extremely Hostile, Powerful, and Feared Alien Creature, central to a major faction questline.
- petsUnique Handcrafted Creatures (Planet Specific) (Various Named Species)
Role: Specific, named alien creatures found on handcrafted planets or involved in quests, with unique designs and behaviors (e.g., Kreet Stalker, Sirens of Titan).
Starfield Characters
- personAndreja - Ally / Companion / Constellation Member
A mysterious Constellation operative with a shadowy past and connections to House Va'ruun. She is pragmatic, skilled in stealth, particle beams, and has a guarded personality. Offers stealth and particle weapons skills.
- personBarrett - Ally / Companion / Constellation Member
An adventurous and eccentric Constellation scientist and explorer who first encounters the player at Argos Extractors. Known for his witty banter and engineering skills. Offers starship engineering and particle beam weapon skills.
- personCommander Ikande (UC SysDef) - Faction Leader / Potential Ally or Antagonist
Leader of UC SysDef, dedicated to eradicating the Crimson Fleet. The player can choose to work with him or against him during the Crimson Fleet questline.
- personDelgado (Crimson Fleet) - Faction Leader / Potential Ally or Antagonist
Leader of the Crimson Fleet pirates. The player can choose to infiltrate or genuinely join his faction.
- personPlayer Character ('The Captain' / 'Dusty') - Protagonist / Member of Constellation (playable)
A customizable character (appearance, background, traits) who starts as a miner for Argos Extractors. After touching a mysterious alien artifact, they experience visions and are recruited into Constellation, an organization of explorers seeking to unravel the universe's greatest mysteries.
- personSam Coe - Ally / Companion / Constellation Member
A former Freestar Ranger and descendant of Solomon Coe, the founder of Akila City. He's an adventurous space cowboy type, accompanied by his young daughter, Cora Coe. Offers piloting and rifle certification skills.
- personSarah Morgan - Ally / Companion / Chair of Constellation
The dedicated and composed leader of Constellation. A former UC Navy officer and navigator, she is driven by exploration and the pursuit of knowledge. One of the first main companions available.
- personThe Emissary - Antagonist/Neutral Figure / Starborn
Another powerful Starborn who represents a more ordered or controlled approach to the Unity and the artifacts, often clashing with The Hunter and the player. Their identity is a key reveal.
- personThe Hunter - Antagonist / Starborn
A powerful and relentless Starborn who believes in a 'survival of the fittest' approach to acquiring artifacts and reaching the Unity. Serves as a recurring, formidable antagonist.
- personVasco - Ally / Companion / Constellation Robot
A modified expeditionary robot belonging to Constellation, one of the earliest companions. Loyal and capable, providing combat support and ship system bonuses. Offers Aneutronic Fusion, Shield Systems, and EM Weapon Systems skills for the ship.
- personVladimir Sall - Ally / Constellation Member / Former Crimson Fleet Pirate
Resides on 'The Eye,' Constellation's space station. He helps locate temples and artifacts and has a colorful past as a pirate.
- personWalter Stroud - Ally / Financier of Constellation
The co-owner of Stroud-Eklund, one of the major starship manufacturers, and the primary financial backer of Constellation. A pragmatic businessman with a keen interest in their discoveries.
Top 3 Characters (Subjective):
Morgan: Chair of Constellation, an ex-UC Navy officer, and a key companion, driven by exploration and the search for answers. 2. Sam Coe: A former Freestar Ranger and member of Constellation, accompanied by his daughter Cora, balancing his adventurous past with fatherhood. 3. The Hunter / The Emissary (Starborn): Mysterious and powerful antagonists/figures central to the main quest, representing different philosophies regarding the artifacts and the multiverse.
Starfield Missions / Objectives
- flagCompanion Quests
Objective: Personal quests related to the four main Constellation companions (Sarah, Sam, Andreja, Barrett). Completing these deepens the relationship with the companion, reveals their backstory, and can lead to romance or commitment.
- flagFaction Questlines (UC Vanguard, Freestar Rangers, Ryujin Industries, Crimson Fleet)
Objective: Extensive, multi-part storylines associated with the major factions in the Settled Systems. Players can choose to join one or more of these factions (though some choices may have consequences for others). Each offers unique missions, characters, rewards, and moral dilemmas (e.g., UC Vanguard involves fighting Terrormorphs; Freestar Rangers act as space western lawmen; Ryujin Industries focuses on corporate espionage; Crimson Fleet involves piracy and a choice to betray or fully join them).
- flagMain Questline (Constellation & The Artifacts)
Objective: A series of core story missions following the player's journey with Constellation to find and understand mysterious alien artifacts, leading to encounters with the Starborn and revelations about the universe and the Unity. This questline culminates in a major decision impacting the player's progression into New Game Plus.
- flagOutpost Establishment & Resource Management
Objective: Missions or self-directed objectives related to building and managing outposts for resource extraction (mining minerals, harvesting flora/fauna, generating power) and crafting. This includes setting up cargo links between outposts.
- flagPlanetary Survey & Exploration
Objective: Fully surveying planets by scanning all their unique flora, fauna, resources, and discovering all planetary traits. Survey data can be sold for credits. Exploration can also lead to finding hidden points of interest, caves, abandoned facilities, and unique encounters.
- flagShip Combat & Bounty Hunting (Mission Board)
Objective: Engaging in space combat against pirates, spacers, or faction enemies. Players can take on bounty hunting missions from mission boards to track down and eliminate or capture wanted ships and individuals.
- flagSide Missions (Activities & Miscellaneous Quests)
Objective: A vast number of smaller, optional quests found by exploring cities, settlements, space stations, or by overhearing conversations and reading slates. These range from simple fetch quests to more involved local stories, bounty hunting, or resolving minor conflicts.
Top 3 Missions/Objectives (Subjective):
the Unknown' (Main Quest): A pivotal early main quest involving the first major artifact discovery and encounter with a Starborn, setting the stage for the central mystery. 2. Faction Questlines (e.g., UC Vanguard 'Supra Et Ultra', Freestar Rangers 'The Hammer Falls', Ryujin Industries 'Executive Level'): Deep, multi-part questlines for major factions, offering unique storylines, rewards, and choices. 3. 'Entangled' (Main Quest): A memorable and mind-bending mission involving shifting between two realities to solve a dimensional crisis.
Starfield Companions / Summons
- groupAdoring Fan (Trait-based) (Human)
Ability: If the 'Hero Worshipped' trait is chosen during character creation, this overzealous NPC will randomly appear and offer to join the player's crew. He is enthusiastic, provides gifts, and has combat skills, but his constant adoration can be a humorous annoyance.
- groupConstellation Members (Sarah, Sam, Andreja, Barrett) (Human)
Ability: Core companions who can follow the player, participate in combat, carry gear, and have unique dialogue and personal quests. Each has a set of skills that provide bonuses to the player or their ship when assigned as active companion or crew. Romance options are available with these four.
- groupHirable Crew Members (Human (Various Backgrounds))
Ability: Numerous NPCs can be hired from bars and spaceports across the Settled Systems to serve as crew on the player's ship or at outposts. Each has a unique set of skills (e.g., Piloting, Weapon Systems, Outpost Engineering, Gastronomy) that provide passive bonuses when assigned to relevant posts. Some named recruitable characters have more personality than generic hires.
- groupVasco (Robot (Constellation Expeditionary Model))
Ability: A loyal robot companion available early. Provides combat support and significant ship-based skill bonuses (Aneutronic Fusion, Shield Systems, EM Weapon Systems). Cannot be romanced.
Top 3 Companions/Crew Members:
Morgan: Offers leadership, particle beam weapon skills, and astrodynamics. Key for early game and Constellation storyline. 2. Vasco: A modified Constellation expeditionary robot, providing early combat support, ship systems bonuses, and a unique personality. 3. Andreja: A mysterious Constellation member with a secretive past, skilled in stealth, particle beams, and thievery.
Starfield Collectibles
- collections_bookmarkAntique Earth Relics
Location/Use: Various trinkets and items from Old Earth (e.g., antique guns, baseballs, vinyl records) that can be found and sold for credits or kept as mementos. Some are tied to specific points of interest or minor quests.
- collections_bookmarkSkill Magazines (Constellation Guides, Grunt Issue, Kryx's Journal, etc.)
Location/Use: Magazines found throughout the Settled Systems. Each one picked up for the first time provides a permanent small buff to a specific skill or character stat (e.g., +5% pistol damage, better prices, increased carry capacity).
- collections_bookmarkSlates (Audio Logs & Notes)
Location/Use: Data slates containing text logs, audio recordings, or notes that provide lore, backstory, environmental storytelling, or clues to quests and hidden items. Found extensively throughout all locations.
- collections_bookmarkSnow Globes (Earth Landmarks)
Location/Use: Unique snow globes depicting famous landmarks from Old Earth (e.g., Empire State Building, Pyramids, London Shard). Finding them often requires reading specific books or notes that provide clues to their location across various planets.
- collections_bookmarkUnique Weapons & Armor Pieces
Location/Use: Named legendary items with unique appearances, stats, and powerful pre-set enchantments. Found as rewards for completing difficult quests, defeating powerful enemies, or hidden in high-level areas or locked containers.
Top 3 Collectibles:
Globes: Unique snow globes representing famous Earth landmarks, hidden in specific locations throughout the Settled Systems. 2. Skill Magazines (e.g., Constellation Guides, Va'ruun Scriptures): Magazines that provide permanent buffs to specific skills or stats upon being picked up for the first time. 3. Unique Weapons & Armor: Named legendary items with special properties or unique visual designs, often found as quest rewards or in hidden, high-level areas.
Starfield Armor
- shieldApparel (Underneath Spacesuit)
Focus/Stats: Clothing items worn under the spacesuit when in hazardous environments, or as standalone outfits in safe, breathable locations (cities, ships, outposts). Apparel items can offer minor stat boosts (e.g., +persuasion chance, +O2 capacity) or perks. Huge variety of styles.
- shieldArmor Tiers & Quality (Common, Calibrated, Refined, Advanced, Superior / Legendary Perks)
Focus/Stats: Spacesuits, Packs, and Helmets come in different quality tiers (e.g., Common, Calibrated, Refined, Advanced, Superior for base stats) and can also have up to three legendary perks (e.g., Chameleon, Incendiary, Sentinel) that provide powerful passive effects.
- shieldHelmets
Focus/Stats: Complete the spacesuit ensemble. Offer damage resistances and environmental protection, particularly for airborne hazards. Can be modded. Tiered.
- shieldPacks (Boost Packs)
Focus/Stats: Equipped alongside spacesuits. Provide additional damage resistances and environmental protection. Crucially, they enable boosted jumps and short bursts of flight (jetpack functionality), essential for traversal. Can be modded for different boost types and stats. Tiered.
- shieldSpacesuits
Focus/Stats: The primary protective gear. Provides physical, energy, and EM damage resistance, as well as protection against environmental hazards (thermal, corrosive, airborne, radiation). Spacesuits have various stats, mod slots, mass, and value. Tiered from common to legendary with special perks.
Starfield Clothing / Appearance
- checkroomApparel Sets (Outfits)
Details: Various complete outfits that can be worn in breathable environments (cities, ships, outposts). These range from casual wear (street clothes, corpo attire) to faction uniforms (UC SysDef, Freestar Ranger, Ryujin) and specialized clothing (miner gear, scientist outfits). Some provide minor perks or stat boosts.
- checkroomIndividual Apparel Pieces
Details: While not as granular as some games, players can often find individual pieces like hats, glasses, or specific clothing items that can be mixed, though the primary 'armor' system revolves around the Spacesuit/Pack/Helmet combination.
- checkroomSpacesuit Visuals
Details: Different spacesuits, helmets, and packs have unique visual designs, reflecting their origin (e.g., UC Marine, Freestar Militia, Constellation, Pirate, Ecliptic Mercenary) or manufacturer. Players often choose these for their stats and perks, but aesthetics also play a role.
Starfield Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
Starfield is a single-player only experience. It does not feature any cooperative or competitive multiplayer modes.
- labelUser Interface
Features a clean, sci-fi 'NASA-Punk' aesthetic HUD displaying health, oxygen, ammo, and a compass. Menus for inventory (grid-based), skills, ship management, starmap, and missions are navigated through a wrist-mounted device interface. Scanning mode highlights resources, flora, fauna, and points of interest.
- labelSound and Music
Original score composed by Inon Zur, featuring sweeping orchestral themes that evoke a sense of wonder, exploration, and epic adventure. Music is dynamic and adapts to gameplay situations. Sound design focuses on realistic weapon effects, spaceship sounds (engines, grav jumps, combat), and diverse alien creature vocalizations and environmental ambiances.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
Developed on Creation Engine 2, Starfield showcases Bethesda's 'NASA-Punk' art style, blending realistic near-future technology with rugged, functional designs. It features detailed planetary surfaces, diverse biomes, impressive lighting (especially in space and during sunrises/sets on planets), and detailed character/ship models. The scale of the universe and seamless transitions from space to planet (with a loading screen) are key visual aspects.
- labelAccessibility Features
Includes options for subtitle customization (size, background, speaker names), control remapping (PC), adjustable text size, aim assist toggle, options to change hold-to-activate to a toggle, large menu fonts, and various gameplay settings to tweak difficulty and visual effects like motion blur and film grain.
- labelStory and Setting
Set in the year 2330, humanity has spread to the stars and colonized a region of space called the Settled Systems, roughly 50 light-years around Sol. The player character, a customizable miner, uncovers a mysterious alien artifact. This discovery leads them to join Constellation, the last organization of space explorers, on a quest to find more artifacts and unravel a profound mystery about the universe. The backdrop includes a recent, uneasy peace after a bloody Colony War between the two major factions: the United Colonies (a centralized, militaristic republic) and the Freestar Collective (a libertarian confederation).
- labelMap Size and Regions (Planetary Exploration)
Starfield features over 1,000 planets and moons across approximately 100 star systems. While many are procedurally generated for resource gathering and outpost building, there are numerous handcrafted locations, major cities (New Atlantis, Akila City, Neon, Cydonia), and points of interest. Key star systems include Sol, Alpha Centauri, Volii, Cheyenne, and Kryx. Exploration involves grav jumping between systems, landing on planets, and exploring their surfaces on foot.
- labelTop 5 Weapons (Subjective/Iconic)
- 1. MagSniper / Magshear (Particle Beam Weapons): High damage electromagnetic weapons, very effective against various enemy types. 2. Beowulf / Grendel (Ballistic Rifles): Reliable and versatile assault rifles, good for mid-range combat. 3. Equinox / Solstice (Laser Weapons): Common energy weapons, useful against robots and some armored foes. 4. Coachman / Big Bang (Shotguns): Devastating at close range, especially particle beam shotguns. 5. Va'ruun Inflictor (Particle Beam Rifle): A powerful and unique rifle from the enigmatic House Va'ruun.
Starfield Frequently Asked Questions
- help_outline How many planets are in Starfield?Starfield features over 1,000 planets and moons across approximately 100 star systems that players can explore.
- help_outline Is Starfield a direct sequel to Fallout or Elder Scrolls?No, Starfield is a completely new intellectual property (IP) from Bethesda Game Studios, set in its own unique universe, distinct from their Fallout and The Elder Scrolls series.
- help_outline Can I fly my spaceship seamlessly from space to planet surfaces?While you can fly in space and select landing spots on planets from orbit, the transition from space to being on the planet surface (and vice-versa) involves a short loading screen/cutscene. You cannot manually pilot your ship through a planet's atmosphere down to the ground in a seamless manner like in some other space games.
- help_outline Is there base building in Starfield?Yes, players can establish and build Outposts on many planets and moons. These outposts can be used for resource extraction, crafting, storage, and as player homes. They can be customized with various modules, defenses, and crew assignments.
- help_outline How does spaceship customization work?Starfield features an extensive ship builder. Players can buy pre-built ships or heavily customize existing ones by adding, removing, and modifying various modules like cockpits, engines, weapons, shields, cargo holds, habs (living quarters), and structural components. Ships can also be painted and decorated.
- help_outline Are there aliens to interact with besides hostile creatures?The game focuses on human factions and the mystery of alien artifacts. While there is abundant alien flora and fauna, and enigmatic precursor alien technology, there are no sentient, spacefaring alien civilizations to interact with in the traditional sense (like in Mass Effect) within the base game, aside from the Starborn.