Is the Starfield Premium Edition Worth It? A Comprehensive Guide
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The question on many gamers’ minds: Is the Starfield Premium Edition truly worth the extra cost? The short answer is: it depends on your priorities and playstyle. If you are a dedicated Bethesda fan, eager to jump in early, and appreciate extra in-game content and bonuses, then the Premium Edition offers significant value. However, if you are more budget-conscious or prefer to take your time, the standard edition will provide the core experience. Let’s delve deeper into the details to help you make an informed decision.
What Does the Starfield Premium Edition Offer?
The Premium Edition of Starfield isn’t just a simple upgrade; it’s a bundle of enhancements and additions designed to enrich your gameplay. Here’s what it includes:
Early Access
One of the most significant draws of the Premium Edition is up to five days of early access before the official launch. This allows eager players to delve into the vast universe of Starfield ahead of the general public, giving you a head start on exploration, story progression, and character development.
Shattered Space Story Expansion
The Shattered Space expansion, a future story DLC, is included with the Premium Edition. This promises to add significant narrative content and new gameplay elements, providing a continuation of the Starfield saga. Having this included essentially saves you money compared to buying it separately upon its release.
Constellation Skin Pack
This pack offers cosmetic enhancements, including the Equinox Laser Rifle, a unique spacesuit, helmet, and boost pack. These items allow you to customize your character’s appearance and gear from the get-go. While not impacting gameplay directly, they add a layer of visual flair and exclusivity.
Digital Artbook and Soundtrack
The Premium Edition also grants access to a digital artbook and the original game soundtrack. This is great for fans who enjoy delving into the artistic vision and musical composition behind the game, offering a behind-the-scenes experience beyond the gameplay.
Premium Edition vs. Standard Edition
The key difference lies in the content and access. The Standard Edition only provides the base game, while the Premium Edition bundles in early access, a story expansion, cosmetic items, and digital extras. For gamers who plan on buying DLC down the line, the premium edition is already a good deal.
The Premium Edition Upgrade
It’s important to distinguish between the standalone Premium Edition and the Premium Edition Upgrade. The Upgrade is designed for those who have acquired the base game through Game Pass or by purchasing it separately and want to access the benefits of the Premium Edition without buying the full package again. The Upgrade can be purchased digitally or as a physical copy, which includes a steelbook and patch.
Is the Premium Edition Worth the Extra Cost?
If you’re deeply invested in the game and intend to play it extensively, the Premium Edition offers significant value. The early access is ideal for those who want to experience the game ahead of everyone else and avoid launch day congestion. The inclusion of the Shattered Space DLC and cosmetic skins further sweetens the deal, making the overall package worth it, especially if you value added content and have the money to spare.
However, the Standard Edition is perfectly adequate for players who are more casual or prioritize budgetary concerns. The core gameplay experience is fully available in this edition, meaning you won’t miss out on the base narrative or exploration. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether the additional content and early access are worth the higher price tag for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Starfield Premium Edition
1. What is the main difference between the Starfield Premium Edition and the standard edition?
The Standard Edition provides only the base game, while the Premium Edition includes early access, the Shattered Space story DLC, the Constellation Skin Pack, and the digital artbook and soundtrack.
2. Does the Starfield Premium Edition include the full game?
Yes, both the Premium Edition and Premium Edition Upgrade require the base game to play. If you don’t have the base game, you will need to purchase it. The upgrade unlocks the added content for those that already have the game.
3. Can I get early access to Starfield without buying the Premium Edition?
No. Early access is exclusively tied to purchasing either the Premium Edition or the Premium Edition Upgrade
4. If I subscribe to Game Pass, do I still need to buy the Premium Edition?
If you access Starfield through Game Pass, you can purchase the Premium Edition Upgrade to access the additional content and early access benefits. This makes it cheaper than buying the whole Premium Edition.
5. Does the Starfield Premium Edition Upgrade include a physical copy of the game?
The digital version of the Premium Edition Upgrade does not include a physical copy of the game. However, there is a physical edition which includes a steelbook case and an exclusive patch.
6. When is Starfield’s official launch date?
Starfield officially launches on September 6, 2023. Early access begins up to five days prior for Premium Edition owners.
7. Is the Shattered Space DLC included in all versions of the Premium Edition?
Yes, the Shattered Space Story Expansion is included with both the full Premium Edition and the Premium Edition Upgrade.
8. How do I access the digital artbook and soundtrack in Starfield?
The digital artbook and soundtrack can be accessed through the Steam library. Navigate to “Home”, find the “Soundtracks” dropdown, and it will appear in your library.
9. Does the Starfield Premium Edition have any in-game advantages beyond cosmetics?
Yes, the Premium Edition includes the early access which gives you a head start, and the Shattered Space story expansion, which provides more story and gameplay content than the base game alone.
10. Is the Starfield map bigger than previous Bethesda games like Skyrim?
Yes, each custom landing zone in Starfield is significantly larger than the entire map of Skyrim. Starfield includes 1000 planets to explore, though only 100 are considered habitable.
11. Does Starfield have a lot of cities to explore?
Starfield has four major cities: New Atlantis, Akila, Neon, and The Key. The rest of the worlds are wilderness environments.
12. What are some useful things to collect in Starfield?
Players should prioritize carrying weapons, spacesuits, packs, helmets, credits, resources, and ammo. Junk items, which were used for crafting in previous Bethesda games, are not utilized in Starfield for anything but selling.
13. How long does it take to complete Starfield’s main story?
The main story for Starfield is estimated to be around 30 to 40 hours long, but exploration and side quests can easily extend playtime beyond 60 hours. Speedruns of just the main story can be completed as early as 23 hours.
14. Can you play Starfield early without the Premium Edition?
No, you cannot play Starfield early without purchasing the Premium Edition or the Premium Edition Upgrade.
15. Is Starfield on Game Pass worth it?
Starfield being on Game Pass on day one makes it a very worthwhile option, especially for players on a budget. The subscription cost is significantly lower than purchasing the game outright. This also enables users to purchase the Premium Upgrade, making the extra content relatively cheap.
Conclusion
Ultimately, deciding whether or not the Starfield Premium Edition is worth it boils down to individual player preferences and priorities. If you’re an ardent fan eager for early access and bonus content, it offers a comprehensive package that enhances the overall Starfield experience. However, the standard edition will provide the same core gameplay without the additional perks, and the Gamepass option enables you to have early access, without paying the upfront $70 cost. Consider your playing style, budget, and how much you value these extra features to make the best choice for you.