Why Starfield's Akila City is the Ultimate Tatooine Upgrade

New footage of some of Starfield's major space cities, including the desert-style Akila City, was revealed during the Starfield Direct presentation at the Xbox Showcase. As the capital of the Freestar Collective Space, Akila City is one of the explorable pockets of space in Bethesda's upcoming action RPG. While the studio had previously shared some animated concept art and short footage of Akila City, the recent presentation offered a closer look at the city's streets and notable landmarks. Fans of Star Wars and Starfield alike may be excited to explore Akila City and discover the opportunities it holds, particularly with the Ranger faction teased during the presentation, which channels classic Western vibes reminiscent of space cowboys.

Starfield’s Akila City’s Star Wars Tatooine Aesthetics

Tatooine is a planet that has become synonymous with the Star Wars franchise and has made appearances in various productions such as The Mandalorian and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Its popularity can be attributed to its significant role as one of the first settings in Episode 4 - A New Hope. Akila City on Tatooine showcases a unique blend of round and square-shaped buildings and landmarks that can be seen lining its dusty streets. Additionally, the market-style atmosphere portrayed during the Starfield Direct conjures images of bargaining for robot or ship parts, much like a savvy smuggler might negotiate for droid components.

Additionally, Tatooine's history as a barren desert planet overrun by crime is shrouded in secrecy. Similarly, Starfield appears to be emphasizing the rich backstory of Akila City. According to Starfield's Twitter account, the city boasts a diverse population united by a shared belief in personal freedom, but beyond its walls lies a different story altogether. It remains to be seen what circumstances bind the city's inhabitants to the creatures outside its walls, and how players may be involved in protecting them, especially given the tantalizing mention of Freestar's Rangers at Akila City.

Starfield’s Akila City Cowboy Vibes Prevalent in Tatooine and Its Red Dead Redemption Flavor

The appearance of the Rangers hints at a potential requirement for maintaining law and order in the vicinity of Akila city, as revealed by one of Starfield's factions disclosed till now. The showcased videos of the Rangers exude a strong cowboy and Western theme, which is also a characteristic of the Star Wars franchise.

The desert landscape of Tatooine and its iconic cantina scene have become synonymous with the space cowboy aesthetic of the Star Wars franchise. During the Starfield Direct presentation, viewers were treated to footage of The Stoneroot Inn, a popular bar in Akila City that was described by one of the developers as a "fixture" in the city. While it's mere speculation at this point, this establishment could potentially serve as a hub for the Ranger faction, complete with a saloon-style atmosphere reminiscent of classic Western shootouts.

The recent footage of Akila City also draws comparisons to Red Dead Redemption, with the player character sporting a traditional cowboy hat and embodying the space cowboy archetype. Interestingly, Todd Howard of Bethesda has previously likened Starfield to Red Redemption 2, and the newly revealed romanceable companion Sam Coe also dons cowboy attire. It remains to be seen how Akila City will feel as a Ranger exploring its streets and looking out for the people, but the potential for a Wild West-inspired space adventure is certainly exciting.

Starfield launches September 6 for PC and Xbox Series X/S.