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Starfield has opened up to glowing reviews from a variety of reviewers and critics alike and is now available to users who purchased the premium as well as the standard edition of the game. There are many ways to explore Bethesda Game Studios' first attempt at a new universe in 25 years, but some are more equal than others thanks to the myriad of merchandise, offers, and multiple editions of the game expected to be available at launch.
When and Where Did Starfield Launch?
Starfield launched on the 6th of September 2023 on Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and Windows-based PCs. Users can still buy the Premium Edition ($100) or the Constellation Edition ($300) to get 5 days of early access for the title which will also show up as part of the Xbox Game Pass as a Day 1 title.
What Preorder Bonuses Do I Get With Starfield?
The Starfield Old Mars Skin Pack (credit: Bethesda Softworks)
All preorder copies of Starfield are automatically eligible for the "Old Mars Skin Pack" for Starfield, offering the following skins:
- Laser Cutter
- Deep Mining Helmet
- Deep Mining Pack
This also includes Game Pass owners who will also benefit from the same preorder bonuses that retail copies ship with.
What Versions of Starfield Are Available at Launch?
There are 4 versions of Starfield available to you at launch, all with their specific bundles on offer:
- The Standard Edition
- The Digital Premium Edition
- The Premium Edition Upgrade
- The Constellation Edition
The 4 different versions of Starfield on offer currently (credit: Bethesda Softworks)
It is important to note that you need a copy of the Standard Edition or an active Game Pass subscription in order to benefit from the Premium Edition Upgrade irrespective of players picking up the digital or the physical edition. While the physical version is available at multiple retailers, the digital edition is only available directly on the Xbox Store currently.
Xbox Game Pass & Game Pass Ultimate
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the highest tier of Microsoft's flagship game subscription service that offers over 100 game titles that you can play with a single purchase, making it one of the most outstanding value propositions of the Xbox ecosystem to date.
A subscription to Xbox Game Pass or Game Pass Ultimate also allows you access to Starfield's standard edition, qualifying you for the preorder bonuses and also allowing you the ability to upgrade to the Premium Edition of Starfield; An active subscription will be required at all times to play the game even with the premium edition purchase assuming you do not own Starfield outright.
Given that Xbox Game Pass starts at just $11 per month for the base subscription and occasionally offers trials for as little as a dollar at times, this could be the most cost-effective route to playing Starfield at launch, especially if you are considering splurging on the Premium Edition upgrade to get the bonuses on offer.
What Edition of Starfield Should You Purchase?
Starfield Standard Edition
Starfield is the highly anticipated ARPG title that is also Bethesda's first foray into a new universe in over 25 years. Built by the developers behind commercially successful and highly regarded titles such as The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim and Fallout 4, it also marks the first major new AAA IP release by Bethesda since it was acquired by Microsoft in March 2021.
- ESRB
- Mature (M) 17+
- How Long To Beat
- TBA
- Platforms
- Xbox, PC
- Genre
- ARPG
- Publisher
- Bethesda Softworks
- Developer
- Bethesda Game Studios
The standard edition of Starfield comes with a launch day copy of the title, the preorder bonuses via the Old Mars Skin Pack, and the ability to upgrade to the premium edition via digital or physical preorder. Do note that if you desire to go for a Premium edition upgrade, you must have a digital copy of Starfield or an active Game Pass subscription to benefit from the 5 days of early access it offers.
Starfield Premium Edition Upgrade
The Premium Edition Upgrade for Starfield comes in 2 different packages depending on whether you opt for the physical or the digital upgrade edition. While both come with a 5-day early access offering for gamers, the physical edition also includes extra goodies available at select retailers.
- ESRB
- Mature (M) 17+
- How Long To Beat
- TBA
- Platforms
- Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PC
- Genre
- ARPG
- Publisher
- Bethesda Softworks
- Developer
- Bethesda Game Studios
The Starfield Premium Edition upgrade is something that you would want to consider if you already have an Xbox Game Pass subscription or have already preordered the game digitally but want to play it on the 1st of September instead of its standard launch date (6th of September) and also plan to play the first expansion pack DLC (Shattered Space) when it releases. It also gives you the Constellation Skin Pack DLC which includes the Equinox Laser Rifle, Spacesuit, Helmet, and Boost Pack as well as access to the Starfield Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack.
If you decide to go for the physical edition, you also get the following extras:
- A bundled Starfield steelbook display case
- The Constellation patch
This effectively makes it a cost-effective upgrade for users who already have access or have already punched in a preorder. It does have its limitations: The premium upgrade only works for Xbox Series S and X digital purchases or purchases made on the Microsoft Store itself. If you have preordered Starfield on Steam, you might not be able to benefit from the Premium Edition Upgrade.
Starfield Premium Edition
The Premium Edition of Starfield is only available as a digital purchase on Microsoft Store, the Xbox Store, or Steam. It comes with early access to the base game, the first expansion pack, and the constellation skin pack in addition to access to the Starfield Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack
- Engine
- Creation Engine 2
- ESRB
- Mature (M) 17+
- How Long To Beat
- TBA
- Platforms
- Xbox, PC
- Genre
- ARPG
- Publisher
- Bethesda Softworks
- Developer
- Bethesda Game Studios
The Premium Edition of Starfield is available on Steam, Microsoft Store, and the Xbox Store, clocking in at exactly $100. It comes with the first expansion pack, access to the Starfield Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack, the constellation skin DLC as well as preorder bonuses. If you plan to get the Premium Edition on Steam, this is the only way to get it since the upgrade edition is not available on that platform. It also offers $5 off buying the game and the premium edition upgrade separately, making it a slightly more cost-effective purchase for players who are certain they want these extras.
Starfield Constellation Edition
The Starfield Constellation Edition is the ultimate Starfield offering for fans offering everything the premium edition does but adding more physical goodies into the mix. It includes the physical Premium Edition's Constellation patch and the Steelbook but also throws in a Starfield Chronomark Watch as well as a watch case to go with it, clocking in at a cool $300 MSRP
- Engine
- Creation Engine 2
- ESRB
- Mature (M) 17+
- How Long To Beat
- TBA
- Platforms
- Xbox, PC
- Genre
- ARPG
- Publisher
- Bethesda Softworks
- Developer
- Bethesda Game Studios
If the Premium Edition does not sate your appetite for Starfield, Bethesda has you covered with its ultimate offering for fans of the franchise, the Constellation Edition has you covered, throwing in everything you can get with the Physical Premium Upgrade edition along with an added Starfield Chronomark Watch and a case to accompany it. Sadly, it does currently seem to be sold out on all major vendors we track, but we do expect stocks to show up at regular intervals on GameStop, Amazon And Best Buy, so frequently checking for stock might be the only way to secure yourself what is a very pricey collector's edition effectively at $300 a pop.
Starfield is also launching with 2 themed accessories that might be of interest to PC and Console Gamers alike:
The Limited Edition Starfield Xbox Controller
Xbox Wireless Controller Starfield Limited Edition
The Xbox Wireless Controller Starfield Limited Edition is one of the best looking Xbox wireless controllers on the market currently and serves as an excellent collectible if you are a Bethesda or a Starfield Fan looking to round off your collection this summer.
- Brand
- Microsoft
- Platform
- Xbox, PC
- Battery
- AA batteries (included)
- Connectivity
- Wireless 2.4Ghz, Bluetooth, USB Type-C (Wired)
- Headset Support
- Yes, via 3.5mm jack
- Extra Buttons
- No
- Cable Length
- N/A
The Limited Edition Starfield Xbox Wireless Controller has already sold out on Microsoft Store, but some retailers still have stock in hand, making it a potential buy if you don't want to risk the controller running out-of-stock closer to the release date for Starfield. It is a standard Xbox Controller with the Starfield theme. To date, we do not have any information on a limited edition Elite Core or Elite Series 2 controller inbound for Starfield, making this the only limited edition controller in play for Bethesda's title, and one that seems to be in considerably high demand.
The Starfield Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Headset
Starfield Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Headset
The Starfield Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Headset is a limited edition Xbox Wireless headset with a Starfield theme as part of its looks. At a significant premium over the MSRP of $80 for the base model, this limited edition headset is essentially a themed version of Microsoft's well-received wireless headset that also serves as its official Xbox offering for gamers needing a wireless option.
The Starfield Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Headset is an excellent investment for Starfield and Bethesda fans to purchase. It does come at a significant $45 premium over the standard MSRP for the same headset in its de facto black theme, however. All in, it is an excellent offering for gamers looking to get a complete Starfield-themed console or PC setup going before the title launches in the first week of September.
AMD's Starfield PC Bundle Offer
AMD is offering a limited edition promotion that can help you qualify for a free copy of Starfield Standard or Premium edition depending on the make of the CPU and/or GPU you purchase from qualifying retailers.
CPUs and GPUs that currently qualify for Starfield Standard Edition are:
CPUs:
• AMD Ryzen™ 7 7800X3D
• AMD Ryzen™ 7 7700X
• AMD Ryzen™ 7 7700
• AMD Ryzen™ 5 7600X
• AMD Ryzen™ 5 7600
GPUs:
• AMD Radeon™ RX 7600
• AMD Radeon™ RX 6650 XT
• AMD Radeon™ RX 6600 XT
• AMD Radeon™ RX 6600
CPUs and GPUs that currently qualify for Starfield Premium Edition are:
CPUs:
• AMD Ryzen™ 9 7950X3D
• AMD Ryzen™ 9 7950X
• AMD Ryzen™ 9 7900X3D
• AMD Ryzen™ 9 7900X
• AMD Ryzen™ 9 7900
GPUs:
• AMD Radeon™ RX 7900 XTX
• AMD Radeon™ RX 7900 XT
• AMD Radeon™ RX 6950 XT
• AMD Radeon™ RX 6900 XT
• AMD Radeon™ RX 6800 XT
• AMD Radeon™ RX 6800
• AMD Radeon™ RX 6750 XT
• AMD Radeon™ RX 6700 XT
• AMD Radeon™ RX 6700
In addition to this, certain PC hardware configurations that sport both AMD CPUs and GPUs will also be eligible to receive a free premium copy of Starfield when purchased by qualifying retailers courtesy of AMD Rewards:
Some of the eligible PC configurations as shown by AMD that qualify for a premium edition of Starfield (Credit: AMD Rewards)
Some of the AMD Ryzen 7000 Series CPUs that benefit from the AMD Rewards offerings:
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AMD Ryzen™ 9 7950X3D 16-Core, 32-Thread Desktop Processor
$620 $690 Save $70The 16-core, 32-thread desktop AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D processor is AMD's answer to a resurgent Intel 13th generation processor lineup as it attempts to wrest back the gaming crown with the same technology that made the last generation 5800X3D such a powerful CPU.
With 128MB of L3 cache on offer, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D leverages its 3D V-Cache muscle in gaming as well as its powerful new Zen 4-based cores in productivity to make for a potent enthusiast-grade CPU in the offing. -
AMD Ryzen™ 9 7950X 16-Core, 32-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor
$589 $699 Save $110The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X is the flagship processor of AMD's Ryzen 7000 series. It can boost up to 5.7Ghz and delivers unheard-of efficiency while taking the multi-threading performance crown for a 16-core processor.
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AMD Ryzen™ 9 7900X3D 12-Core, 24-Thread Desktop Processor
The AMD Ryzen™ 9 7900X3D 12-Core, 24-Thread Desktop Processor is the 12-core version of its X3D refresh across 3 of the Ryzen 7000 series processors that see it stack 3D V-Cache on one of the two 6-core CCUs in a bid to repeat the success that was the 5800X3D on a resurgent Ryzen 7000 lineup.
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AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is AMD's latest and greatest CPU when it comes to gaming. With an excellent and highly efficient gaming performance that tops the charts currently, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is here to stay and has a crown to claim thanks to its 3D V-Cache-enabled prowess when it comes to gaming on a PC.
The octa-core CPU currently happens to be the fastest in the business for gaming even as it leads efficiency charts at the top, making it a very sought-after gaming upgrade. -
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
$319 $349 Save $30The AMD Ryzen 7 7700x is an excellent octacore processor with 16 threads in tow. It is quite similar to the fastest gaming CPU on the market, the Ryzen 7800X3D and offers similar productivity performance even as the latter takes the lead in games thanks to its larger L3 cache.
-
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
$245 $300 Save $55Gamers interested in upgrading to a newer CPU from Team Red will find the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X to be of spectacular value thanks to its high single-core performance, efficient hexacore architecture, and compatibility with newer technology such as PCI-E 5.0 and DDR5 memory. It also abandons AMD's AM4 design, going for a pin-less processor offering by moving them to the motherboard instead.
Some of the AMD Ryzen 6000 & 7000 Series GPUs that benefit from the AMD Rewards offerings at qualified retailers:
-
ASRock Challenger D Radeon RX 6700 XT
$330 $350 Save $20The ASRock Challenger D Radeon RX 6700 XT is an excellent mid-range GPU that does justice to 1080P and 1440P gamers. While it can handle the bulk of modern games at a respectable frame rate at FHD or 2K resolutions, it also does so at a price point where it decimates Nvidia's RTX 3060/3060TI offerings. It does offer Ray Tracing, but the performance overhead is significantly higher than Nvidia's 2nd and 3rd gen RT-core enabled RTX 3000 and 4000 GPUs which tend to be at least a generation ahead of the 6700XT's own implementation.
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XFX Speedster SWFT 319 AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT CORE
Built on the AMD RX 6000 series of graphics cards, the XFX Speedster SWFT 319 AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT CORE is a capable performer even at 4k resolutions. The Speedster SWFT 319 relies on Ghost Thermal and XFX's Cooling Technology combined with 13-blade fans to ensure that temperatures are kept in check even during the most intense gaming action. Ray tracing is also an option to produce the most realistic dynamic lighting and shadows during gameplay.
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ASRock Phantom Gaming Radeon RX 6950 XT 16GB
$600 $630 Save $30The ASRock Phantom Gaming RX 6950XT is a juggernaut that holds its own against AMD's current crop of RX 7000 series GPUs. Its price point makes for an interesting value purchase with its limited Ray Tracing performance and high power draw making up some of its limitations even as it trades at a deep discount in 2023.
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Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 Gaming OC
$265 $280 Save $15The Gigabyte Radeon RX 7600 Gaming OC is a triple-fan dual-slot graphics card that brings Gigabyte's effective WINDFORCE cooling technology. It has three 80mm fans with alternate spinning that work alongside the five composite copper heat pipes that directly touch the GPU. The GPU uses the highest-grade metal chokes, 2oz copper PCB, lower ESR solid capacitors, and lower RDS(on) MOSFETs, among other features.
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XFX Speedster MERC310 RX 7900 XT Black
The XFX Speedster MERC310 is a no-frills performer that offers great value and non-nonsense cooling thanks to its custom MERC Triple Fan Cooling Solution that performs better than the stock SKU while keeping temperatures low thanks to its built-in vapor chamber as part of the thermal solution.
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Sapphire AMD Radeon NITRO+ RX 7900 XTX Vapor-X
$1030 $1080 Save $50The Sapphire Nitro lineup is synonymous with the highest-end AMD 3rd-party GPU offerings in the market. The Nitro+ doubles down on this with the highest-in-market clocks and a vapor chamber that outperforms the stock design considerably while trading at a significant premium over competing 7900XTX-based products.
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XFX Speedster MERC319 RX 7800 XT Black
The XFX Speedster MERC319 RX 7800 XT Black is a mid-tier offering in the Radeon 7000 series of graphics cards. It features a base clock speed of 1624 MHz and a boost clock speed of 2565 MHz. It has 16GB of VRAM on a 256-bit memory bus with speeds up to 19.5 Gbps.
Targeting 1440p gaming, the XFX Speedster MERC319 RX 7800 XT Black has a triple-fan cooler design and AMD recommends at least a 700W PSU with this card. -
GIGABYTE Radeon RX 7700 XT GAMING OC 12G
The GIGABYTE Radeon RX 7700 XT GAMING OC 12G graphics card is a mid-tier offering in the Radeon 7000 series. Based on the Navi 32 platform, the graphics card comes with a boost clock speed of up to 2599 MHz and a game clock speed of up to 2276 MHz. The GIGABYTE Radeon RX 7700 XT GAMING OC 12G comes with a triple-fan cooler design, two 8-pin connectors, two DisplayPort 2.1, and two HDMI 2.1 ports.
Note: This list now includes the newer AMD Radeon RX 7700XT and 7800XT GPUs in addition to existing hardware.
To find out more or learn how to redeem your Starfield voucher, check out our dedicated coverage on the AMD Starfield PC bundle to get started.
Starfield: What Is the Best Edition to Get?
At $70, the Standard Edition seems to pop out as the most cost-effective version of Starfield to get. But with Game Pass offering full access and a potential Premium Edition upgrade on offer, it does seem to be the best way to get access to both Standard and Premium editions. That being said, if you are due an upgrade and have been eying the AMD Ryzen 7000 series Processors or its newer 6000/7000 series GPUs, now would be an excellent time to grab one.
With some current-generation CPUs going as low as $200 to 230 for a sizable upgrade while throwing in a free copy of Starfield into the mix, AMD's bundle just seems to be the best option out there if you want to own a copy instead of going for the Xbox Game Pass subscription model, and you can get a standard or a premium edition copy of Starfield depending on what processor or GPU you select for your upgrade.
Starfield's Constellation Edition is already getting flipped on third-party sites such as eBay by sellers taking advantage of the limited stock of the title's collectors edition preorders.
Starfield's Constellation Edition is expensive, but it does seem to already have repeatedly been out of stock on most retailers we track. If you must have the collector's edition equivalent of Starfield, keeping an eye on retailers seems to be the only way to get it at MSRP.
Starfield was released on September 6 for Xbox Series X/S and Windows PC via Xbox Store, Microsoft Store, and Steam with Premium Edition and Constellation Edition owners eligible for access as early as the 1st of September. Premium and Constellation Edition owners also get access to the first expansion for free.
Starfield currently commands an impressive 5/5 from Game ZXC's own review team in addition to many accolades that make it a serious contender for a GOTY nomination in 2023.
FAQ
Q: What Platforms Is Starfield Available At On Launch?
Starfield is releasing on Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and PC on the 6th of September. You can get early access via the Premium or Constellation Edition or by buying a copy of the Premium Edition Upgrade, allowing you to play from the 1st of September alternatively.
Q: How Many Hours Does Starfield Take To Complete?
Starfield is expected to take anywhere between 30 and 40 hours to complete the main quest making it larger than Bethesda's previous releases, The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim and Fallout 4, both of which clock in under 30 hours. This does not include side quests, something that Bethesda Game Studios' titles often have content on offer in excess of the main questline.