Shattered Space, Starfield‘s first DLC, is launching on September 30, and new details suggest that a potential comeback is on the horizon.
While Bethesda Game Studios remains tight-lipped about the specifics of Starfield’s upcoming content expansion, a recent update on SteamDB confirmed several new achievements for the expansion, many of them revolving around completing specific missions, suggesting a rich narrative-driven experience. Others challenge players to explore new locations and defeat unique enemies, indicating that Bethesda isn’t backing down on expanding Starfield’s already vast (but largely empty) universe.
One particularly intriguing achievement requires players to discover 50 locations in the game, leading many to believe that Shattered Space will introduce a traditional, enclosed map similar to those found in Bethesda’s earlier titles like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. This approach would be a departure from the base game’s reliance on procedurally generated planets, which reeceived backlash for lacking in depth and uniqueness.
Bethesda seems to have taken player feedback to heart, implying that the expansion will take place in hand-crafted locations. If true, this shift in design philosophy could address one of the main criticisms of the base game–the contrast between its more meticulously designed areas (remember Sarah Morgan’s companion quest?) and the repetitive, procedurally generated landscapes. The best-case scenario is that Shattered Space will strike a better balance, offering more consistently engaging and diverse environments to explore.
The expansion is also set to introduce new enemy types, adding fresh challenges for seasoned players. Already, it has hinted at two new foes: mysterious Vortex Horrors and the Redeemed, described as spectral human enemies that can return from the dead. These additions promise to shake up combat encounters and add new dimensions to Starfield’s gameplay.
Story-wise, Shattered Space appears like it will take a deeper dive into the lore of the Va’ruun religion and the enigmatic Starborn. If true, Shattered Space may even explore multiversal themes, potentially revealing connections between the various factions in the game and the concept of Unity. It may also take the time to further flesh out the Va’ruun, which seemed hastily established in the main story, possibly revealing its true origins and relationship to the Starborn.
Finally, Shattered Space is also hinting at factional conflicts within the expansion’s narrative. This could provide players with meaningful choices and new outcomes, enhancing the replay value of the content. Some fans are hoping for the option to join House Va’ruun, potentially gaining a new companion in the process.
Interestingly, the achievement list suggests that players may need to complete the expansion multiple times to unlock everything. This design choice could indicate branching storylines or different faction paths, further increasing the depth and replayability of the content.
With so much going on, it’s understandable why Bethesda took its sweet time with Shattered Space–it’s aimed at addressing the criticisms of the base game. There’s hope that the expansion will showcase a more focused approach to world design, favoring quality over quantity in terms of explorable areas.
Will Shattered Space mark the redemption arc of Starfield, similar to how Phantom Liberty punctuated what was the result of CD Projekt RED’s years-long hard work trying to save Cyberpunk 2077 after its initial release in late 2020 that led to a massive restructuring within the company?
So far, the early signs indicate that the recent Starfield updates have at least given players a reason to come back.
If Shattered Space delivers, Starfield could experience another player count surge although it remains to be seen if it’s enough to make it reach six figures in playercount on Steam again.
