Where to Buy Starfield
Starfield Gameplay Video
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 i7-12700H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 140W
storage 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $1349
Model: MSI Pulse GL66 with RTX 3070 and i7 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i7-12700H (Score: 900)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 i9-13900H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
US $999
Model: Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-13900H (Score: 1058)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 i9-12900H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti 150W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $1397
Model: Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-12900H (Score: 1030)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 7435HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 6800H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $1299
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G15 with RTX 3060 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 6800H (Score: 880)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 5900HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 100W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $1489
Model: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 Ultra with RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS (Score: 820)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 i7-13620H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $1350
Model: MSI Katana 15 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core i7-13620H (Score: 843)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 i7-14700HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1899
Model: Alienware M18 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core i7-14700HX (Score: 860)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1699
Model: MSI Creator M16 HX with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 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.