The highly anticipated launch of Starfield is fast approaching, and whether the game is a success or not, there is much to explore and discuss. Public information about the game is already abundant and offers many avenues for analysis, some of which you may have missed. This article looks at the 10 essential things to know before Starfield's imminent release. Let's go to outer space!
1. A Gigantic Scale
One of Starfield's most notable features is its monumental scale. With roughly 1,000 planets spread across a hundred solar systems, the game promises a space nearly as vast as a galaxy. This vastness offers a wealth of activities to explore, so much so that the main quest alone is expected to last 30 to 40 hours. Unlike Bethesda's previous games, where the main quests are relatively short, Starfield seems to be focusing on a rich and deep story.
2. Major Cities and Varied Worlds
Among the 10 categories to explore in Starfield, major cities and varied worlds stand out. The game has four major cities, including New Atlantis, the capital of the United Colonies, and Aquila City, capital of the Freestar Collective, a collection of three distinct star systems. Each city offers a unique and captivating environment, with stark contrasts such as the urban cyberpunk of Neon against the welcoming vast expanses of other cities.
3. Deep Space Exploration
Starfield places space exploration at the heart of the experience. You will pilot your own starship, capable of dogfights and travel between solar systems. Space combat, designed to be deliberate and tactical, requires intelligent management of power allocation between weapons and shields. In addition, ship customization is a key element, allowing you to design your own unique spacecraft.
4. The Art of the Procedural Planet
Starfield's planets aren't just for show. With over a thousand worlds to explore, each has its own distinct climate, flora, and fauna. However, most of the planets are procedurally generated, offering endless variety but also a certain lack of uniqueness. However, that doesn't mean exploration is meaningless. You'll be able to discover hotspots, interact with hostile aliens, and venture into biomes as varied as dense forests and frozen wastelands.
5. Base Construction and Urban Exploration
Fans of base building will be pleased to see this feature back in Starfield. You'll be able to create and customize your own bases on different planets, which can serve as a safe haven, storage area, and even resource extraction site. Bases require energy to function, but the system has been redesigned to be more intuitive. Additionally, major cities now also offer residences to purchase, offering a new dimension to urban exploration.
6. Elaborate Faction Quests
If you enjoyed the faction quests in Skyrim, Starfield has similar surprises in store for you. The game features a variety of factions to join, each with their own intricate storylines. Organizations like the United Colonies, the Freestar Collective, and the Reujin Industry offer unique quests and rewards, allowing players to explore captivating side stories.
7. Character Customization and Expanded Dialogue
Character customization is more in-depth than ever in Starfield. In addition to changing your appearance, you’ll be able to add optional traits that enrich your character’s story. Things like your birthplace and whether you have living relatives will influence your interactions and choices. Additionally, the return to a silent protagonist and a list-based dialogue system adds welcome depth and variety to your interactions with NPCs.
8. Innovative Skill System
Starfield's skill system offers a new approach to progression. Skills are divided into multiple trees, including physical, social, combat, science, and technology. To level up a skill, you'll need to complete specific challenges, which adds an interactive dimension to progression. While the system may seem complex, it aims to provide a balance between the Fallout 4 games and the Elder Scrolls series.
9. Moral Ethics in Space
Starfield offers complete freedom in terms of ethics. You can choose to be a benevolent explorer or a ruthless space criminal. The option to engage in acts of piracy, steal cargo, and even build a fleet of stolen ships is at your disposal. However, be careful, as smuggling illegal goods can get you into trouble with the authorities.
10. The Wait Is Ending
Starfield is set to release on September 6 for Xbox Series X and S consoles, as well as PC via the Microsoft Store and Steam. Game Pass subscribers will be able to enjoy the game on the day of its release. However, those who opt for the Premium Edition will benefit from early access, starting on September 1. Note that the game will require a significant amount of storage space, with a size of 139.84 GB.
In conclusion, Starfield promises to be an epic space adventure with endless possibilities. From procedural planets to captivating factions to deep character customization, the game promises to immerse players in an immersive and thrilling experience. Whether you are a space explorer or an interstellar criminal, Starfield seems ready to meet your expectations and challenge your limits.
