Table of Contents

Can You Download Starfield on Xbox Game Pass? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is a resounding yes! Starfield is indeed available to download and play through Xbox Game Pass on both Xbox consoles and PC. This makes the vast and ambitious space exploration RPG incredibly accessible to millions of gamers.

Diving Deep into Starfield and Xbox Game Pass

Let’s break down exactly what this means and address some common questions surrounding Starfield’s availability on Xbox Game Pass. Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that gives players access to a rotating library of games for a monthly fee. The service is available on Xbox consoles (Series X|S and Xbox One via Cloud Gaming), PC, and even through cloud gaming on mobile devices. This means you can play a huge library of games, including brand-new releases like Starfield, without having to purchase them individually.

The inclusion of Starfield on Xbox Game Pass is a significant move by Microsoft and Bethesda. It demonstrates their commitment to the subscription service and makes their biggest releases instantly available to a huge player base. For players, it’s a fantastic opportunity to experience a massive RPG without the hefty upfront cost of a full game purchase. This accessibility is particularly valuable, as it allows players to explore whether or not they want to play the game, and it makes big title releases immediately accessible to a broader audience.

Getting Started with Starfield on Game Pass

To download Starfield through Xbox Game Pass, you’ll need an active subscription. There are several tiers of Game Pass available, including Xbox Game Pass for Console, Xbox Game Pass for PC, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Game Pass Ultimate offers the best value, as it includes access to both console and PC libraries, as well as Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Once you have your subscription, the process is straightforward:

On Xbox Series X|S: Navigate to the Game Pass section of the dashboard. Search for Starfield and select it. Click the “Install” button.
On PC (Xbox App): Open the Xbox App on your PC. Search for Starfield. Click the “Install” button. Ensure you have enough storage space available (125+ GB).
On Xbox One (via Cloud Gaming): Because Starfield is not natively available on Xbox One, you’ll need to use Xbox Cloud Gaming. Navigate to the Cloud Gaming section of the dashboard, find Starfield, and launch it. Keep in mind that cloud gaming requires a stable internet connection.

Understanding Cloud Gaming and Starfield on Xbox One

It’s crucial to understand that playing Starfield on Xbox One through Xbox Cloud Gaming is not the same as playing a native version of the game. Cloud Gaming streams the game to your console from a remote server. This means your experience is heavily reliant on your internet connection speed and stability. While this makes Starfield accessible to Xbox One owners, it’s not the optimal way to experience the game’s full visual fidelity and performance.

You can play Starfield on Xbox One, or your phone or tablet, with the power of Xbox’s cloud streaming service. It is important to note that this experience requires a stable internet connection to allow for a smooth experience.

Why Consider Game Pass for Starfield?

Choosing Game Pass to play Starfield offers several advantages:

Cost-Effectiveness: Instead of spending $70 on the game outright, you can play it as part of your Game Pass subscription.
Access to a Vast Library: Game Pass offers hundreds of other games to explore, providing incredible value for your money.
Try Before You Buy: If you’re unsure whether you’ll enjoy Starfield, Game Pass lets you try it out before committing to a full purchase.
Xbox Play Anywhere: Starfield also makes use of the Xbox Play Anywhere option that allows owners of a digital copy of the game to jump from Xbox to PC without needing to pay for both versions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about downloading and playing Starfield on Xbox Game Pass, giving you all the essential information in one place:

1. Is Starfield free on Game Pass?

Yes, if you have an active Xbox Game Pass subscription for console or PC (or Game Pass Ultimate), Starfield is included as part of the service. You can download and play it as long as it remains in the Game Pass library and your subscription is active.

2. Can I download Starfield on Xbox One?

No, Starfield is not natively available on Xbox One. However, you can play it on Xbox One through Xbox Cloud Gaming, which requires an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and a stable internet connection.

3. How big of a download is Starfield?

Starfield is a large game, requiring over 125 GB of storage space for installation on both Xbox Series X|S and PC. Make sure you have sufficient storage available before starting the download.

4. Will Starfield be removed from Game Pass?

While Microsoft has not announced any plans to remove Starfield from Game Pass, it’s always possible that games can be removed from the library at some point in the future. However, given Starfield’s significance and popularity, it’s likely to remain on Game Pass for the foreseeable future.

5. Can you play Starfield offline with Game Pass?

Yes, as long as you’ve downloaded the game to your console or PC while connected to the internet, you can play Starfield offline. However, you’ll need to connect to the internet periodically to verify your Game Pass subscription.

6. What happens if my Game Pass subscription expires while I’m playing Starfield?

If your Game Pass subscription expires, you will lose access to Starfield and any other games downloaded through the service. You’ll need to renew your subscription to continue playing.

7. Is there a difference between playing Starfield on Game Pass vs. buying it?

The gameplay experience is the same whether you play Starfield through Game Pass or purchase it outright. However, owning the game gives you permanent access to it, regardless of your subscription status or its availability on Game Pass.

8. Can I buy DLC for Starfield if I’m playing it through Game Pass?

Yes, you can purchase DLC and expansions for Starfield even if you’re playing it through Game Pass. The DLC will be added to your game and accessible as long as you have an active Game Pass subscription and Starfield remains in the library.

9. What are the minimum PC requirements to play Starfield?

The minimum PC requirements for Starfield are:

OS: Windows 10 version 21H1 (10.0.19043)
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 2600X, Intel Core i7-6800K
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 5700, NVIDIA GeForce 1070 Ti
DirectX: Version 12
Storage: 125 GB available space (SSD Required)

10. How long does it take to complete Starfield?

The main story of Starfield is estimated to take around 30-40 hours to complete. However, if you delve into side quests and exploration, you could easily spend 60+ hours in the game. Some speedrunners have completed it in less than 24 hours.

11. Is Starfield cross-platform between Xbox and PC?

Yes, Starfield supports cross-save functionality between Xbox and PC for players who own the game digitally. This allows you to seamlessly switch between platforms and continue your progress.

12. What Xbox do I need to play Starfield?

You can play Starfield natively on Xbox Series X|S. Xbox One users can play via Xbox Cloud Gaming, which requires an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.

13. How do I update Starfield on Game Pass?

Starfield should update automatically on Xbox and PC through Game Pass. Make sure your console or PC is connected to the internet, and updates will be downloaded and installed in the background.

14. Can I pre-download Starfield on Game Pass before release?

Yes, Game Pass often allows you to pre-download upcoming games, including Starfield, a few days before their release date. This allows you to start playing immediately when the game unlocks.

15. Is the Premium Edition of Starfield worth it if I have Game Pass?

Whether the Premium Edition is worth it depends on what you want from the game. The premium edition comes with more features like access to the Starfield Digital Artbook, Constellation Skin Pack etc. Consider the value of the additional content (such as the expansion, early access, and digital artbook) and decide if it’s worth the extra cost, especially since you already have the base game through Game Pass.

Exploring the Educational Side of Gaming

While Starfield offers countless hours of entertainment, it’s also worth noting the educational potential of games in general. The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) explores the intersection of games and learning, researching how games can be used to enhance education and develop valuable skills. GamesLearningSociety.org promotes an understanding of educational gaming practices and applications.

Conclusion

Starfield’s inclusion on Xbox Game Pass is a major win for gamers. It makes this ambitious and expansive RPG accessible to a vast audience, allowing players to explore its universe without the financial commitment of a full purchase. Whether you’re a seasoned Game Pass subscriber or considering signing up, Starfield is a compelling reason to jump in and experience the future of gaming. So, fire up your Xbox or PC, download Starfield, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure among the stars!

Can you download Starfield on Xbox Game Pass?