Can You Play Starfield Early with the Premium Edition Upgrade? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, you absolutely can play Starfield early if you get the Premium Edition Upgrade. However, it’s crucial to understand that this upgrade isn’t a standalone product. It requires you to already own the base game of Starfield, whether through a purchase or via Xbox Game Pass. This upgrade essentially unlocks the early access period, along with additional digital goodies, for those who are playing the base game but want to jump in before the official release. The Premium Edition Upgrade was primarily designed for gamers who are utilizing Game Pass but desire the additional benefits that a Premium Edition provides, including five days of early access to the much-anticipated interstellar RPG.
What Does the Starfield Premium Edition Upgrade Include?
The Premium Edition Upgrade is more than just early access. Here’s a breakdown of what you get:
- Five Days Early Access: The most significant draw for many, granting you entry into the game five days before the official launch date.
- Shattered Space Story Expansion: When it’s released, you will receive the first story expansion for Starfield.
- Constellation Skin Pack: This pack provides cosmetic upgrades for your Equinox Laser Rifle, Spacesuit, Helmet, and Boost Pack, allowing you to customize your character’s gear with a unique design.
- Digital Artbook and Soundtrack: Immerse yourself further into the world of Starfield with the digital artbook and soundtrack included in the upgrade.
- Steelbook Display Case & Constellation Patch: A physical bonus included in the physical version of the Premium Edition Upgrade
Essentially, the Premium Edition Upgrade bridges the gap between the standard version of Starfield and the full Digital Premium Edition. It’s a package designed to enhance your experience and provide additional content while getting you into the game early.
Who is the Premium Edition Upgrade For?
This upgrade is aimed at two primary groups of players:
- Game Pass Subscribers: If you are playing Starfield via Xbox Game Pass or PC Game Pass, purchasing the Premium Edition Upgrade is the most cost-effective way to gain early access and the other bonus content. Without it, you would only gain access on the official launch date.
- Players with a Standard Edition: If you purchased the base game separately, the Premium Edition Upgrade is the next best option if you didn’t initially get the Premium Edition but still want the early access, DLC, and digital goodies.
How to Access Starfield Early with the Premium Edition Upgrade
The process is relatively straightforward, but it’s essential to ensure you’ve followed the correct steps:
- Purchase the Upgrade: First, you need to purchase the Starfield Premium Edition Upgrade via your platform of choice (e.g., Xbox Store, Steam).
- Install the Base Game: Ensure that the base game of Starfield is already installed. If you are using Game Pass, make sure you have downloaded the game through the service.
- Download the Upgrade Content: This process varies based on platform.
- Xbox: Go to Starfield’s game card, then “Manage”, and ensure the Premium Upgrade and any additional packs (e.g. Old Mars skin) are set to “Will Install”.
- Steam: In your library, ensure Starfield is installed. In the drop-down menu select ‘Soundtracks’, and the artbook and soundtrack should be accessible.
- Verify Installation: Double-check the game’s content to verify that the Premium Edition Upgrade is installed correctly. This can be done in the “Manage” section for games on Xbox or by viewing downloadable content via the game on PC through Steam.
- Start Playing: Once installed, launch the game and enjoy your early access adventure!
Troubleshooting Early Access Issues
If you’re encountering issues with early access, here are some steps you can try:
- Check Download Status: Confirm that both the base game and the Premium Edition Upgrade have completely downloaded.
- Game Unpacking: Sometimes, the game needs time to unpack files after downloading. Allow a few minutes for this process to complete.
- Reinstallation: As a last resort, try reinstalling the game and the Premium Edition Upgrade.
FAQs: Starfield Premium Edition Upgrade
1. What is the difference between the Starfield Premium Edition and the Premium Edition Upgrade?
The Digital Premium Edition is a full edition of the game including early access, the DLC expansion, the constellation skin pack, and the digital artbook and soundtrack. The Premium Edition Upgrade is for those who already have the base game (through purchase or Game Pass) and want to upgrade to get the same benefits (early access, DLC, and the cosmetics).
2. Does the Premium Edition Upgrade include the base game?
No, the Premium Edition Upgrade does not include the base game. You need to own or have access to the standard version of Starfield separately.
3. Can I play Starfield early without pre-ordering?
Yes, if you have a Game Pass subscription and purchase the Premium Edition Upgrade, you can access the game five days early.
4. Is the Premium Edition Upgrade worth it if I am only interested in early access?
If you are mainly interested in early access, and you’re playing through Game Pass, then the Premium Edition Upgrade is worth considering. It grants five days of early access in addition to the expansion pack and cosmetics.
5. What happens if my Game Pass subscription lapses after buying the Premium Edition Upgrade?
If your Game Pass subscription lapses, you will lose access to the base game and the associated content, including the Premium Edition Upgrade content. You’d need to regain access to the base game to play.
6. What are the specific in-game items included in the Premium Edition Upgrade?
The Premium Edition Upgrade includes the Constellation Skin Pack for your Equinox Laser Rifle, Spacesuit, Helmet, and Boost Pack.
7. Can I use the Premium Edition Upgrade on both Xbox and PC Game Pass with the same account?
Yes, the Starfield Premium Edition Upgrade should work on both Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass using the same account.
8. How do I access the digital artbook and soundtrack?
On Steam, access the Soundtracks section in the dropdown of your library where you’ll find them available after the Premium Edition is installed.
9. Does the Premium Edition Upgrade have the same early access period as the full Premium Edition?
Yes, both the full Premium Edition and the Premium Edition Upgrade grant access to the game five days early.
10. Will the Premium Edition Upgrade work for future Starfield DLCs?
The upgrade only includes the first story expansion DLC, named Shattered Space. Other future DLCs will need to be purchased separately.
11. What should I do if my early access isn’t working on PC?
Ensure Starfield has finished downloading and has unpacked files. If that fails, try reinstalling both the game and the Premium Edition Upgrade.
12. Is the physical Premium Edition Upgrade available and does it have any other content?
Yes, a physical version is available and typically includes a steelbook display case and a Constellation patch alongside the other digital content.
13. How long does it take to complete Starfield?
Starfield’s main story is about 30 to 40 hours long, but a comprehensive playthrough with side quests can reach 60+ hours.
14. If I pre-order the standard edition and upgrade later, can I also access the pre-order skin pack?
Those who pre-ordered the digital premium edition got the Old Mars skin pack at no extra cost. If you upgrade later, it may not always be included, and you’ll want to check the specific offering where you purchased it.
15. Is the Premium Edition Upgrade a single-use code?
The Premium Edition Upgrade is tied to the user account that purchases it and is not a single-use code that can be shared.
By understanding these details, you can make an informed decision about whether the Starfield Premium Edition Upgrade is right for you, maximizing your enjoyment of Bethesda’s latest epic.