Starfield is an upcoming role-playing game (RPG) set in a science fiction universe. It is being developed by Bethesda Game Studios, known for their popular game series The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. Starfield represents the first entirely new franchise from Bethesda Game Studios in 25 years.
- What is Bethesda?
- When is Starfield set to be released?
- What are action RPGs?
- What editions of Starfield are available to buy?
- What platforms will Starfield be available on?
- What are the key features of Starfield?
The game takes place in the distant future during the age of space colonization. It takes place in the year 2310, where a bloody conflict between two factions, the United Colonies and the Freestar Collective, has occurred in The Settled Systems—a small portion of the Milky Way located about 50 light years from the Solar System. The conflict has ended with a tense truce, but It’s turned The Settled Systems into a hostile and potentially hazardous place.
The player starts the game 20 years after the war as a member of Constellation, an organization that works to explore the Milky Way and find out what it is like. The game revolves around exploring nearly the entire galaxy and uncovering mankind’s biggest secret.
Starfield offers players the choice to play in either first-person (FPP) or third-person (TPP) perspective. There is an extensive character creator that allows players to customize their protagonists’ appearance, pronouns, and backstory, which determine their starting skills. Players can also select various traits that provide bonuses but come with corresponding weaknesses. For example, choosing the “house owner” trait grants access to a house from the beginning but also entails a significant loan to repay. Once the character is created, players embark on an enormous and immersive adventure.
In the game, you can explore more than a thousand planets in over a hundred planetary systems. Players can visit diverse locations such as New Atlantis, a massive metropolis with a sprawling space harbor; Neon, a city located on a fishing platform with an economy centered around a drug called Aurora; or Akila, a walled-off city. Outer space features numerous facilities like shipyards and research stations.
Players can use their spaceship to explore different planets and moons. Short distances can be traveled on foot, while longer distances require the use of a gravity drive. As the game progresses, players can acquire specialized ships ranging from agile fighters to heavy transporters. You can explore planets, moons, ships, and other places by walking. You can also use tools like jetpacks to reach higher places.
In addition to the main storyline, Starfield offers numerous side quests and optional activities. Besides the two main factions, there are minor factions operating within the game world, including the Ecliptic mercenaries, the Crimson Fleet pirates, the brutal rejects, and the fanatical House Va’ruun. Often, these factions have conflicting interests. Throughout the game, players will encounter and be able to recruit various companions, such as friendly humans or an intelligent robot named Vasco. Each companion has a unique personality, backstory, and quest line. It is possible to develop friendships with some companions that can evolve into romantic relationships.
What is Bethesda?
Bethesda refers to Bethesda Softworks, a video game publisher and developer based in the United States. Bethesda has gained recognition for its role-playing games and open-world game experiences over the years.
Bethesda has become well-known for its critically acclaimed game series, including The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. The Elder Scrolls series, which began with The Elder Scrolls: Arena in 1994, is a fantasy RPG franchise set in a vast open world with immersive storytelling and a rich lore. The series reached its peak popularity with The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, released in 2011, which became a cultural phenomenon and is widely regarded as one of the greatest RPGs of all time.
The Fallout series, which Bethesda acquired the rights to in 2004, is a post-apocalyptic RPG set in a retro-futuristic world. Bethesda’s entry into the series, Fallout 3, released in 2008, brought the franchise into a three-dimensional open world and received critical acclaim.
In addition to The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, Bethesda has published and developed other notable games, such as the Dishonored series, DOOM series, and Wolfenstein series, among others. They have also worked on projects like Prey and The Evil Within.
When is Starfield set to be released?
Starfield is highly anticipated among gamers, and its release date has been confirmed for September 6, 2023. Starfield is the first entirely new franchise from Bethesda Game Studios, the team behind acclaimed game franchises such as The Elder Scrolls and Fallout.
What are action RPGs?
Action RPGs, or Action Role-Playing Games, combine elements of both action games and role-playing games to create an engaging gaming experience. In action RPGs, players control a character or a party of characters who engage in real-time combat, relying on their reflexes, skill, and tactical decision-making. These games often incorporate a variety of combat mechanics, including melee and ranged attacks, magic spells, or special abilities that can be upgraded or customized.
Alongside the action-oriented gameplay, action RPGs typically feature a progression system where players can develop their characters’ skills, acquire new equipment, and make choices that impact the storyline. This genre offers a dynamic blend of fast-paced combat and character development, allowing players to immerse themselves in thrilling battles while also experiencing the depth and progression of a traditional RPG.
What editions of Starfield are available to buy?
Starfield will be available in two editions:
- Starfield Standard Edition, which includes the full game,
- Starfield Premium Edition, which offers additional content alongside the full game. The Premium Edition, provides players with exclusive bonuses. These include the narrative expansion titled “Shattered Space” to be released after the game’s launch. Additionally, players who opt for the Premium Edition will enjoy the privilege of accessing the game up to five days earlier than the standard release date. The package also features the Constellation Skin Pack, which includes the Equinox laser rifle, an astronaut suit, helmet, and jetpack. Furthermore, purchasers of the Premium Edition gain access to a digital artbook and the original soundtrack, allowing them to delve deeper into the visual and auditory aspects of the game’s immersive world.
What platforms will Starfield be available on?
Starfield, the highly anticipated upcoming game from Bethesda Game Studios, is set to be available exclusively on PC and Xbox Series X/S platforms. This means that players who own a gaming PC or an Xbox console will have the opportunity to delve into the expansive sci-fi universe of Starfield.
What are the key features of Starfield?
The key features of Starfield can be summarized as follows:
- Vast Sci-Fi Universe: Starfield offers an expansive sci-fi universe for players to explore, featuring over a hundred planetary systems and more than a thousand planets to visit. From sprawling metropolises to remote outposts, the game presents a diverse range of locations to discover.
- Engaging RPG Experience: As an RPG, Starfield allows players to create their own character with a detailed character creator, choose their backstory and starting skills, and make choices that impact the narrative. The game offers a deep progression system where players can develop their skills and acquire new equipment.
- Immersive First-Person/Third-Person Gameplay: Players have the choice to experience Starfield from either a first-person or third-person perspective, allowing them to customize their playstyle. Whether exploring the vast galaxy, engaging in combat, or interacting with NPCs, the game offers a dynamic and immersive gameplay experience.
- Space Travel and Ship Customization: Starfield introduces space travel as a core aspect of gameplay. Players can traverse between planets and moons using their spaceship, which can be upgraded and customized over time. From agile fighters to heavy transporters, players have the opportunity to acquire and pilot specialized ships.
- Deep Narrative and Companion System: Starfield offers a compelling main storyline set in a far future where the remnants of a bloody conflict shape the galaxy. Players will encounter various factions, companions, and quests along their journey. Companions have unique personalities, backstories, and quest lines, and players can develop friendships and even romantic relationships with them, adding depth to the overall narrative experience.
These key features collectively contribute to creating a captivating and immersive sci-fi RPG adventure in the world of Starfield.
