How to Play Starfield Without an Xbox
Can you explore the vast universe of Starfield without owning an Xbox console? Absolutely! The game’s availability extends beyond Microsoft’s hardware, offering several ways to embark on your interstellar journey. The primary methods involve leveraging your existing PC or mobile devices, coupled with the power of cloud gaming and the flexibility of the Xbox Play Anywhere program. Here’s a breakdown of how you can experience Starfield without an Xbox.
Playing Starfield on PC
Cloud Gaming through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
One of the easiest ways to play Starfield without an Xbox is through Xbox Cloud Gaming. This service is bundled with the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, allowing you to stream games directly to your PC. This means the processing of the game happens on powerful remote servers and is then streamed to your screen, eliminating the need for a high-end gaming computer.
To play via the cloud, you’ll need:
- An active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
- A stable and reasonably fast internet connection.
- The Xbox app installed on your Windows PC or access via the Xbox Cloud Gaming website.
- A compatible controller, such as an Xbox controller connected via Bluetooth or USB.
With these in place, you can simply open the Xbox app, navigate to the Cloud Gaming section, and select Starfield to start playing. Your save data will automatically sync across devices as well, assuming you’ve played the game with your Microsoft account before.
Xbox Play Anywhere
Another method to play Starfield on your PC without an Xbox is through the Xbox Play Anywhere program. If you purchase a digital copy of Starfield that is part of the Play Anywhere initiative, you will own it on both your Xbox console (if you had one) and your Windows PC.
To use this option:
- Visit the Xbox Play Anywhere website.
- Log in with your Microsoft account.
- Purchase or install Starfield with the Xbox Play Anywhere license.
- Install the game through the Microsoft Store on your PC.
- Launch the game directly from the Microsoft Store.
This is essentially downloading and playing the game locally on your PC, requiring your computer to meet the Starfield minimum or recommended specifications.
Direct Purchase on PC
You can also directly purchase the game through the Microsoft Store or Steam and play on your PC. This bypasses the need for an Xbox console altogether. If you are a Game Pass subscriber, you may also be able to play the game through that service (PC version of Game Pass, or Ultimate) on PC, once it’s officially launched.
Playing Starfield on Other Devices
Mobile Devices
If you’re always on the go, Starfield can also be played on your mobile devices, though it is exclusively through cloud gaming. Using the Xbox Game Pass app, you can stream the game directly to your Android or iOS device.
To play Starfield on your phone or tablet:
- Install the Xbox Game Pass app from the Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iOS).
- Have an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
- Sign into the app with your Microsoft account.
- Connect a compatible Bluetooth controller.
- Launch the game from the Cloud Gaming option within the app.
This enables you to experience Starfield on the go, with all the main gameplay functionality available.
Gaming Laptops
If you own a gaming laptop with sufficient power, you can play Starfield directly. You will need to purchase it from the Microsoft Store or Steam and download it to your machine, just like a desktop PC. Make sure to check the recommended specifications before committing to a purchase.
Remote Play
While this does technically require an Xbox, Remote Play allows you to stream games from your console to your PC, phone, or tablet over the internet. This method could be useful if you have an Xbox at home and want to play remotely using your laptop or other device when you are away.
Understanding the Requirements
When opting to play Starfield without an Xbox, it is crucial to understand the system requirements. These will depend on your choice of cloud gaming, or playing locally.
Cloud Gaming Requirements
Cloud gaming requires a good internet connection and an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. No special hardware is required but an SSD is highly suggested for best performance.
PC Local Install Requirements
If you decide to download the game directly on your PC, you will need the following minimum requirements to run it:
- OS: Windows 10 version 21H1 (10.0.19043)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 2600X or Intel Core i7-6800K
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 5700 or NVIDIA GeForce 1070 Ti
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 125 GB available space on an SSD.
For optimal performance, aim for higher specifications, including a stronger processor, more RAM, and a newer graphics card.
Key Takeaways
Playing Starfield without an Xbox is not only feasible, but also incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer the convenience of cloud gaming, the power of a dedicated PC setup, or the portability of mobile gaming, there’s a way for everyone to experience this epic space RPG. The key is to understand the different routes available and ensure that you have the necessary equipment and subscriptions to play. So dive in and start exploring!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I play Starfield on my PC without an Xbox console?
Yes, you can play Starfield on your PC through several methods, including Xbox Cloud Gaming with Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Play Anywhere, or by directly purchasing the game via the Microsoft Store or Steam.
2. What is Xbox Play Anywhere?
Xbox Play Anywhere is a program that allows you to buy a game once and play it on both your Xbox console and your Windows 10/11 PC, and have your progress be synced across the platforms. Not all games are part of this program.
3. Do I need Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to play Starfield on my PC?
You need Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to use Cloud Gaming, which is a way to play Starfield on PC without a powerful computer. However, you can also play Starfield by purchasing the game outright via the Microsoft Store or Steam.
4. Can I play Starfield on my phone?
Yes, you can play Starfield on your Android or iOS phone by streaming it through the Xbox Game Pass app. You’ll need an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription for this.
5. What are the minimum PC specs for Starfield?
The minimum specs include Windows 10 version 21H1, an AMD Ryzen 5 2600X or Intel Core i7-6800K processor, 16 GB of RAM, and an AMD Radeon RX 5700 or NVIDIA GeForce 1070 Ti graphics card, as well as 125 GB of SSD storage.
6. Can I play Starfield on a laptop?
Yes, you can play Starfield on a gaming laptop, provided that it meets or exceeds the game’s minimum system requirements.
7. Is Starfield only for Xbox?
No, Starfield is available on both Xbox Series X|S consoles and PC.
8. Can I use a PlayStation controller for Starfield on PC?
Yes, you can use a PlayStation controller to play Starfield on PC. Ensure you have the necessary drivers or software installed for seamless connectivity.
9. Does Starfield support cloud saves?
Yes, if you are signed into your Microsoft account, Starfield will utilize cloud saves. This means your progress will be saved in the cloud. This functionality will work across different devices and platforms.
10. Can I play Starfield offline on PC?
Yes, if you have downloaded the game to your PC, you can play Starfield offline.
11. Is Starfield available on Steam Deck?
Yes, Starfield is available on Steam Deck after recent system updates that addressed initial performance issues, making the game compatible.
12. Can I buy Xbox games without an Xbox console?
Yes, you can buy Xbox games digitally through the xbox.com/games website via your Microsoft account and a valid payment method. These games can be played on PC using a compatible method, such as Xbox Play Anywhere.
13. Is Starfield on PS5?
No, Starfield is not available on PS5 or PS4, nor is it likely to come to those consoles in the future.
14. What happens to my game progress if I switch between PC and Cloud Gaming?
Your game progress syncs across devices using your Microsoft account, so you can seamlessly switch between PC and cloud gaming without losing progress.
15. What kind of internet speed do I need for cloud gaming Starfield?
A stable and relatively fast internet connection is recommended for cloud gaming to minimize latency and ensure smooth gameplay. Ideally, aim for a speed of 20 Mbps or higher.