WhenStarfieldwas first released, many fans of Bethesda’s RPGs were excited to jump into an expansive space adventure. Not only was it something new and different, but it also brought Bethesda’s patented choice-based gameplay to the space exploration genre, creating a unique spin compared to competitors. However, as time passed, that excitement began to wane. Even with over 100 hours of adventure available, players wanted more.
With all of these “what-if” scenarios in mind, a large portion ofStarfield’s community has spent more time imagining a different game entirely than playing the one that exists. While asking what would make the game better can help communicate the best avenues forfutureStarfieldupdates, it shouldn’t take away from appreciating the strengths of the base game.
Why Everyone’s Given Up On Starfield
While Some Reasons Are Legitimate, Some May Be Too Harsh
The frustration surroundingStarfieldspeaks for itself. The game arguably wastes some of its potential compared to other Bethesda games, and many of its ideas feel like avenues for expansion that could set up a more “ultimate” RPG experience.Starfieldinvites comparisons toFalloutandThe Elder Scrolls, and many fans hoped for a completely open-world RPG with little to no restrictions.
What they received was an RPG that was a bit more streamlined than they would have liked, featuring more of a focus on action and looting.Many players went intoStarfieldthinking they would be getting something completely differentthat resembled a game they already loved. This misconception ended up leading to many poor reviews and disappointed fans, dampening the excitement aroundStarfield’s launch.
There’s a long laundry list of issues people have with the game, even separated from the comparison to Bethesda’s prior games.Many of the complaints deal with narrative elements, ranging from a lack of depth in the main story to underwhelming choices in quests. Some actions taken in the game also lack the significant consequences that players expected. When it comes to gameplay, issues like procedurally generated planets, lack of variety in mini-games, and the central focus on an underwhelming New Game Plus experience could make things feel repetitive.
Anticipation behind any potential DLCs has been nearly non-existentdue to disappointment with what has already been released. TheShattered SpaceDLCwas released to mixed reviews in the fall of 2024,with mostly negative ratings onSteam. Most were disappointed, stating the content in the DLC felt like cut content that should have been in the base game. Others complained about how little they were given, especially regarding the plot ofShattered Space.
The overall consensus from critics of the game is that even positive additions haven’t been enough, and improvements are frequently categorized as elements that should have been in the base game to begin with. SinceShattered Spacefelt lackluster to some, hopes that DLC could solve all ofStarfield’s problems have largely dissipated.That doesn’t mean that Bethesda is giving up on the game, however, and the opposite might actually be true.
Has Bethesda Abandoned Starfield?
All Is Not Lost For This Space Game
While plans for the future ofStarfieldcan feel vague,Bethesda has already promised to release a few DLCs, with at least one to expand the story.A year has passed sinceMrMattyPlaysinterviewed Bethesda Game Studios director Todd Howard on YouTube, and Howard mentioned at the time that the studio intended to release annual story expansions for a long time.Shattered Spacewas released shortly after the interview, but that should only be the start.
Bethesda has also hinted at another DLC coming in the future that may revolve around Starborns. In the meantime, there have been regular updates to the game to help enhance it, including quality-of-life improvements. In the most recent update, creators are now able to add new icons to the game, the Creations store now supports bundling creations, and these creations can be up to 2GB in size.
If you can think it, you can probably mod it.
In addition to these enhancements, a new faction appears to have been added.“Watchtower” was released with the update,including things like new storylines, ship attachments, gear, and capabilities. It’s also been hinted thatStarfieldmay be released on the PS5, although Bethesda has yet to announce a port. Though Bethesda may not be dropping new content as fast as everyone wants, it does look as if they do care about the game and the players. By regularly releasing updates and DLC, it’s clearly dedicated to makingStarfieldthe best that it can possibly be.
I Still Have Hopes For Starfield
Great Things Are Coming To Starfield, I Can Feel It
Personally, and while I may be in the minority in saying this, I lovedStarfieldwhen it was released. I still loveStarfield, and I plan on replaying it soon. Would fleshing out the factions and storyline enhance the game? Sure,there’s always room for improvement,and that goes for any game. The way I see it, many players ultimately had their expectations too high, especially in wanting the game to marry a massive playground of space exploration with every strength of past Bethesda RPGs.
If you’re bored with the base game,there are plenty of mods to help create the game of your dreams. Whether using mods for enhanced dialogue, more customization for your living space, or even ones that addStar Warscontent to the game, if you can think it, you can probably mod it. While no single mod will overhaulStarfieldinto the perfect RPG, they can help tailor it to any particular preferences, especially now that the game is nearing its two-year anniversary.
Separated from the comparison to Bethesda’s prior games, it’s easier to appreciateStarfieldfor what it is: an expansive space RPG with fascinating butterfly effect scenarios. I’m excited about what the future will hold for the game, but I’m not going to expect anything.With expectations comes disappointment,and sometimes, you just have to take things as they come.
There’s a difference between expecting something and hoping for something, and sticking with the latter makes more sense forStarfield.It can be easy to get hung up on the missing features or underwhelming aspects, but that doesn’t override all the enjoyment that can still be found in the game.Starfieldprovides over a hundred hours of space-faring adventure, and I’m happy to keep appreciating everything that went into making the game.
