Starfield’s Biggest Update Yet Lands With PS5 Release, New DLC, and Long-Awaited Features

Starfield has had a long, sometimes controversial history since its 2023 release. Now, it's getting ready for what could be its biggest update yet. Bethesda Game Studios is releasing a huge set of new features, changes to the quality of life, and a new single-player expansion at the same time. The PlayStation 5 release has been rumored for a long time.

The update means that the ambitious space RPG has had ongoing support for almost two years now. Fans have been talking about it all the time. Bethesda has slowly improved the experience, but many players have continued to point out missing features and untapped potential. At least some of those long-standing problems have been tried to be fixed by this latest update.

The update's main feature is a brand-new campaign add-on called Terran Armada.

It introduces players to a growing group of robots that are a threat to humans. The DLC offers players a focused single-player experience, featuring new enemies and a new storyline in the game's world. But while the addition of new material is interesting, most of the discussion about the update has focused on the game's systems, especially exploration. Fans had been hoping for a smoother experience since before the game even came out, especially in reducing the number of loading screens.

There was talk that Bethesda might completely change the method, but that hasn't quite happened yet. The studio has instead adopted a different approach, adding new mechanics that make the experience more immersive without altering the underlying structure. Instead of removing the loading screens, Bethesda added the "Free Lanes" update, which changes how players move through space in a big way. This method enables ships to move more naturally within solar systems. Players can fly between planets by hand in real time.

Now, players can zoom out to see more, move around at different speeds, and even quickly go around whole worlds. A faster choice called "hyper speed" lets you move through space faster while still making you feel like you're moving physically. The update also adds dynamic meetings while traveling. Players can look into strange things, find abandoned ships or space stations, and fight without breaking the illusion. The method is similar to how exploration works in games like Mass Effect 2, but it makes the loop more interactive and interesting.

Players can also now freely move around inside their ship while it's in transit and watch as their targets get closer in real time.

Because of this small change, the experience feels more real than it did before. Bethesda has added more places to visit on Earth's surface, in addition to space flight. Players will visit a wider range of places, addressing one of the main complaints about settings that are too similar. Small changes have also been made to the ship modification, with new parts and a stealth system that makes it easier to avoid battle. The core ship-building system, on the other hand, hasn't changed much, and many of its problems still exist.

When it comes to gear development, this update really makes a difference. There are now more ways to improve weapons and space suits, with new legendary levels and crafting materials. Players can improve their best gear and roll for extra benefits, which gives them more options for how they want to play. Skins for weapons have also been added, adding more variety to the game's visuals. Players can choose from designs inspired by in-game groups, giving them more ways to customize their items.

Bethesda has also leaned toward "cozy" game features, which is a big change.

Players can now buy small robots to keep them company and even strange alien pets that they can take with them on their journey or leave at bases. With the addition of a new vehicle called the Moon Jumper, exploring the surfaces of other planets is now easier. This vehicle is designed to navigate rough terrain more quickly than other options. 

The update also brings back Starborn powers, letting players improve their skills with new materials instead of just playing through the game again and again.

But building outposts is still a point of debate. There are now more pre-furnished buildings and decorating choices, but many fans still think it's not as customizable as they would expect from a Bethesda game.

There aren't many details about the Terran Armada DLC yet, but early impressions suggest it will focus on mechanized, humanoid enemies, which players have been asking for since the game launched. The update might be a step toward having a wider range of enemies, but it doesn't add any new alien species.

Also, technical changes are on the way, including support for advanced upscaling technologies, which is sparking a lot of discussion in the community. Some players are glad about the new graphics, but others are still not sure about AI-driven graphics. As Starfield moves into a new phase, complete with a big update and its release on PlayStation 5, the question still stands: are these changes enough to completely rewrite the game's history?

Some people see the changes as a real step forward for Bethesda's ambitious "NASA-punk" RPG. Some people may still think that the update doesn't live up to the hopes they had when the game was first released years ago. One thing that is certain is that Starfield keeps changing, and Bethesda isn't done building its world yet.