Bethesda has announced Starfield pre-installations start on August 17.
This does not mean you’ll be able to play the game straightaway, just that you can get the necessary data downloaded to your Xbox Series S or Series X console.
PC users can get onboard too but only those who buy from the Windows Store. Steam installations aren’t expected to be available until August 30.
Disappointed we aren’t here to tell you the game is available early? We get that, but pre-installing is a sound idea, particularly if your home internet is less than blazingly fast. Xbox server strain may also reduce download speeds at release, even if you have gigabit home broadband.
Starfield is a 125GB download, making it one of the larger Xbox Series games out there.
When is Starfield’s release date?
The full release of Bethesda’s Starfield is on September 6 but there’s a five-day early access period for those who buy the Digital Premium edition, the Constellation edition or the Premium Upgrade. They can start their adventure on September 1.
Already have an Xbox Game Pass subscription? While you can play from September 6, the early-access upgrade will cost you £34.99, while the full Premium Edition costs £99.99 direct from Microsoft.
Starfield’s development team also recently held a Q+A session over at chat platform Discord to further excite those well aboard the hype train.
It revealed a few titbits to whet the appetite. For example, you’ll meet around 20 companions across the galaxy, each with their own stories and links to the main storyline.
Bethesda’s previous giant role playing games like Skyrim and Fallout 4 have had less of a focus on companions than some notable genre favourites like the Mass Effect titles.
You’ll also be able to hire crew members separate from these companions to work on your starship.
In more of a Skyrim-style move, Bethesda said you will be able to buy houses in multiple planets. And you will apparently be able to take part in a “non-lethal” playthrough, where you don’t kill anyone throughout. We expect this will be a big effort on behalf of the player, though – perhaps leave that one to the Starfield YouTubers in waiting.
In other AAA game news, it has also been announced PlayStation 5 owners will be able to pre-install Baldur’s Gate 3 from August 31, according to Eurogamer. Xbox owners will have to make do with Starfield as their version has been delayed, reportedly due to issues with getting split-screen multiplayer to work satisfactorily on Xbox Series S.
