How Many Planets Will Have Life in Starfield?
The vast expanse of Starfield beckons players with the promise of exploration across a staggering 1,000 planets. However, not all of these celestial bodies teem with life. In fact, the percentage of planets supporting life is relatively small. So, the burning question is: How many planets will have life in Starfield?
The answer is approximately 100 planets. Bethesda has confirmed that only about 10% of the 1,000 planets within the game’s universe will be home to living organisms. This carefully chosen ratio adds an element of realism and intrigue to the game, making encounters with life on alien worlds a significant and memorable event. These habitable planets range from those supporting only local wildlife to those with intelligent life forms.
The Allure of a Thousand Worlds
While only 100 planets boast life, the remaining 900 are far from barren or pointless. These non-habitable worlds serve diverse purposes within the game: some are rich in resources, inviting players to set up outposts and harvest materials. Others are unique geographical marvels, presenting exploration challenges and opportunities to discover strange and mysterious landscapes.
Todd Howard, Bethesda’s director, has emphasized the deliberate design choice of including planets with ‘nothing’ on them, highlighting the importance of contrast in creating a realistic and immersive universe. This approach means players won’t find vibrant life on every planet, mirroring the vastness and emptiness of space itself.
The Variety of Habitable Planets
The 100 life-supporting planets are far from homogeneous. Players can expect to encounter a diverse array of ecosystems, from lush jungles to arid deserts, each harboring unique flora and fauna. Some of these planets will be home to alien creatures, both docile and aggressive, posing challenges and opportunities to study and document these life forms. Others will feature intelligent species, capable of interacting with the player, establishing settlements and civilizations. The sheer variety of these worlds promises a compelling experience for players dedicated to thorough exploration.
Furthermore, the presence of these diverse habitable planets significantly contributes to the exploration aspects of Starfield, giving players a sense of constant discovery and wonder. Each encounter with a planet containing life is a special moment, rather than the expected norm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many total planets are there in Starfield?
Starfield features over 1,000 explorable planets spread across more than 100 star systems. This expansive scale offers players a significant degree of freedom and a myriad of exploration opportunities.
2. What percentage of Starfield planets have life?
Approximately 10% of the planets in Starfield are home to life, translating to about 100 habitable planets out of the total 1,000. This conscious design decision ensures that life-bearing planets feel more special and less commonplace.
3. Will Starfield have empty planets?
Yes, Starfield deliberately features vast planets with ‘nothing’, aligning with the realities of space exploration where not every planet teems with life or resources. These empty planets encourage players to appreciate the sheer scale of the universe.
4. Are all planets in Starfield fully explorable?
Based on developer statements, Starfield planets are fully explorable, allowing players to traverse the entirety of each planet. This emphasis on free exploration is central to the game’s design.
5. Does our Solar System exist in Starfield?
Yes, the Sol System is present in Starfield, and Earth is the third planet within this system. However, in the game’s narrative, Earth is no longer habitable due to a major ecological disaster.
6. What happened to Earth in Starfield?
In the timeline of Starfield, Earth’s atmosphere deteriorated due to a flawed Grav Drive prototype, making the planet uninhabitable and forcing humanity to abandon it. This mass exodus happened between the years 2149 and 2199.
7. Can you build outposts on any planet in Starfield?
While not every planet may be suitable for a thriving outpost, players can establish outposts on various planets, focusing on resource extraction and crafting. Certain planets offer more favorable conditions and resources.
8. What is the best planet to start a colony in Starfield?
Several planets are considered ideal for early colonization in Starfield, including Procyon III in the Procyon A System, Nesoi in the Olympus System, and Jemison in the Alpha Centauri System. These planets often offer a balance of resources and favorable environments.
9. How many cities will Starfield have?
Starfield features four major cities: New Atlantis, Akila, Neon, and The Key. The Key, however, is a unique space station run by the Crimson Fleet rather than a city on a planet.
10. Do moons count as planets in Starfield?
Moons in Starfield are considered secondary planetary-mass objects that orbit a Planet. They are fully explorable with locations, resources and sometimes alien lifeforms. They are different from planets as they orbit a planet.
11. Is there life on rogue planets in Starfield?
While not definitively stated, the game’s logic suggests that some planets lacking a direct star may support life, potentially reflecting current scientific theories regarding rogue planets harboring unique ecosystems.
12. What is the furthest system in Starfield?
The Alpha Andraste system is located in the top left corner of the star map and is the furthest explorable system in the Galactic Northwest, along with its twin star, Beta Andraste.
13. Is there a level cap in Starfield?
There is no level cap in Starfield. The game employs an infinite leveling system, meaning players can progress without any restrictions. Players also get a Reach for the Stars achievement for hitting level 100.
14. What is the best ship in Starfield?
Several ships are considered top-tier, with the Razorleaf being excellent for all players, the Aegis being more powerful but requiring better piloting, and the Abyss Trekker offering raw power.
15. How does Starfield compare to Skyrim in terms of map size?
Starfield is significantly larger than Skyrim. While Skyrim’s map is approximately 15 square miles, the explorable area of just one planet in Starfield is comparable to the entirety of Skyrim. The game contains over 1000 planets, making it far bigger.
Conclusion
While the majority of planets in Starfield are empty, the carefully curated 100 planets with life are designed to stand out. The fact that a mere 10% of the game’s planets contain life only heightens the sense of discovery and adventure for the player. These encounters with unique ecosystems and perhaps even intelligent civilizations are what make each exploration feel special, contributing to the immersive and memorable experience that Starfield strives to provide. The vastness of space and the thrill of discovery are what truly define the essence of the game.