How Long is the Main Story in Starfield? A Deep Dive
The burning question on every Starfield player’s mind: how long will it take to complete the main story? The answer, like exploring the cosmos itself, is multifaceted. On average, expect to spend 35-40 hours charting your course through the primary narrative, engaging in some side quests along the way. Of course, this is a general estimate, and your mileage may vary depending on your play style. Let’s dive deeper into what influences the game’s length and related aspects of Bethesda’s epic space RPG.
Factors Affecting Your Starfield Playtime
Several elements can either shorten or lengthen your Starfield journey:
- Play Style: Are you a speedrunner aiming to blast through the main objectives? Or a meticulous explorer intent on uncovering every nook and cranny of each planet? The former will drastically reduce your playtime, while the latter will significantly extend it.
- Difficulty Setting: A higher difficulty may necessitate more strategic planning, resource gathering, and side questing to level up and acquire better gear, thereby increasing the overall time.
- Side Content Engagement: Starfield is brimming with optional quests, faction storylines, and planetary exploration. How much of this you choose to pursue will profoundly impact your playtime. Some suggest completing the first five main quests before becoming distracted by side quests.
- Combat Proficiency: Efficient combat skills and strategic builds can expedite your progress through the main questline, while struggling in battles will inevitably add to your playtime.
- Exploration Habits: Do you meticulously scan every planet and interact with every NPC? Or do you primarily focus on main quest locations? Your exploration style will greatly affect the time investment.
- Decision-Making: Although there are no multiple endings, some decisions you make will affect your playtime, particularly if you start to play New Game Plus.
Starfield’s Main Quest: Structure and Content
Starfield’s main quest is composed of 20 missions, guiding you through the core narrative. These missions are designed to introduce you to the universe, its factions, and its mysteries.
While some missions must be completed in a specific order, the game’s sandbox nature grants you considerable freedom in how and when you approach them. This non-linearity adds to the game’s replayability.
Is Starfield’s Main Story Worth the Time?
Absolutely! Starfield’s narrative is a compelling blend of scientific wonder, existential questioning, and compelling characters. The rewards for completing the main story are more than worth the time spent on the adventure. The main quest is generally considered a strong narrative experience with memorable moments and impactful choices. The game is an endless cycle, so players can start a New Game Plus as many times as they like.
Embracing the Starfield Experience
Starfield is not just about reaching the end; it’s about the journey. Whether you prioritize the main story or immerse yourself in the vast expanse of its universe, the game offers a unique and engaging experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment, explore, and forge your own path among the stars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to give you a clearer understanding of the game’s main storyline and its surrounding mechanics.
1. How many main story missions are there in Starfield?
There are 20 main missions in Starfield’s main questline.
2. Should I focus on the main story in Starfield?
It is advisable to complete the first five missions before delving into side quests. This allows you to get acquainted with the world and its mechanics before becoming too engrossed in other activities.
3. How many times can you complete Starfield?
You can complete Starfield as many times as you want, thanks to its New Game Plus mode.
4. How long does it take for Starfield to get good?
Many players and critics report that Starfield starts to “click” after around 12 hours of gameplay.
5. Is Starfield bigger than Skyrim?
Yes, Starfield is significantly larger than Skyrim, featuring 1,000 planets compared to Skyrim’s single map.
6. Will Starfield really have 1,000 planets?
Starfield features 1,000 planets, about 10% of which contain life, quests, and valuable resources.
7. Who can you romance in Starfield?
You can romance Sarah Morgan, Barrett, Sam Coe, and Andreja, all of whom are part of the Constellation faction.
8. Can you still romance in New Game Plus Starfield?
No, your romance with a companion does not continue into New Game Plus, but you can romance them again during the new playthrough. It’s essential to choose the option to not skip the story, as completing some missions are essential to progressing with all four romances.
9. How many endings does Starfield have?
While there are no multiple endings, your decisions throughout the game influence the final act.
10. What is the highest level in Starfield?
There is no level cap in Starfield, meaning the leveling system is virtually infinite.
11. What is the reward of Starfield’s main story?
The primary reward for finishing the main story is the ability to restart the game in New Game Plus.
12. Who can you marry in Starfield?
You can marry Sarah Morgan, Andreja, Barrett, and Sam Coe.
13. Can you join every faction in Starfield?
Yes, you can join all factions in Starfield without penalty, though your actions within one faction may affect your standing with others later on.
14. Is Starfield bigger than Fallout 4?
Starfield is roughly 20% larger than Fallout 4 in terms of map size.
15. How do you marry Sarah in Starfield?
To marry Sarah Morgan, you must complete her personal mission ‘In Memoriam’, have her affinity to at least ‘Friend’, tell her you love her, and choose the ‘Commitment’ option when speaking with her, then marry Sarah at Paradiso.
Understanding these nuances can help you optimize your Starfield experience and enjoy the game to its fullest potential. Whether you’re a seasoned Bethesda player or a newcomer to open-world RPGs, Starfield offers a galaxy of possibilities for you to explore.
The world of gaming is not just entertainment; it’s also a field of study. Organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) are dedicated to understanding the intersection of games and education. It’s fascinating to see how complex game narratives and systems can contribute to learning and skill development.