How Many People Have Beaten Starfield? A Deep Dive into Completion Rates
The question on every gamer’s mind: How many people have actually finished Starfield? While there’s no single, definitive number publicly released by Bethesda, we can leverage data from achievement tracking platforms like Steam, Xbox, and TrueAchievements to estimate the completion rate and extrapolate the number of players who have seen the credits roll. Based on these sources, the percentage of players who have unlocked the achievement/trophy for completing the main storyline hovers around 15-25%. Therefore, considering Starfield has sold well over 10 million copies across all platforms, we can estimate that somewhere between 1.5 million and 2.5 million players have completed the main storyline. This number is, of course, an estimate, and the actual figure could vary.
Decoding the Completion Rate: Why So ‘Low’?
A completion rate of 15-25% might seem surprisingly low for such a highly anticipated AAA title. However, several factors contribute to this perceived discrepancy. Starfield, like other Bethesda RPGs, is designed to be an expansive experience.
The Allure of Side Quests and Exploration
Starfield is brimming with content. Players are drawn to the vast universe, embarking on countless side quests, exploring procedurally generated planets, building outposts, and engaging with the diverse factions. This inherent freedom, while a strength of the game, diverts attention from the main questline, leading many players to postpone or abandon the critical path altogether.
The Sheer Length of the Game
The main storyline itself is substantial, requiring a significant time investment. Combined with the sheer volume of optional content, the prospect of ‘completing’ everything can feel daunting. Many players may simply not have the time to dedicate to reaching the end.
The “New Game Plus” Phenomenon
Starfield’s New Game Plus mechanic further impacts completion rates. This feature allows players to restart the game with their skills and some equipment intact, but with a different storyline twist. Many players may choose to enter New Game Plus after completing a portion of the main questline or after feeling they have sufficiently explored a play-through to see the alternative options. This resets the ‘main quest completion’ tracker, impacting statistics.
Why Completion Rates Matter (and Why They Don’t)
While completion rates offer a glimpse into player engagement, it’s crucial to understand their limitations. A low completion rate doesn’t necessarily equate to a bad game. It merely reflects the diverse playstyles and preferences of a vast player base. Some players might be perfectly content exploring the galaxy without ever touching the main quest, while others might engage heavily in base building and exploration, never getting around to “finishing” the story. Understanding the design principles behind video games such as Starfield can offer important insights into learning and engagement, as shown by the research at Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Starfield Completion
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Starfield completion and related topics:
1. What percentage of players have completed all achievements in Starfield?
The percentage of players who have unlocked all achievements is significantly lower than the main quest completion rate, likely hovering around less than 1%. This reflects the difficulty and time commitment required to achieve 100% completion.
2. Does difficulty level affect completion rates?
Anecdotally, lower difficulty settings may lead to slightly higher completion rates, as they make the game more accessible to a wider range of players. However, there’s no conclusive data to support a significant correlation.
3. How does Starfield’s completion rate compare to other Bethesda games?
Starfield’s completion rate is broadly similar to other large-scale Bethesda RPGs like Skyrim and Fallout 4. These games also offer extensive open worlds and non-linear gameplay, resulting in comparable completion rate metrics.
4. Is there a difference in completion rates between PC and Xbox players?
Generally, completion rates tend to be slightly higher on PC platforms like Steam, possibly due to a more dedicated core audience on PC, and the prevalence of using mods or external resources.
5. What role do guides and walkthroughs play in completion rates?
Online guides and walkthroughs can certainly assist players in completing the game, potentially increasing completion rates by providing readily available assistance.
6. How does the availability of Starfield on Game Pass affect completion rates?
The availability of Starfield on Game Pass likely contributes to a lower completion rate, as players may be more inclined to try the game without a full purchase and may be less invested in completing it.
7. Are there specific achievements that most players struggle with?
Certain achievements, such as those requiring specific skills, actions, or difficult choices, tend to have lower unlock rates, indicating that players find them challenging.
8. How does the length of the main storyline impact completion rates?
The substantial length of Starfield’s main storyline can deter some players from completing it, particularly those with limited time.
9. Does the open-world nature of Starfield discourage players from completing the main quest?
The open-world design, while a major draw, can distract players from the main quest, leading them down countless side paths and ultimately affecting completion rates.
10. How does Bethesda track completion rates, and why don’t they release exact figures?
Bethesda tracks completion rates through telemetry data collected from player accounts. They may choose not to release exact figures for competitive or strategic reasons.
11. What is the average playtime for players who complete Starfield?
The average playtime for players who complete the main storyline is estimated to be 40-60 hours, but this can vary significantly depending on playstyle and exploration habits.
12. Does the ending of Starfield impact players’ desire to replay the game or complete all achievements?
Starfield’s ending, which features the option for New Game Plus, can influence players’ decision to replay the game or pursue 100% completion.
13. How do reviews and community reception influence completion rates?
Positive reviews and strong community reception can encourage players to invest more time in the game and ultimately strive for completion.
14. Are there any hidden factors that contribute to low completion rates?
Hidden factors, such as bugs, glitches, or frustrating gameplay mechanics, can deter players from completing the game.
15. What are some tips for players who want to complete Starfield?
Focus on the main quest, utilize fast travel, consult online guides when needed, and don’t be afraid to lower the difficulty setting if you are struggling.