Todd Howard explains why Starfield is locked to 30 FPS on the Xbox

This commitment to consistency rings true even under the intense heat of battle, a crucial aspect of any open-world RPG. Howard makes a point to note that a stable 30fps provides the necessary "headroom" for intense gameplay moments, ensuring the framerate remains consistent regardless of the chaos unfolding on screen.

Such a decision isn't without precedence. Bethesda's approach parallels recent moves by Gotham Knights and Redfall, that drew the ire of fans. But given Bethesda's track record with expansive, open-world RPGs, a stable 30fps may come as a pleasant surprise for fans familiar with the sometimes tumultuous performance of new games at launch.

All these meticulous considerations become apparent when the Xbox Series X/S versions of Starfield are played. Howard, who spends most of his time playing the game on the less powerful Xbox Series S due to his kids monopolizing the Series X, attests to the game's splendid performance.

While the decision to lock Starfield's framerate at 30fps on Xbox Series X/S might seem like a compromise, it's anything but. This decision is a deliberate, strategic choice by Bethesda to ensure that every minute you spend exploring the boundless cosmos in Starfield is nothing short of breathtaking.

Every decision, from the granular detail to the overarching universe, is designed to maximize immersion, regardless of the console. And when you're standing on the precipice of a foreign planet, gazing at the cosmos in hyper-detailed 4K or 1440p resolution, you'll appreciate the reason why Bethesda decided to lock Starfield at 30fps.

Ultimately, this is good news. For less than $1,000, you can get the new Starfield-themed controller and headset, a carbon black Xbox Series S, and a copy of Starfield Constellation Edition, to make sure that you're decked out with all the space gear you need on September 6.