How to Access Starfield Early Access: Your Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Accessing Starfield early access required specific actions before the game’s official launch. Essentially, it was not available for the standard version of the game. To experience the vast universe of Starfield up to five days earlier than most, you had to purchase either the Premium Edition, Premium Upgrade, or the Constellation Edition. These versions granted players access from September 1st, 2023, whereas the standard edition launched on September 6th, 2023. This guide will delve into the specifics of securing early access and answer frequently asked questions to ensure you have all the information you need.
Understanding the Starfield Early Access Options
The key to unlocking early access lies in choosing the right edition of the game. The Standard Edition of Starfield, at a lower price point, did not include early access. If you were keen to jump in sooner, you needed one of the following:
- Premium Edition: This edition, available both digitally and physically, typically included the base game along with a variety of digital bonuses such as a story expansion, a skin pack, a digital artbook, and the game’s official soundtrack. Crucially, it also included five days of early access.
- Constellation Edition: This physical-only collector’s edition typically includes all the bonuses of the Premium Edition, but with added physical collectibles, such as a watch, steelbook case, and more. Like the Premium Edition, it also granted early access.
- Digital Premium Upgrade: If you already owned the standard version of Starfield, via purchase or Xbox Game Pass, you could purchase the Digital Premium Upgrade to gain the early access benefit and additional digital content.
How the Early Access Worked
The early access period for Starfield commenced on September 1st, 2023. Players who had purchased one of the above editions were able to start their galactic adventure at 8 PM ET on August 31st, 2023. This meant you had to plan and purchase your selected edition of the game before this date and time. Simply put, early access was a pre-launch reward for dedicated players.
Troubleshooting Early Access Issues
If you purchased the Premium Upgrade to play through Xbox Game Pass but were unable to access the game early, the issue may stem from an incomplete download of the upgrade itself. To solve this, you should go to your Xbox account’s Purchases page and find the upgrade to ensure it is completely downloaded. This will ensure that the necessary early access permissions are correctly applied to your account.
Starfield Early Access Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that may be on your mind regarding accessing Starfield early access:
Q1: When did Starfield’s early access start?
The early access period for Starfield began on September 1st, 2023, with the game becoming playable at 8 PM ET on August 31st, 2023.
Q2: Can I still get early access to Starfield?
No, early access to Starfield concluded on September 6th, 2023, with the official launch of the standard edition. Any purchase made after this date would allow access to the full game but not earlier.
Q3: If I have Game Pass, can I get early access to Starfield?
No, a standard Xbox Game Pass subscription did not grant early access to Starfield. You would need to purchase the Premium Upgrade on top of your Game Pass subscription to get early access.
Q4: What is included in the Premium Edition?
The Premium Edition typically includes the base game, early access, a story expansion, a skin pack, a digital artbook, and the game’s official soundtrack.
Q5: What is the difference between the Premium Edition and the Constellation Edition?
Both editions grant early access, but the Constellation Edition is a physical-only collector’s box with added physical items like a watch and steelbook, while the Premium Edition is available digitally and sometimes physically, with a focus on digital bonus content.
Q6: How can I play Starfield Standard early?
You could not play the Standard Edition of Starfield early. You needed to purchase either the Premium Edition, Constellation Edition, or the Digital Premium Upgrade to gain early access. If you did not have the option to access the game early, you could only play from the official launch date of September 6th, 2023.
Q7: What time did Starfield’s early access become available in my timezone?
The official time for early access was 8 PM ET on August 31st, 2023. You had to convert this time to your local timezone to know exactly when the game would be playable.
Q8: What do I do if my Premium Upgrade is not letting me access Starfield early?
First, check your Xbox account’s Purchases page to confirm the upgrade is fully downloaded. If the issue persists, consult Xbox or Bethesda support.
Q9: Did the New Zealand trick work for Starfield early access?
No, the New Zealand trick did not work for Starfield because it had a worldwide synchronized release for both the early access and the standard launch.
Q10: How much larger is Starfield than Skyrim?
Each custom landing zone in Starfield is larger than the entirety of Skyrim’s map. This is one of the factors that shows how much more expansive Starfield is.
Q11: How many planets are there in Starfield?
Starfield boasts over 1,000 planets spread across 100 systems, offering a vast amount of exploration opportunities.
Q12: Is it worth purchasing the premium version of the game?
Whether the premium edition is worth it depends on your preference for extra content and early access. If you want to get in early and enjoy additional digital goodies, it is worth considering. But if you are comfortable waiting for the standard launch, the standard version will provide the core experience of the game.
Q13: How many hours does it take to finish Starfield?
The main story of Starfield takes around 30-40 hours to complete. Exploring the game fully with all side quests and exploration could take up to 60 hours or more.
Q14: When did the standard version of Starfield become playable?
The standard digital version of Starfield became available on September 6th, 2023, at 8 PM ET on September 5th, 2023.
Q15: How big is the day one patch for Starfield?
There was a day one patch for Starfield, but if you had pre-ordered the game, the patch could typically be downloaded before the launch. If not, the game will prompt you to update before playing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, accessing Starfield early access was dependent on purchasing specific editions of the game before its official launch. It allowed dedicated fans to explore Bethesda’s new universe five days ahead of the standard launch. While early access is now over, understanding how it worked is still beneficial for comprehending game releases and special editions moving forward. Hopefully this comprehensive guide will have cleared up any confusion and answered all your questions. Happy gaming!