Starfield: Unveiling the Secrets of a Struggling Universe

Highlights

Starfield is set to be a massive game, with a main campaign lasting 30-40 hours and around 1000 planets to explore, giving players ample content right from the start.

The game offers a wide range of gameplay systems, such as ground combat, ship combat, space exploration, ship customization, and more, enhancing its already vast scope.

Although a post-launch DLC expansion called Shattered Space is in the works, its impact may be limited by the wealth of content in the base game, which players may still be immersed in upon the DLC's release.

Starfield, a game that has been in development for nearly a decade, is finally approaching its release. Review copies have been distributed, early access is only a week away, and anticipation for the game is at an all-time high. Soon, fans will have the opportunity to explore Starfield's vast skies and determine for themselves whether Bethesda has met their expectations. However, the release of the game does not mark the end of Bethesda's work.

In addition to any necessary patches to address potential bugs at launch, Starfield is also planned to receive a post-launch DLC expansion called Shattered Space. This expansion will introduce a new storyline to the game and include various gameplay features that Bethesda has not yet disclosed. While it is commendable that Bethesda demonstrates confidence in the longevity of Starfield, the Shattered Space DLC may face challenges due to the game already offering an abundance of content.

Starfield Might Not Need DLC Straight Away

From what fans have witnessed, it can be confidently stated that Starfield is an enormous video game. Bethesda has indicated that the main campaign of Starfield alone will span a minimum of 30-40 hours, excluding the abundance of additional side content. Moreover, players can expect to explore approximately 1000 planets, with around 10% being inhabited, granting them the opportunity for meaningful interaction across 100 different worlds. Even if these planets contain a limited number of structures, the expanse of open terrain remains quite substantial.

However, the vastness of Starfield extends beyond its open worlds. The game boasts a multitude of intricate gameplay systems that intricately intertwine with one another. This includes diverse methods of ground combat, which incorporates various melee and ranged mechanisms. Additionally, players can engage in ship combat, explore outer space, customize their ships, engage in potential interstellar races, and partake in numerous other gameplay features that are still shrouded in secrecy by Bethesda. Furthermore, Starfield features an expansive trait and skill system.

Starfield is anticipated to be a highly successful RPG with ample gameplay hours for players to enjoy. The availability of extensive content from the beginning makes the idea of a story DLC expansion somewhat unnecessary. Although an official release date has not been announced, it is expected that Starfield's Shattered Space expansion will launch early next year. Considering this, it is reasonable to assume that many players will not have completed the base game's content by the time the DLC is released.

Being released in September, Starfield has a clear window leading up to its launch and immediately after. However, as October approaches, the gaming industry will become more crowded with new releases for 2023. Those who have not finished Starfield by then will likely prolong their gameplay experience while also exploring other games. Thus, when Shattered Space is eventually released, its impact may not be significant, as many players will still be engrossed in the vast galaxy of the base game. With over 30 hours of main story content already available, and potentially more through side missions, the prospect of an additional story DLC may not generate much excitement, at least on its own.

Starfield will be available on September 6, 2023, for PC and Xbox Series X/S.