The Enthralling Saga of Starfield's New Atlantis: Redefining Sci-Fi's Vision of the Future

Highlights

New Atlantis is a visually stunning starting city in Starfield, inspired by the optimistic vision of the future in science fiction.

The city integrates contemporary architectural elements, including green-covered buildings, in response to environmental concerns like deforestation.

Nevertheless, New Atlantis, despite its optimistic facade, grapples with class conflicts and other challenges, enhancing the depth of the game's world and storyline.

Starting off in Starfield, players are transported to New Atlantis, a city that surpasses expectations by serving as a celestial paradise for Earth's population in 2330. Functioning as Constellation's central hub, players will frequently find themselves returning to this city as they embark on their mission to recover the scattered Artifacts hidden across various planets in Starfield.

Although New Atlantis serves as the initial city and is crucial to the main storyline, it is far from mundane in terms of architecture. This magnificent city boasts breathtaking designs that captivate the players, while the quests in Starfield provide glimpses into its darker side, giving the location a sense of realism and depth. Interestingly, New Atlantis draws inspiration from the beloved science fiction theme of showcasing "the future world."

How Starfield Pays Tribute to Science Fiction's Love of Possibilities

Science fiction is a genre that can vary greatly in terms of story and themes, but there are certain recurring trends. One of these trends is the optimistic portrayal of the future, with stories often depicting civilizations that reflect the creators' visions of what the world could be like in the coming years, whether on Earth or on distant planets like Mars.

This is where New Atlantis comes into play. The city showcases classic science fiction architectural ideas, giving it a sleek and modern appearance while also feeling lived-in. While it may not have the typical features one might expect, such as moving sidewalks or a sky filled with traffic-jammed flying cars, it doesn't take long for players to feel like they have stepped into the future upon arriving. However, there is a unique twist to New Atlantis that sets it apart.

Starfield's New Atlantis Uses Modern Architecture Designs To Expand Its Aesthetics

New Atlantis embodies the optimistic vision of a future that is pristine, organized, and infused with modern architectural blueprints, resulting in a truly distinctive futuristic city. While some individuals may perceive certain regions in the United Colonies city as overwhelmed by an abundance of plant life, this deliberate choice mirrors contemporary buildings like Italy's Bosco Verticale which incorporate greenery on roofs and building exteriors to combat the loss of vital foliage caused by deforestation and climate change.

The approach taken by New Atlantis becomes even more logical when considering that Starfield depicts Earth as desolate due to a torn atmosphere. Given the scarcity of habitable planets with breathable air, it is understandable why the United Colonies would draw from the lessons of past civilizations and go to great lengths to safeguard what they possess.

However, New Atlantis, portrayed as a bright symbol of hope in the vast expanse of space, is far more complex than it appears. A closer exploration of the city reveals not only a class struggle, but also numerous underlying issues. Despite providing humanity with a new haven, New Atlantis is far from flawless. This dynamic aspect breathes life into the world of Starfield, captivating fans whether they are experiencing it for the first time or embarking on a New Game Plus journey.

Starfield is currently accessible on PC and Xbox Series X/S.