Bethesda’s long-awaited space adventure is finally on its way to players everywhere! Here’s everything you need to know about Starfield’s launch.
Starfield has opened up to glowing reviews from a variety of reviewers and critics alike and is now available to users who purchased the premium as well as the standard edition of the game. There are many ways to explore Bethesda Game Studios’ first attempt at a new universe in 25 years, but some are more equal than others thanks to the myriad of merchandise, offers, and multiple editions of the game expected to be available at launch. When and Where Did Starfield Launch?
Starfield launched on the 6th of September 2023 on Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and Windows-based PCs. Users can still buy the Premium Edition ($100) or the Constellation Edition ($300) to get 5 days of early access for the title which will also show up as part of the Xbox Game Pass as a Day 1 title. What Preorder Bonuses Do I Get With Starfield?
The Starfield Old Mars Skin Pack (credit: Bethesda Softworks)
All preorder copies of Starfield are automatically eligible for the «Old Mars Skin Pack» for Starfield, offering the following skins:
This also includes Game Pass owners who will also benefit from the same preorder bonuses that retail copies ship with. What Versions of Starfield Are Available at Launch?
There are 4 versions of Starfield available to you at launch, all with their specific bundles on offer:
The 4 different versions of Starfield on offer currently (credit: Bethesda Softworks)
It is important to note that you need a copy of the Standard Edition or an active Game Pass subscription in order to benefit from the Premium Edition Upgrade irrespective of players picking up the digital or the physical edition. While the physical version is available at multiple retailers, the digital edition is only available directly on the Xbox Store currently. Xbox Game Pass & Game Pass Ultimate
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the highest tier of Microsoft’s flagship game subscription service that offers over 100 game titles that you can play with a single purchase, making it one of the most outstanding value propositions of the Xbox ecosystem to date.
A subscription to Xbox Game Pass or Game Pass Ultimate also allows you access to Starfield’s standard edition, qualifying you for the preorder bonuses and also allowing you the ability to upgrade to the Premium Edition of Starfield; An active subscription will be required at all times to play the game even with the premium edition purchase assuming you do not own Starfield outright.
Given that Xbox Game Pass starts at just $11 per month for the base subscription and occasionally offers trials for as little as a dollar at times, this could be the most cost-effective route to playing Starfield at launch, especially if you are considering splurging on the Premium Edition upgrade to get the bonuses on offer. What Edition of Starfield Should You Purchase?
Starfield is the highly anticipated ARPG title that is also Bethesda’s first foray into a new universe in over 25 years. Built by the developers behind commercially successful and highly regarded titles such as The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim and Fallout 4, it also marks the first major new AAA IP release by Bethesda since it was acquired by Microsoft in March 2021.
The standard edition of Starfield comes with a launch day copy of the title, the preorder bonuses via the Old Mars Skin Pack, and the ability to upgrade to the premium edition via digital or physical preorder. Do note that if you desire to go for a Premium edition upgrade, you must have a digital copy of Starfield or an active Game Pass subscription to benefit from the 5 days of early access it offers.
The Premium Edition Upgrade for Starfield comes in 2 different packages depending on whether you opt for the physical or the digital upgrade edition. While both come with a 5-day early access offering for gamers, the physical edition also includes extra goodies available at select retailers.
The Starfield Premium Edition upgrade is something that you would want to consider if you already have an Xbox Game Pass subscription or have already preordered the game digitally but want to play it on the 1st of September instead of its standard launch date (6th of September) and also plan to play the first expansion pack DLC (Shattered Space) when it releases. It also gives you the Constellation Skin Pack DLC which includes the Equinox Laser Rifle, Spacesuit, Helmet, and Boost Pack as well as access to the Starfield Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack.
If you decide to go for the physical edition, you also get the following extras:
This effectively makes it a cost-effective upgrade for users who already have access or have already punched in a preorder. It does have its limitations: The premium upgrade only works for Xbox Series S and X digital purchases or purchases made on the Microsoft Store itself. If you have preordered Starfield on Steam, you might not be able to benefit from the Premium Edition Upgrade.
The Premium Edition of Starfield is only available as a digital purchase on Microsoft Store, the Xbox Store, or Steam. It comes with early access to the base game, the first expansion pack, and the constellation skin pack in addition to access to the Starfield Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack
The Premium Edition of Starfield is available on Steam, Microsoft Store, and the Xbox Store, clocking in at exactly $100. It comes with the first expansion pack, access to the Starfield Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack, the constellation skin DLC as well as preorder bonuses. If you plan to get the Premium Edition on Steam, this is the only way to get it since the upgrade edition is not available on that platform. It also offers $5 off buying the game and the premium edition upgrade separately, making it a slightly more cost-effective purchase for players who are certain they want these extras.
The Starfield Constellation Edition is the ultimate Starfield offering for fans offering everything the premium edition does but adding more physical goodies into the mix.
