How to Get Early Access to Starfield: A Comprehensive Guide
The allure of exploring the cosmos in Bethesda’s highly anticipated RPG, Starfield, is undeniable. For eager gamers, the wait until the official launch can feel like an eternity. Fortunately, early access was a reality, allowing players to embark on their interstellar journey several days ahead of the general public. But how exactly did one gain access to this coveted early playtime?
The most direct route to Starfield early access was through the purchase of one of the game’s premium editions. Specifically, the Digital Premium Edition, the Premium Upgrade (for Xbox Play Anywhere ONLY), or the Constellation Edition granted players up to 5 days of early access before the official launch. This meant that if you secured one of these editions, you could begin exploring the vastness of space starting on September 1st, 2023, rather than waiting for the global launch on September 6th, 2023.
To be clear, the Standard Edition did not include early access. Neither did simply being a Game Pass subscriber. While Game Pass does grant access to the game on launch day, early play was exclusively reserved for buyers of those aforementioned premium versions.
Understanding the Premium Editions
To further clarify, let’s break down the key editions that offered early access:
Digital Premium Edition
This digital version offered not only early access but also a suite of digital goodies including:
- Shattered Space Story Expansion: A future expansion promising new narratives.
- Constellation Skin Pack: Unique cosmetic items.
- Digital Artbook: An in-depth look at the game’s development.
- Original Soundtrack: Immerse yourself in the game’s soundscape.
- Up to 5 days early access: Play before the global launch
Premium Edition Upgrade
The Premium Edition Upgrade is a special offering, designed for players who already have the Standard Edition or plan to play via Game Pass. It provides all the same premium content as the Digital Premium Edition, including the early access period. Please note, the Premium Upgrade was only available for Xbox Play Anywhere at release.
Constellation Edition
This physical-only collector’s edition was the most exclusive option. It came in a physical package and offered physical and digital items, alongside early access.
How To Access Starfield Early Access On PC
If you purchased a premium edition, here’s how to make sure you can actually launch the early access of Starfield:
- Download & Unpack: Ensure Starfield has finished downloading and unpacking all its files. This process might take some time depending on your internet speed and your system.
- Restart Steam (PC): Close Steam completely by killing the app in the Task Manager if needed. Then, re-open Steam.
- Navigate to Library: Go to your Steam library where you should see Starfield listed.
- Launch the Game: Once the game is completely downloaded, unpacking should not hinder launching the title.
Early Access Start Time
Starfield‘s early access officially started on September 1st, 2023. However, the exact time it went live varied by region. Notably, in the East US, access began on Thursday, August 31st at 8pm EDT. Be sure to check your specific time zone for the equivalent launch time so you are ready to play as soon as it is available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide further clarity on Starfield and its early access:
1. What is the official launch date for Starfield?
Starfield’s official global launch date is September 6th, 2023, at midnight UTC.
2. Can I get early access if I have Xbox Game Pass?
No, a Game Pass subscription does not grant early access. While you can play Starfield on September 6th with Game Pass, early access was only for purchasers of Premium Editions or the Constellation Edition.
3. Can I still get early access to Starfield now?
Unfortunately, the early access period has ended, which was before the official launch. You can still purchase any edition to play the game, but early access is no longer available as of the official launch date.
4. What exactly is included in the Starfield Digital Premium Edition?
The Digital Premium Edition includes a 5-day early access code, Shattered Space Story Expansion, Constellation skin pack, and the digital artbook and soundtrack.
5. What is the Premium Edition Upgrade?
The Premium Edition Upgrade is for players who have the Standard Edition or play with Game Pass. It upgrades the game to the Premium version providing the additional content and early access.
6. Is Starfield available on Xbox One?
Starfield is not directly playable on Xbox One. You need to have either an Xbox Series X/S or subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for Xbox Cloud Gaming to stream the game on an Xbox One.
7. How long is Starfield’s main story?
Starfield’s main story is approximately 30 to 40 hours long. However, the total time can vary dramatically depending on your playstyle.
8. How many planets can I explore in Starfield?
Starfield features over 1,000 planets across 100 Star Systems. However, only 100 of these planets are habitable.
9. What are the minimum system requirements for Starfield?
The minimum requirements include Windows 10 version 21H1, AMD Ryzen 5 2600X or Intel Core i7-6800K processor, 16 GB RAM, AMD Radeon RX 5700 or NVIDIA GeForce 1070 Ti graphics card, DirectX Version 12, and 125 GB of SSD storage.
10. Can I romance companions in Starfield?
Yes, Starfield allows you to develop romantic relationships with certain companions, offering quests, gifts, and even XP bonuses.
11. What is the best ship in Starfield?
While opinions vary, some of the best battle ships include: Razorleaf, Aegis, and Abyss Trekker. The best ship can often come down to how you like to play the game and your skill level.
12. How many times can you finish Starfield?
There is no level cap, and you can continue playing after finishing the main story. You will also need to play through at least one New Game Plus to see all content.
13. How do I upgrade to the Starfield Premium Edition from the standard edition?
You can upgrade to the Premium Edition by selecting the Premium Edition Upgrade on the game’s store page on your platform (Steam, Xbox).
14. What are the primary differences between the Standard and Premium Editions?
The Standard Edition contains the base game only. The Premium Edition includes bonus content like the Shattered Space Story Expansion, Constellation Skin Pack, digital artbook, and soundtrack, as well as early access (before the official launch).
15. Is the Starfield Premium Edition worth it?
Whether the Premium Edition is worth it depends on your personal preference. If you value additional content, including story expansions, skin packs, and early access, then it may be worth the investment. Otherwise, the standard version of Starfield will be just fine for most players.