After receiving a delay, Starfield's release date is finally approaching. Here are more details about Starfield, including its gameplay and story.

Starfield Release Date: September 6, 2023

Starfield comes out on September 6, 2023. It will be available on Xbox Series X|S and PC. There are still no pre-orders available. However, players can already wishlist the game on PC. Additionally, more details about the game came out during the recent Starfield Direct. This includes a deep dive into Starfield's gameplay, story, and more. Preorders have also started for the game, with three editions available:

  • Standard Edition ($69.99)
    • Contains the following:
      • Starfield Base Game
  • Digital Premium Edition ($99.99)
    • Contains the following:
      • Starfield Base Game
      • Shattered Space Story Expansion (upon release)
      • Up to five days of early access
      • Constellation Skin Pack
        • Equinox Laser Rifle
        • Equinox Spacesuit
        • Equinox Helmet
        • Equinox Boost
      • Access to Starfield Digital Artbook and Original Soundtrack
    • Players can buy a Digital Premium Edition Upgrade for $34.99 if they already bought the Standard Edition
  • Constellation Edition ($300)
    • Contains the following:
      • Starfield Base Game
      • Shattered Space Story Expansion (upon release)
      • Up to five days of early access
      • Constellation Skin Pack
        • Equinox Laser Rifle
        • Equinox Spacesuit
        • Equinox Helmet
        • Equinox Boost
      • Access to Starfield Digital Artbook and Original Soundtrack
      • Steelbook Case
      • Constellation Patch
      • Starfield Chronomark Watch and Case
      • Credit Stick with Laser-Etched Game Code

Additionally, players who pre-order the game will receive the “Old Mars Skin Pack” which contains the following in-game skins:

  • Laser Cutter
  • Deep Mining Helmet
  • Deep Mining Pack

Additionally, Bethesda officially announced the game's preload dates. For those playing it on Xbox Series X|S, the preload became available last August 17, 2023. For PC players, on the other hand, the preload became available last August 30, 2023. Expect the preload size to be around 125 GB.

Starfield Gameplay

Much like its predecessors from the Fallout and Elder Scrolls series, Starfield is an open-world action RPG. This time, however, it happens in space. The game can be played in either first-person or third-person, with players given the option of switching between the two. Players can explore various planets, and experience everything that entails. Different kinds of animals and plants, surreal landscapes, and more. Not only that, but the player will also experience low to zero gravity at certain locations.

Before exploring, of course, players will have to create their character. Other than customizing their appearance, players can also pick what their character's background is. There are many backgrounds to choose from, and each background decides your character's Starting Skills. Not only that, but the player can unlock special dialogue options and interactions based on their chosen background. The player can also choose up to three traits that will affect their interactions and playstyle even more, including one that brings back a loved (or hated) NPC.

While exploring, players will encounter various enemies. Be this in the form of dangerous wild animals, or pirates and criminals intent on harming you. To defend themselves, players will have access to various kinds of futuristic weaponry. These weapons are mostly firearms, ranging from pistols to submachine guns to rifles, and even grenades. A lot of these weapons will have real-life counterparts, which should help players familiarize themselves with them. The player will also have access to a variety of melee weapons, such as knives, swords, axes, and more. While it may not seem futuristic, melee combat is still very effective in space.

Alongside the game's exploration comes resource gathering. Players can use drills and gatherers to get various items. They can then use these items to create their own outposts, as well as create and upgrade their weapons. Exploration is highly encouraged in Starfield, as players will need to go out and get these materials for themselves.

Starfield Story

Starfield happens in an area called The Settled Systems, around 50 light-years away from our Solar System. The two largest factions, the United Colonies and the Freestar Collective waged war in 2310 in what will soon be known as the Colony War. Twenty years later, an uneasy peace exists between the game's major factions. This is where you come in. You are a member of an organization of space travelers and explorers, known as the Constellation. It is up to you to explore the Settled Systems and choose between helping the peace or destroying it. Bethesda already talked about how this game's dialogue is more complex and in-depth compared to Skyrim and Fallout, so you can be sure that your actions and words will have a large impact on the game's world and story.

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