Starfield has finally hit gold ahead of its release next month, suggesting that the game’s main development work is over and it’s ready to hit store shelves soon. As such, developer Bethesda has confirmed preload details for its expansive space RPG, which the Xbox Series S/X will receive early access on August 17. Meanwhile, PC players on Steam can pre-install the game starting August 30. Additionally, players who subscribe to Xbox Game Pass will be able to play the game for free, but their access will begin on launch day (September 6).
Ahead of the launch, lead game designer Emil Pagliarulo and lead quest designer Will Shen also held a Q&A session on Starfield’s Discord server (via reset era), revealing some interesting details, such as the inclusion of a prison system. As in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, sketchy actions like smuggling contraband can spell trouble for galactic law enforcement. Once you are arrested, you will have two main options to deal with the situation: you can pay the required fine when you are arrested, or you can be thrown in jail. Of course, there’s a third option, which is to blow them up and keep running. However, those looking for a smoother ride can invest in spacecraft parts and modules to help conceal these illegal items while going through security.
The items themselves have a fixed price in Starfield’s universe, but can be sold for a profit if you’ve unlocked the right skills. That money can then be spent on properties located in major cities, or you can complete certain quests to earn houses as a reward. An interview last year revealed that Bethesda relies heavily on character customization in the game–in part, opting for the “Kid Stuff” trait allows your in-game parents to resemble you in appearance. The developer isn’t entirely clear on how parents will be involved in Starfield, but notes that the feature is very similar to Fallout 3 and Fallout 4. Another feature derived from Fallout is the persuasion system, which can be used to avoid conflicts with parents. Although Bethesda confirmed that a full pacifist game isn’t “entirely doable,” you’ll be able to get through the dialogue without a hitch.
Like previous Bethesda RPGs, Starfield presents companions willing to follow–in this case, more than 20, all named and with unique backstories. The Q&A also confirmed that while real-world religions exist in the game’s universe, the focus is primarily on three fictional ones. We have the cosmic sanctuary, which proclaims that God is somewhere in the wider universe; a group of atheists who call themselves enlightened;
Starfield launches September 6 on PC and Xbox Series S/X. Xbox preloads will start on August 17th, and PC (Steam) players can start preloading on August 30th.
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