Is this the start of Starfield’s redemption arc? Maybe, or maybe not. But, regardless of whether you’re willing to sniff a good dose of hopium or not, it seems like Bethesda Game Studios is absolutely prepared to take that challenge on.
Several months following its release, Starfield’s developers have confirmed that the ambitious science-fiction RPG is receiving its most significant update yet on Wednesday, January 17.
The update, first arriving on the Steam beta branch, includes over 100 fixes and improvements and a full release is expected to be available for all players two weeks after its initial beta release.
The primary focus of the update seems to be on resolving issues related to quests. Specifically, it addresses problems in specific missions, including Eye of the Storm, such as difficulties docking with the Legacy or starting data transfer, and ensures that Temples appear correctly in Into the Unknown. These fixes are aimed at eliminating barriers that hinder exploration in the vast (but relatively empty) cosmos of Starfield.
In addition to quest fixes, the update brings several graphical enhancements. These include improved textures, lighting, and shadows, as well as additional support for widescreen displays. These improvements should enrich the visual appeal of the game, making the space exploration experience more immersive.
Other notable improvements in the update include adjustments to sun disk geometry and planet ring shadows, fixes for reappearing bulldozed objects at outposts, accessible ship hatches, and a solution for the amusing yet persistent issue of asteroids following ships.
This newest Starfield update marks the beginning of a more regular update schedule for the much maligned game. Bethesda has committed to releasing updates approximately every six weeks starting in February, with the updates expected to include new features as well as quality-of-life improvements, and more, such as city maps, expanded ship customization options, and new travel methods.
Finally, Bethesda has also teased the possibility of introducing new survival mechanics and an official Creation Kit for mod support.
Starfield has been a topic of significant interest since its launch, attracting millions of players and a couple dozen million more critics. Despite facing challenges, Bethesda’s commitment to regular updates and improvements indicates their dedication to evolving and enriching the game’s universe. The game will receive its first paid expansion, Shattered Space, later this year as well, which will introduce new areas in the Settled Systems for players to explore.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming update, players are advised to keep an eye on official Bethesda channels for the full set of patch notes and further announcements regarding future updates and enhancements to Starfield.
