Head-to-Head: Baldur's Gate 3 vs Starfield - Who Wins the Strategy Battle?

Highlights

Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield are both offering early access to gamers who are willing to pay more.

PS5 players have the opportunity to experience Baldur's Gate 3 on September 3 rather than September 6 if they opt for the Digital Deluxe Edition priced at $79.99, providing them with supplementary digital content. On the other hand, Xbox players can gain early access to Starfield by purchasing either the Premium Edition for $99.99 or the Premium Edition upgrade for $34.99. Depending on their location, early access will be accessible either on August 31 or September 1.

Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield are adopting a similar release strategy, offering early access to players who are willing to pay more. Baldur's Gate 3 was released on PC on August 3 after years of early access, with the PS5 version still pending. On the other hand, Starfield is set to release on September 6, with some players gaining early access starting on August 31.

In terms of console releases, Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield share the same release date. Baldur's Gate 3 will be a timed exclusive for PS5 on September 6, not due to an exclusivity agreement, but to allow developers more time to implement split-screen functionality on Series S. In contrast, Starfield will be released as an exclusive for Xbox consoles on the same day. However, PS5 players do not have to wait until September 6 to play Baldur's Gate 3, just as Xbox players do not have to wait until September 6 to play Starfield.

Here's how PS5 gamers can play Baldur's Gate 3 ahead of its September 6 release date, as well as how Xbox gamers can get early access to Starfield.

How to Play Baldur's Gate 3 PS5 Early Access

Baldur's Gate 3 Early Access Release Date: September 3

Baldur's Gate 3: Official Release Date, September 6.

For gamers on PS5, the early access release date for Baldur's Gate 3 is September 3. By purchasing the Digital Deluxe Edition of the game for $79.99, players can have the opportunity to play this highly acclaimed RPG a few days in advance. It's important to note that the Digital Deluxe Edition offers more than just early access benefits, and it is only $10 more expensive than the regular version of the game.

The Digital Deluxe Edition of Baldur's Gate 3 includes exclusive bonuses such as the Divinity Bard Song Pack, a unique dice theme, the Treasures from Rivellon Pack, the Adventurer's Pouch, and additional digital content. For those eagerly anticipating the game, it's worth considering paying an extra $10 for the Digital Deluxe Edition, as it offers early access and all the goodies in one package.

Although it is commonly advised to wait for reviews before purchasing a game, PS5 gamers have the advantage of the PC version being already available. Baldur's Gate 3 has received exceptional ratings, currently holding the position of the top-rated new release of 2023 and ranking second among the highest-rated PC games ever. Given Larian Studios' track record of delivering high-quality console ports, it is highly likely that Baldur's Gate 3 on PS5 will be another resounding success, barring any unforeseen issues.

How to Play Starfield Early

Starfield Early Access Release Date: August 31/September 1

Starfield Official Release Date: September 6

Xbox gamers will have the opportunity to get an early start on playing the new big RPG, Starfield. However, this privilege comes at a higher price. The Premium or Constellation Editions of the game offer five days of early access. This means that, for those willing to take the plunge, Starfield will technically be available on September 1. However, depending on how the release is rolled out, some gamers may even be able to start playing as early as August 31.

For those who purchase the Premium or Constellation Edition of the game, Starfield early access will begin at 5:00pm PST/7:00pm CST/8:00pm EST on August 31. The Premium Edition of Starfield is priced at $99.99. Gamers who plan on playing Starfield through Xbox Game Pass can also participate in the early access, provided they purchase the standalone Premium Edition upgrade. This upgrade is available for $34.99 and offers more than just early access.

Xbox Game Pass subscribers who purchase the Premium Edition upgrade for $34.99 or the Premium Edition outright for $99.99 will receive the Laser Cutter, Deep Mining Helmet, Deep Mining Pack, Constellation Skin Pack, the digital artbook, a digital copy of the soundtrack, and the upcoming Shattered Space Story Expansion. The Shattered Space DLC is Starfield's first major expansion, although specific details are still unknown at this time.

Both Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield are competing on September 6, but both games are offering early access to their fans. For Baldur's Gate 3, players can gain early access by paying an additional $10, allowing them to start playing three days early. Starfield grants early access for five days but at a slightly higher cost. Players must either purchase the Premium Edition for $99.99 or upgrade to the Premium Edition for $34.99 if they are already subscribed to Xbox Game Pass.

Baldur's Gate 3 is available now on PC and launches September 6 for PS5 with an Xbox version also in development. Starfield launches September 6 for PC and Xbox Series X.