Starfield
Open-world space RPG (Bethesda Game Studios + Xbox Game Studios, Sep 6, 2023 Xbox Series/PC) — 1,000+ procedurally-generated planets, first-person + third-person combat, ship-building. Bethesda's first new IP in 25 years. Post-launch DLC 'Shattered Space' (Sep 30, 2024).
What is Starfield?
Starfield is an open-world space role-playing game developed by Bethesda Game Studios + published by Xbox Game Studios — released September 6, 2023 for Xbox Series X|S and PC (Game Pass day one). Bethesda's first new IP in 25 years (since The Elder Scrolls: Arena preceded Fallout acquisition). Set in the year 2330 across 100+ star systems with 1,000+ procedurally-generated planets — combining hand-crafted major cities (New Atlantis, Akila, Neon) with procedural planetary exploration + resource gathering + outpost building + ship building/customisation. Player joins the Constellation faction investigating mysterious Artifacts. First-person + third-person combat with ballistic + energy + explosive weapons; ship space combat + boarding actions. Extensive skill tree (5 disciplines × 20 skills each) + digipick lockpicking mini-game. Mixed reception at launch — praised for scale + role-playing depth, criticised for loading screens + procedural repetition. 'Shattered Space' first major DLC released September 30, 2024. 15M+ players in first month via Game Pass.
Quick facts
Category
Video Games
Type
Individual
Players
1–1
Duration
~30 min
Where played
indoor
Country of origin
🇺🇸 United States
Estimated origin
Released Sep 6, 2023 for Xbox Series + PC; 'Shattered Space' DLC Sep 30, 2024
Olympic
No
Popularity
major
How it works
Objective
Investigate Constellation Artifacts; explore + colonise planets; build ships + outposts; complete faction storylines.
Match structure
Single-player open-world with main quest + 4 major factions (UC Vanguard, Freestar Rangers, Ryujin Industries, Crimson Fleet) + outpost building + ship customisation.
Rules
Basic rules
Main quest + 4 faction quests
Constellation main quest + UC Vanguard + Freestar Rangers + Ryujin + Crimson Fleet — each ~10-15 hrs.
Ship-building + customisation
Buy/build ships from modular components; combat + cargo tuning.
NG+ narrative twist
New Game Plus reveals Starborn multiverse mechanic + expanded powers.
Advanced rules
Skill tree (5 disciplines × 20 skills)
Physical, Social, Combat, Science, Tech — each with 20 skills unlockable via challenges.
Outpost mining automation
Build outposts to auto-mine resources; supply cargo links between planets.
Scoring
Story progression + faction quests + outpost tier + ship class + NG+ counter.
| Action | Points |
|---|---|
| Main story completion | Credits + NG+ unlock |
Win condition · Complete main story; optional NG+ resets progression but reveals multiverse layers.
Equipment
Xbox Series X|S / PC
Xbox exclusive; PC available on Steam + Microsoft Store. Not on PS5.
Game Pass subscription (optional)
Included with Xbox Game Pass day one.
Xbox controller or M+KB
PC supports both control schemes.
Positions & roles
Player (custom character)
×1Space explorer + Constellation member.
Officiating
Single-player only.
- Speedrun.com moderators
Penalties & fouls
Penalties
Death (Game Over)
Reload autosave; no permanent loss.
Crime + bounty
Committing crimes triggers bounty; can pay off or evade to systems without contact.
Strategies
Persuasion social system
Build Persuasion + Ryujin storyline for non-combat dialogue solutions.
NG+ Starborn build
Complete main story then NG+ for Starborn powers + narrative variation.
Outpost economy loop
Chain outposts on high-yield planets + cargo-link to trade hubs for endless credits.
Terminology
- Constellation
- Player-joined exploration faction
- Artifact
- Mysterious alien object driving main quest
- Starborn
- NG+ character class + multiverse reveal
- Grav Drive
- Faster-than-light ship engine
Major competitions
Speedrun.com Starfield leaderboards
ongoing · global (community) · since 2023
Where it is played
Governing bodies
Xbox Game Studios
Founded 2019 · Redmond, Washington, USA
Bethesda Game Studios
Founded 2001 · Rockville, Maryland, USA
Famous names & records
Famous athletes
- Community modding scene + speedrunners
Records
Game Pass launch reach
Xbox Game Studios — 15+ million players in first month via Game Pass Day 1 (2023)
Bethesda's first new IP in 25 years
Bethesda Game Studios — First new Bethesda-created IP since 1994 (Elder Scrolls: Arena) (2023)
First major DLC — Shattered Space
Bethesda — Released Sep 30, 2024; single hand-crafted planet with House Va'ruun storyline (2024)
Learn this sport
beginner
- 1
Main quest + New Atlantis intro
Learn combat, boostpack, first Constellation Artifact.
intermediate
- 1
Faction quests + ship-building
UC Vanguard/Freestar/Ryujin/Crimson Fleet + custom ship construction.
advanced
- 1
NG+ + Starborn + Shattered Space
Multiverse mechanic, all NG+ variations, DLC House Va'ruun content.
Frequently asked
Is Starfield on PS5?+
No — Xbox Series X|S + PC only (Microsoft acquired Bethesda; exclusive to Xbox ecosystem).
How is 'Shattered Space' different from main game?+
Shattered Space DLC is hand-crafted single planet (no procedural generation) featuring House Va'ruun storyline — a departure from base game's procedural approach.
Sources & provenance
- Wikipedia — Starfield (video game)— Wikipedia