Starfield's highly anticipated launch is just around the corner, and whether the game is a hit or not, there's plenty to explore and discuss. Public information on 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 the imminent release of Starfield. Off to outer space!
1. A Gigantic Scale
One of Starfield's most striking features is its monumental scale. With around 1,000 planets spread across a hundred solar systems, the game promises a space almost as vast as a galaxy. This vastness offers a multitude of activities to explore, so much so that the main quest alone should last 30 to 40 hours. Unlike previous Bethesda games, where the main quests are relatively short, Starfield seems to emphasize 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 spaceship, 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. Additionally, ship customization is a highlight, allowing you to design your own unique spacecraft.
4. The Art of the Procedural Planet
The planets of Starfield aren't there just for decoration. With over a thousand worlds to explore, each has its own distinct climate, flora and fauna. However, most planets are procedurally generated, offering endless variety, but also a certain lack of uniqueness. However, this does not mean that exploration is meaningless. You'll be able to discover hotspots, interact with hostile aliens, and venture into biomes as varied as dense forests or frozen lands.
5. Base Construction and Urban Exploration
Fans of base building will be delighted to find this feature in Starfield. You will be able to create and customize your own bases on different planets, which will serve as a refuge, a storage location and even a resource extraction site. The bases require power to operate, but the system has been redesigned to be more intuitive. Additionally, major cities also offer homes to purchase, offering a new dimension to urban exploration.
6. Elaborate Faction Quests
If you liked 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 complex storyline. Organizations such as the United Colonies, the Freestar Collective, and the Reujin Industry offer unique quests and rewards, allowing players to explore engaging side stories.
7. Character Customization and Expanded Dialogue
Customizing your character is more detailed than ever in Starfield. In addition to changing your appearance, you can add optional traits that enrich your character's story. Things like where you were born and whether you have living relatives will influence your interactions and choices. Additionally, the return to a silent protagonist and list-based dialogue system provides welcome depth and variety to NPC interactions.
8. Innovative Skill System
Starfield's skill system offers a new approach to progression. Skills are divided into several trees, including physical, social, combat, science and technology skills. To increase the level of a skill, you will have 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 when it comes to ethics. You can choose to be a benevolent explorer or a ruthless space criminal. The option to conduct 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 put you in trouble with the authorities.
10. The Wait Draws To An End
The Starfield release date is set for September 6 for Xbox Series X and S consoles, as well as for PC via the Microsoft Store and Steam. Subscribers to the Game Pass service will be able to enjoy the game from the day of its release. However, those who opt for the Premium edition will benefit from early access, starting September 1st. 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 engaging factions to in-depth character customization, the game promises to immerse players in an immersive and thrilling experience. Whether you're a space explorer or an interstellar criminal, Starfield looks set to meet your expectations and challenge your limits.