How Much is Starfield Early Access? Your Comprehensive Guide
The burning question on every space explorer’s mind is: how much does it cost to jump into Starfield early? The answer, while not a single flat price, is straightforward and depends on how you choose to access the vast universe Bethesda has created. Early access to Starfield was granted to players who purchased specific editions of the game or an upgrade to their existing game access, allowing them to begin their interstellar journey up to five days before the official launch date of September 6th, 2023. Let’s break down the cost and options.
Breaking Down the Cost of Early Access
The primary way to gain early access to Starfield was through the Premium Edition or the Premium Edition Upgrade. Here’s a detailed look at each:
Starfield Premium Edition
- Price: The full Starfield Premium Edition retailed for $99.99.
- What it includes: This edition not only provided five days of early access but also came packed with extra digital goodies such as the Constellation Skin Pack, access to the Starfield Digital Artbook, the original soundtrack, and the highly anticipated Shattered Space story expansion (scheduled for release after the main game).
- How it granted Early Access: Purchasing the Premium Edition, either digitally through the Microsoft Store or Steam, guaranteed access to the game starting September 1st.
Starfield Digital Premium Edition Upgrade
- Price: The Digital Premium Edition Upgrade was priced at $34.99.
- Who is it for?: This option was specifically tailored for players who already had access to Starfield through Xbox Game Pass or PC Game Pass.
- What it includes: By purchasing the upgrade, players could secure early access, plus all the digital extras offered in the full Premium Edition. This allowed subscribers to get in on the space exploration fun ahead of the wider launch without buying the entire game again.
- How it granted Early Access: Upgrading allowed Game Pass subscribers to begin playing on September 1st, same as full Premium Edition purchasers.
Standard Edition and Early Access
It’s crucial to note that the Standard Edition of Starfield, priced at $70, did not include early access. This edition granted access to the game only on the official release date of September 6th. Therefore, to play early, an upgrade or purchase of the Premium Edition was mandatory.
Important Clarification on Pre-Orders
While there were pre-order opportunities and specific pre-order bonuses for the digital Premium Edition, including the Old Mars skin pack, buying this edition any time before the launch, even on September 2nd or 3rd, still allowed access to early play. The essential thing was owning either the premium edition or the premium edition upgrade.
Starfield Early Access FAQs
To further clarify your journey into the cosmos, here are 15 frequently asked questions about Starfield early access:
Q1: Could I get Starfield early access by pre-ordering the Standard Edition?
No. The Standard Edition did not grant early access. To play before September 6th, a Premium Edition purchase or Digital Premium Upgrade was required.
Q2: If I buy the Premium Edition on September 2nd, can I still play early?
Yes! Regardless of when you purchase the Premium Edition, even after the initial September 1st early access period has started, you can play early. The only requirement is ownership of this edition.
Q3: What is included in the Digital Premium Edition Upgrade?
The upgrade includes five days early access, the Constellation Skin Pack, the Digital Artbook, the original soundtrack, and the Shattered Space story expansion.
Q4: I have Xbox Game Pass. Do I need to purchase the full game to play early?
No, you don’t need to buy the full game. You can purchase the $34.99 Digital Premium Edition Upgrade to gain early access and the other bonus content.
Q5: When did Starfield early access start?
Starfield early access began on September 1st, 2023 or August 31st at 8 pm EDT in North America.
Q6: Is there a difference between pre-purchasing and purchasing the Premium Edition?
No. The Premium Edition granted early access regardless of whether it was pre-ordered or purchased later, as long as it was before the official launch date.
Q7: Did the New Zealand trick work for Starfield early access?
No. Starfield had a worldwide release, so the “New Zealand trick” (changing your console’s location) to play earlier did not work.
Q8: Is Starfield available on Game Pass on release day?
Yes, Starfield was available on Game Pass on its official launch day, September 6th, but without early access included as part of the base subscription.
Q9: What is the Shattered Space story expansion?
Shattered Space is a planned story DLC expansion that comes with the Premium Edition. Its release date has yet to be announced.
Q10: How many hours long is the main story of Starfield?
The main story is estimated to be around 30 to 40 hours long, though this can vary depending on individual playstyle.
Q11: Does the Starfield Premium Edition include all future DLC?
No. The Premium Edition specifically includes the Shattered Space expansion, however, other DLC may be released seperately or in other bundles.
Q12: Was there a physical pre-order bonus?
Yes. Purchasing the standard edition and the premium edition upgrade together as a physical pre-order would come with extras such as a Steelbook case and Constellation patch. However, purchasing just the standard or premium edition or digital premium edition upgrade would not get these physical bonuses.
Q13: How many planets are there to explore in Starfield?
There are over 1,000 planets across 100 star systems to explore. Not all planets are habitable.
Q14: How much bigger is Starfield than Skyrim?
Starfield is significantly larger than Skyrim. Each landing zone in Starfield can be larger than the entire map of Skyrim.
Q15: Has Starfield “gone gold”?
Yes! Starfield has “gone gold,” meaning the development process was complete and the game was ready for release.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the cost of Starfield early access was either $99.99 for the Premium Edition or $34.99 for the Digital Premium Edition Upgrade for Game Pass subscribers. While the Standard Edition provided access on the official release day, those eager to jump in early had clear options to begin their cosmic adventures on September 1st. We hope this breakdown provides clarity and prepares you for the vast universe of Starfield. Happy exploring!