Starfield released on September 6, 2023 for PC (Steam, Microsoft Store) and Xbox Series X|S, following Premium Edition early access from September 1. Developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. You play a new recruit in Constellation, chasing artifacts across a wide slice of settled space. It is a first person RPG about shipbuilding, outposts, and choices that ripple. Dogfights, dungeon‑like facilities, and quiet conversations fill the gaps between grav jumps. Companions argue, factions pull, and the New Game Plus twist reshapes how a second run reads.
Premium Edition — what’s included
- Shattered Space story expansion
- Constellation Skin Pack: Equinox Laser Rifle, Spacesuit, Helmet, Boost Pack
- Access to Digital Artbook and Original Soundtrack
- Up to 5 days early access at launch
Constellation Edition — what’s included
- Everything in Premium Edition
- Chronomark Watch and Watch Case
- Steelbook Display Case and Constellation Patch
Review
Starfield lands once you treat it like a slow burn. The ship is your character as much as your build. A clean reactor swap changes a fight, better shields buy you time to board, and a new grav drive turns a bad route into a quick exit. Ground combat is sturdier than past Bethesda shooters. Boost packs give you angles, weapon tiers feel distinct, and stealth builds can carry if you commit perks and patience. The quest design alternates between focused faction arcs and freeform exploration that feeds on curiosity. Neon and Akila sell different moods, and little stories in sealed labs or pirate nests do a lot of lifting.
Outposts are a second game. Resource lines, crew assignments, and drop pads make loops tighter, even if the menus ask for practice. Presentation is mixed but often striking. Space is clean, ship interiors cozy, and the score leans warm without drowning scenes. The New Game Plus hook is smart. It reframes choices, trims friction, and makes a fresh start feel earned rather than recycled.
Caveats matter. Inventory and weight limits nag until you invest in skills or ship storage. Surface traversal can feel samey if you sprint planet checklists, and loading breaks momentum when you hop too fast. On PC, an SSD is mandatory and settings need a pass on mid rigs. Even with the bumps, the pull is steady. Pick a job, chart a jump, come back with a story.
Verdict: big, sometimes fussy, but a rewarding space RPG if you let it breathe.
PC System Requirements
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 version 21H1 (10.0.19043) | Windows 10/11 with updates |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 2600X or Intel Core i7‑6800K | AMD Ryzen 5 3600X or Intel Core i5‑10600K |
| Memory | 16 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon RX 5700 or NVIDIA GeForce 1070 Ti | AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 |
| Storage | 125 GB available space, SSD required | 125 GB available space, SSD required |
