Starfield: release date, location, gameplay, leak

Bethesda Game Studios has revealed more details for their newest game: Starfield. It is a sci-fi RPG game where you can create your own character, explore space and find the answer to 'humanity's greatest mystery'. In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about the Starfield game, such as the release date, rumors and leaks around it, as well as the setting, and other details. Read on!

What is Starfield?

Think Skyrim in space. It is a space exploration RPG, similar to Mass Effect, with Bethesda's unique touch. According to the developers, the gameplay is set in space, where you have to explore the stars, cosmic ships, and the galaxy. Your mission is to save the world, as "we've come to the beginning of humanity's final journey".

"In this next-generation role-playing game set amongst the stars, create any character you want and explore with unparalleled freedom. Harnessing the power of next-gen technology and built on the all-new Creation Engine 2, Starfield takes you on a journey through space as you strive to answer humanity's greatest mystery.",- the development team shared their insights during the interview with the Washington Post.

Bethesda Game Studios Executive Producer Todd Howard got inspired by eternal questions about the space, such as "what is out there? Are we alone? What are the origins of space and time and all of those things? What role does religion play in some of that as well?", and together with books and movies, video games seem like a good way to explore this side of our lives.

When was Starfield released?

The Bethesda Starfield game was under development from 2017 already. Finally, Bethesda Game Studios revealed during the Microsoft & Bethesda showcase at the latest E3 event, that Starfield would be released on November 11th, 2022 exclusively on Xbox and Windows PC, even incorporating the date into the reveal trailer. However, in May 2022, Bethesda pushed back the release date of Starfield to 2023. Starfield was finally released on the 6th September 2023. 

How to rewatch the Starfield direct livestream?

During the Xbox Games Showcase on June 11th, 2023, a dedicated livestream for Starfield provided an exciting glimpse into the game. Over the course of 45 minutes, viewers were treated to an overview of the game's captivating story, intense combat, planetary exploration, space travel, and ship customization, among other thrilling features. The showcased footage left no doubt about the excitement surrounding Starfield.

Set in a vast open world, players have the opportunity to visit incredible cities like New Atlantis, Neon, and Cydonia. The game design focuses on maximizing immersion, with minimal on-screen information to avoid distractions. Players are provided with essential details such as a compass for navigation, a health bar, the current weapon, and ammunition and grenade counts.

The showcased combat sequences featured a variety of firearms and the use of a jet pack, enhancing the mobility and dynamic nature of the confrontations. However, it should be noted that some viewers observed rigidity in the facial animations, which could potentially be improved upon. Overall, the Starfield livestream left a lasting impression, generating tremendous anticipation for the game's release and the opportunity to embark on thrilling adventures in its vast and immersive universe. You can rewatch the event below. 

What is Starfield's gameplay?

In the vast expanse of space, ship battles become a thrilling necessity. To navigate these encounters successfully, you'll need to carefully balance the stats of your vessel. The level of customization available for your ship is extensive, allowing you to personalize both its interior and exterior to your liking.

As you explore various planets, you'll have the opportunity to establish outposts. These mini headquarters not only provide a base of operations but also serve as storage facilities for your resources. To add a personal touch and enhance efficiency, you can assign specific crew members to these outposts, further expanding their functionality.

In this immersive space adventure, the combination of intense ship battles, extensive ship customization, and the ability to create and manage outposts on different planets adds layers of depth and strategic decision-making to your gameplay experience.

What resolution and frame rate does Starfield have?

The game is capped at 30 frames per second on both Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. This decision ensures a consistent display quality, with the Xbox Series X supporting 4K resolution and the Xbox Series S delivering at 1440p. Game director Todd Howard has emphasized the importance of maintaining visual fidelity and not compromising on the overall gaming experience. Whilst an understandable decision to give the best gaming experience that the hardware can, it is a shame not to see 60fps, which is becoming the norm for games, especially ones that are "flagship". 

What is Starfield's setting?

The game is set between the stars, on a cosmic base. It is happening around three hundred years in the future, so you can see some futuristic details, such as a robot called Vasco who will help you to save the world. It is a single-player adventure game, and you can create and customize your own character, as in other Bethesda games, such as Skyrim and Fallout. You can also change the perspective from first person to third person. According to Todd Howard, Bethesda Games executive producer, there will be over 1000 player-explorable planets. This game could be one of the most expansive games ever made. 

At the end of August 2021, Bethesda studios published three videos of locations within the game.

New Atlantis

• A space port, the capital city of the united colonies. It is a true melting pot and a reflection of the future of humanity.

Akila

• Akila city is the capital of the free star collective. The city is walled to protect inhabitants from wildlife.

Neon

• Neon was built as a fishing platform, however once they discovered a fish with psychotropic properties, the platform turned into Neon, a pleasure city.

What typical Bethesda gameplay mechanics are there?

Bethesda games such as Fallout and Elder Scrolls share several gameplay mechanics that instantly make them recognisable as a Bethesda game, such as a detailed character creation mechanic, skills and traits. In Starfield it has also be confirmed through gameplay and comments made by the developers that the following mechanics will feature:

• Lock picking - pick space locks and find hidden treasure.
• Pickpocketing - becoming a space pirate and steal from other characters.
• Joinable factions - think the thieves guild in the Elder Scrolls and the Brotherhood of Steel in Fallout.
• Dialogue options - speak with NPC's and enter into a persuasion minigame
• Recruitable NPC companions - have a crew that follows around during your adventures.
• Build outposts - You can build outposts and bases in different locations. 

How much customisation is there in Starfield?

When it comes to shaping your character, Bethesda's motto of "Be who you want and go where you want" truly resonates. The character editor offers an impressively comprehensive range of options. With a staggering 40 saved configurations available, you have ample choices to create your ideal character. From customizing their appearance in great detail, such as adjusting height, freckles, and gait, to selecting a backstory and three character traits, your choices will not only impact your gameplay style but also influence your character's development.

In addition, a multitude of skill trees will be at your disposal, allowing you to tailor your experience to suit your preferences. However, it's worth noting that your character remains silent, which can pose challenges in storytelling. Nonetheless, you have the freedom to seamlessly switch between a first-person and third-person perspective at any time, enhancing your immersion and personal connection with the game world.

Starfield offers a captivating array of exploration opportunities, ranging from on-foot expeditions to vehicular journeys, engaging quests, and thrilling combat experiences both on land and in space. During the presentation, several key aspects were highlighted. For instance, weapons can be extensively customized using gathered resources and crafting mechanics. Additionally, the game allows players to construct outposts on distant planets, establishing their presence in remote locations.

One of the standout features is the ability to create your own spaceship from the ground up, utilizing a dedicated editor. Every aspect of the vessel, including its design, performance, on-board weapons, and even crew, can be meticulously chosen and tailored to your preferences. This level of freedom empowers players to shape their spacefaring experience to perfection, ensuring a truly personalized journey through the cosmos.

What do the reviews say?

Starfield has garnered a mixture of reviews, majoritarily positive, however there are a few exceptions. Starfield has been praised as an epic adventure filled with endless discoveries and is being labeled as one of the boldest games in recent years. Some reviews focus in on its expansiveness and attention to detail, describing it as the beauty of space, captured in a charming yet occasionally janky experience. Other reviews critique the game for its unfulfilled potential, noting issues with the AI, a lack of depth and a lack of real detail on the explorable worlds. One observation that has been made frequently is the disappointing space travel where you don't have full freedom of your spaceship and you land and take off from planets. Despite the varying opinions, it is clear that Starfield is one of 2023's best games, and arguably one of the best games on the Xbox Series X so far. 

How long is Starfield?

Todd Howard revealed that the main quest is around 20% bigger than previous Bethesda titles. Given that the Skyrim main quest was about 15-30 hours long, the main quest in Starfield should be around 30-40 hours. Based on the expansive nature of the game, your overall play-through could easily go beyond 100+ hours. If you want to explore each of the planets in the game, you could be here for a while.

Was Starfield leaked?

The official trailer was leaked just before the presentation of the game during the E3 showcase, though for now, all the information we know has already been disclosed. Bethesda has revealed quite a lot of gameplay already 

Is there a Starfield trailer?

Before the official release of the game, you can watch the Starfield trailer to get an idea, what the game is like and view the quality of the graphics.

What platforms is Starfield available on?

Starfield was released on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Game Pass, and Windows PC. The game isn’t coming on PS5 and will be an Xbox exclusive since Microsoft has acquired the production company Bethesda Game Studios.

How much does Starfield cost?

Starfield is $70 USD for the standard edition, however special editions cost considerably more than this. Starfield was a day one addition to Game Pass, so if you are a Game Pass subscription holder, then you can download and play the game for free (just the cost of a Game Pass subscription). Depending on how long you plan to play the game, and how long you intend to keep your Game Pass subscription, it may be a good idea to start with Game Pass, and when the price reduces, purchase the disc.

Is there a multiplayer?

Like previous Bethesda games (forgetting the forgettable Fallout 76), there is not a multiplayer. Starfield is a single player, open world, game with no online multiplayer. It is possible that Bethesda adds one in the future, however nothing has been mentioned yet.