How to Get Starfield 5 Days Early: Your Ultimate Guide
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The anticipation for Starfield, Bethesda’s ambitious space-faring RPG, has reached fever pitch. For many eager gamers, the official launch date seems an eternity away. Luckily, there’s a way to jump into the cosmos five days before the rest of the world. The key to unlocking this early access? Purchasing a premium edition of the game. Let’s break down exactly how you can play Starfield early and explore the vast universe before anyone else.
Unlocking Early Access: The Premium Route
The most direct path to playing Starfield five days early is to purchase either the Premium Edition (digital or physical) or the Constellation Edition of the game. These editions, while pricier than the standard version, provide the golden ticket to early exploration. Here’s a closer look at these premium options:
Premium Edition: Your Ticket to Early Launch
The Premium Edition, generally priced at $100, is your most common route to early access. This version comes packed with the following:
- The base game of Starfield.
- Five days early access to start your journey before the official release date.
- Shattered Space Story Expansion (upon release).
- Constellation Skin Pack: Access to a weapon, spacesuit, and helmet with unique Constellation designs.
- Digital Artbook and Soundtrack to enhance your immersion in the Starfield universe.
Constellation Edition: The Ultimate Collector’s Choice
The Constellation Edition is the most premium of the Starfield offerings, combining the digital content of the Premium Edition with exclusive physical collectibles. While this version may be harder to find and comes at a higher price point, the extra goodies might justify the cost for die-hard fans. Besides early access, this edition also includes:
- All items included with the Premium Edition
- Starfield Chronomark Watch & Case
- Steelbook Display Case
- Constellation Patch
- Physical goodies designed for true collectors
The Premium Upgrade Path
If you’ve already purchased the standard edition of Starfield and are suffering from FOMO, you don’t need to repurchase the entire game. The Premium Upgrade allows you to add all the premium benefits, including five days of early access, to your standard edition purchase. This option is generally the most affordable way for players who already own the base game to get early access.
Important Dates and Timing
Starfield’s early access officially started on Friday, September 1st, 2023. However, the actual launch time varied based on your region, usually becoming available Thursday, August 31st, at 8 PM EDT, 7 PM CDT. Keep an eye on the official launch times for your specific timezone to be sure you’re ready to dive in as soon as it’s available. It’s worth noting that this early access period will no longer be available, so if you did not purchase the premium version before the initial launch, you will now have to wait to play the standard game.
Playing Starfield Early On Xbox
For those playing on Xbox Series X|S, accessing the game early was as simple as launching it, provided they purchased one of the aforementioned editions. However, some players reported initial issues, encountering a message stating “You’re too early.” The workaround, although not consistent, has been to repeatedly attempt to launch the game until it eventually granted access. If you are experiencing this issue currently, contact support for further assistance.
Starfield Early Access: No Longer Available
The official early access period for Starfield, as outlined above, has now ended. It was available for players who pre-ordered the Premium Edition, Premium Upgrade or Constellation Edition. However, if you did not pre-order the game, you will have to wait for the standard release date to play.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Starfield
Here are some frequently asked questions related to accessing Starfield and details surrounding the game:
1. How much does the standard edition of Starfield cost?
The standard edition of Starfield is priced at $70. It includes the base game and any pre-order bonuses, but it does not come with early access or other perks.
2. How can I play Starfield without paying full price?
The cheapest way to play Starfield is through Xbox Game Pass. The subscription service allows you to access the game on both Xbox consoles and PC for a monthly fee. Plans begin at $9.99/month, making it an affordable alternative to purchasing the game outright.
3. Is Starfield on Game Pass?
Yes, Starfield is available on Xbox Game Pass for consoles and PC. It also supports Xbox Play Anywhere, meaning that if you own a digital copy, you can play on both PC and Xbox without needing to purchase separate versions.
4. Can I play Starfield on Android devices?
Yes, if you are an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, you can stream Starfield through the Xbox Game Pass app on Android. You’ll need a Bluetooth-compatible controller for gameplay.
5. Can I use the New Zealand trick to play Starfield early?
No, the New Zealand trick does not work for Starfield. This is because Starfield has a worldwide simultaneous release. This applies to both early access and the full release.
6. How big is the Starfield map?
Starfield has over 1,000 planets spread across 100 star systems, many of them featuring explorable landing zones. Each zone is bigger than the entirety of the Skyrim map, which was approximately 15 square miles.
7. How many hours does it take to complete Starfield?
The main story of Starfield is approximately 30 to 40 hours long. If you only focus on the main questline, you can finish the game in as little as 23 hours. Those who want to explore and take on side quests should expect to spend over 60 hours in the game.
8. Are there romance options in Starfield?
Yes, like other Western RPGs, Starfield features romance options. You can romance four of the game’s 20+ companions.
9. Does Starfield have multiple endings?
While there are not multiple endings in Starfield, your in-game decisions throughout the story will have an impact on the final outcome, as well as on the ending itself.
10. Will Starfield have 1,000 planets?
Yes, Starfield has over 1,000 planets in 100 star systems, consisting of a mix of procedurally generated and handcrafted worlds. However, only about 100 are considered habitable.
11. Can I go to Earth in Starfield?
Yes, you can visit Earth in Starfield. It is located in the SOL star system, near Alpha Centauri. You will get your first opportunity to visit Earth after delivering the first Artifact to Constellation in the game’s early stages.
12. Will I be able to fly spaceships in Starfield?
Yes, you will be able to fly spaceships in Starfield, and it is one of the first steps in exploring the galaxy.
13. Is the Starfield Premium Edition worth it?
Whether the Premium Edition is worth it is a personal decision. It includes early access, the first DLC, exclusive in-game items, and a digital artbook and soundtrack. If these bonuses appeal to you, then it is a worthy purchase.
14. How long was Starfield in development?
Starfield is the first new intellectual property by Bethesda Game Studios in over 25 years, and the team has had space-themed games in mind since 1994.
15. How long is one day in Starfield?
In Starfield, each planet has its own 24-hour day, which may vary from planet to planet. You might need to skip ahead in time to progress in missions and quests.
Conclusion
While the window for early access has passed, you can still play Starfield through purchasing the standard edition, or with a subscription to Game Pass. The initial rush for early access gave eager players the opportunity to dive into the game first, but the game is now available for all. Explore the vastness of space, unravel the mysteries of the artifacts, and embark on your personalized journey across the cosmos. Happy adventuring!