Highlights
- Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield are both offering early access to gamers who are willing to pay more.
- PS5 gamers can play Baldur's Gate 3 on September 3 instead of September 6 by purchasing the Digital Deluxe Edition for $79.99, which also includes additional digital content.
- Xbox gamers can play Starfield early by buying the Premium Edition for $99.99 or the Premium Edition upgrade for $34.99, with early access available on August 31 or September 1 depending on where one lives.
Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield are both betting on the same release strategy by offering gamers early access if they're willing to pay more. Baldur's Gate 3 released on PC on August 3 following years of early access, though the PS5 version still has yet to drop. Starfield, meanwhile, is scheduled to release on September 6, but some gamers will have the chance to play it as early as August 31 thanks to its early access release plans.
When it comes to consoles, Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield share a release date. Baldur's Gate 3 is releasing as a timed PS5 exclusive on September 6 (though not due to any kind of exclusivity deal, but rather to give the developers more time to get split-screen working on Series S), while Starfield is releasing as an Xbox console exclusive the same day. However, gamers on PS5 don't have to wait until September 6 to play Baldur's Gate 3, just gamers on Xbox don't have to wait until September 6 to play Starfield.
Here's how PS5 gamers can play Baldur's Gate 3 ahead of its September 6 release date, as well as how Xbox gamers can get early access to Starfield.
How to Play Baldur's Gate 3 PS5 Early Access
- Baldur's Gate 3 Early Access Release Date: September 3
- Baldur's Gate 3 Official Release Date: September 6
The Baldur's Gate 3 early access release date on PS5 is September 3, giving gamers on the platform willing to shell out some extra cash the chance to play the critically-acclaimed RPG a few days ahead of schedule. Getting Baldur's Gate 3 early access on PS5 is as simple as buying the Digital Deluxe Edition of the game for $79.99. This is a mere $10 more than what the regular version of the game is selling for, and it's worth pointing out that early access isn't the only perk that comes with the Digital Deluxe Edition of the game.
The Digital Deluxe Edition of Baldur's Gate 3 also includes the Divinity Bard Song Pack, an exclusive dice theme, the Treasures from Rivellon Pack, the Adventurer's Pouch, and additional digtial content. Anyone that absolutely can't wait to play Baldur's Gate 3 should definitely consider paying $10 more for the Digital Deluxe Edition so they can play early and get all the goodies at the same time.
It's usually advisable to wait for reviews before one buys a game, though PS5 gamers have the advantage of the PC version already been out. Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the highest-rated video games of all time. It's currently the top-rated new release of 2023, and it has climbed all the way to the second place spot on the list of highest-rated PC games ever. Barring some unforeseen catastrophe with the console version of the game, it seems safe to say that Baldur's Gate 3 on PS5 will be another surefire hit. Larian Studios has a proven track record of delivering high-quality console ports of its games, and so there's no reason to assume it will break from that pattern with Baldur's Gate 3 on PS5.
How to Play Starfield Early
- Starfield Early Access Release Date: August 31/September 1
- Starfield Official Release Date: September 6
Xbox gamers will also have the chance to play their new big RPG early, too, though it will be a bit more expensive. Starfield is offering five days early access to anyone that buys the Premium or Constellation Editions of the game. This means that Starfield will technically become available on September 1 for those that take the plunge, though the way it's rolling out means some gamers will even be able to play as early as August 31.
Starfield early access will be available at 5:00pm PST/7:00pm CST/8:00pm EST on August 31 for those that buy the Premium or Constellation Edition of the game. The Premium Edition of Starfield costs $99.99. Those that plan on playing Starfield through Xbox Game Pass can participate in early access as well as long as they buy the standalone Premium Edition upgrade. This upgrade costs $34.99, but it comes with more than just early access.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers who buy the $34.99 Premium Edition upgrade or those that buy the $99.99 Premium Edition outright can get a Laser Cutter, Deep Mining Helmet, Deep Mining Pack, Constellation Skin Pack, the digital artbook, a digital copy of the soundtrack, and the Shattered Space Story Expansion once it becomes available. The Shattered Space DLC will be the first major Starfield expansion, though details on exactly what it will entail have yet to be revealed at the time of this writing.
Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield are technically going head-to-head on September 6, but both games are giving their fans the chance to play early. In Baldur's Gate 3's case, gamers need to spend $10 extra and they can jump in three days early. With Starfield, early access is five days but costs a bit more, with gamers either having to buy the $99.99 Premium Edition or get the $34.99 Premium Edition upgrade if they are signed up to Xbox Game Pass.
Baldur's Gate 3 is available now on PC and launches September 6 for PS5 with an Xbox version also in development. Starfield launches September 6 for PC and Xbox Series X.
