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Is Starfield Premium Edition Worth It? A Deep Dive

The question on every space-faring gamer’s mind: Is the Starfield Premium Edition worth the extra cost? The short answer is, it depends. If you’re a die-hard Bethesda fan, eagerly anticipating your first steps into the cosmos, and are excited by the idea of early access and bonus content, then yes, the Premium Edition likely justifies its price. However, for those on a tighter budget or who are simply curious, the decision requires a closer look at what this upgraded version actually offers. Let’s break down the details to help you decide if the Premium Edition is the right choice for your interstellar journey.

What Does the Premium Edition Offer?

The Starfield Premium Edition is designed to enhance the gaming experience beyond the base game. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the goodies it includes:

Base Game Access: Obviously, it includes the full Starfield base game.
Shattered Space Story Expansion: This is a significant addition, granting access to the game’s first major story expansion upon its release. This ensures you’re getting future content along with your purchase.
Early Access: A crucial benefit for many. The Premium Edition provides up to 5 days of early access, allowing you to start your adventure before the official launch date. This lets you explore, build your character, and get a head start without spoilers.
Constellation Skin Pack: A cosmetic upgrade that includes a unique Equinox Laser Rifle skin, along with matching skins for your spacesuit, helmet, and boost pack.
Digital Artbook and Soundtrack: Gain access to a fascinating digital artbook, offering insights into the game’s development, as well as the original soundtrack, allowing you to experience the game’s music even outside of playtime.

Premium Edition vs. Standard Edition

The core difference between the Standard and Premium Editions comes down to content and access. The Standard Edition provides just the base game, lacking early access or any of the extra content. Meanwhile, the Premium Edition provides the base game, early access, and additional content such as story expansions, skin packs, and digital goodies. If you’re happy with the core game and are patient enough to wait for the official launch, the Standard Edition may suffice. However, the value proposition of the Premium Edition depends on how much you crave extra in-game content and how important early access is to you.

The Early Access Advantage

The 5-day early access is often a major selling point. Being able to jump into the game before everyone else lets you establish yourself in the game, and avoid potential spoilers that may arise from the game’s initial release. This early access is particularly appealing to those who want to be among the first to explore the game’s vast universe.

The Appeal of Exclusive Content

The Constellation Skin Pack, while cosmetic, adds a layer of personalization and style. The Shattered Space Story Expansion is arguably the most substantial piece of additional content, promising a new narrative experience that expands on the core game. The digital artbook and soundtrack are nice additions for fans who enjoy delving into the lore and creative aspects of the game’s development.

Premium Edition Upgrade and Game Pass

If you have Xbox Game Pass, you might wonder about the Premium Edition Upgrade. This upgrade is available for Game Pass subscribers, allowing you to gain the same benefits as the Premium Edition, without purchasing the base game. Essentially, it turns your Game Pass version into the Premium Edition version, adding early access, the DLC, and the cosmetic goodies. This allows you to experience the game on day one, alongside other premium users.

Physical vs. Digital Upgrade

The Premium Edition Upgrade comes in both physical and digital formats. The physical version adds extra appeal, as it includes a steelbook case and a stitched Starfield patch, great for collectors. The digital version simply provides the additional content electronically.

Is It Worth the Extra Money?

The final decision hinges on your personal preferences and gaming habits. The Premium Edition is ideal for:

Enthusiastic Bethesda Fans: Those who love Bethesda games and were excited for Starfield from the beginning will likely appreciate the added content and early access, thereby seeing the price as being justified.
Players Who Value Early Access: If playing as soon as possible and avoiding early spoilers are priorities, the early access alone might justify the extra cost.
Players who value exclusive content: The included DLC and cosmetic upgrades add more content to the game, and are beneficial for those looking to explore as much of Starfield as possible.
Collectors: The physical Premium Edition’s steelbook case and patch will appeal to collectors.
Those looking for a Complete Experience: If you want the most comprehensive Starfield experience, the premium edition is the go-to option.

However, you might reconsider if:

Budget is a primary concern: The standard edition can satisfy gamers who are not worried about playing at launch and aren’t concerned with the additional digital content.
You don’t value early access: If you don’t mind waiting for the official release date, the standard edition will save you money.
You’re not invested in cosmetic enhancements: If you aren’t bothered by skin packs, the Premium Edition’s cosmetic additions may not be a worthwhile investment.
You aren’t interested in DLC: If you aren’t concerned about playing through the Shattered Space Story Expansion, then the Premium Edition is not worthwhile.

Ultimately, the Starfield Premium Edition offers a robust package of content for the right type of player. If the benefits outlined above align with your gaming preferences, then it’s likely a worthwhile investment that will enhance your Starfield experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is included in the Starfield Premium Edition?

The Starfield Premium Edition includes the base game, the Shattered Space story expansion (upon release), the Constellation Skin Pack (containing an Equinox Laser Rifle skin, and a matching set for your spacesuit, helmet, and boost pack), and access to a digital artbook and original soundtrack.

2. How much does the Starfield Premium Edition cost?

The Starfield Premium Edition is priced around $99.99, although this may vary slightly depending on the retailer and platform.

3. Does the Starfield Premium Edition include the base game?

Yes, the Premium Edition includes the full base game of Starfield.

4. What is the difference between Starfield Premium and Standard?

The Standard Edition includes only the base game. The Premium Edition includes the base game, 5-day early access, the Shattered Space story expansion, the Constellation Skin Pack, and a digital artbook and soundtrack.

5. What is the Starfield Premium Edition Upgrade?

The Premium Edition Upgrade is for Game Pass subscribers who want to get the perks of the Premium Edition, without paying for the base game. The upgrade includes 5-day early access, the Shattered Space story expansion, the Constellation Skin Pack, and the digital artbook and soundtrack.

6. Does the Starfield Premium Edition Upgrade work with Game Pass?

Yes, the Premium Edition Upgrade works with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass, allowing subscribers to enjoy the extra content.

7. Does the Starfield Premium Edition give early access?

Yes, the Premium Edition provides up to 5 days of early access, allowing you to start playing before the official launch date.

8. How do I access Starfield premium content like the artbook and soundtrack?

For Steam users, go to Library then Home and under the Home bar select Games, Soundtracks, or Tools. Select Soundtracks, and your artbook and soundtrack will appear. On Xbox, these can be accessed via the in game menu.

9. What is the size of the Starfield Premium Edition Upgrade?

The approximate size of the Starfield Premium Edition Upgrade is 16.83 GB on PC, but the total size of the game is around 139 GB.

10. Does the Starfield Premium Edition include DLC?

Yes, the Premium Edition includes the Shattered Space Story Expansion, the first DLC for Starfield.

11. Can I upgrade to the Premium Edition after buying the standard version?

Yes, you can upgrade to the Premium Edition by purchasing the Premium Edition Upgrade.

12. What is the price for the Starfield Premium Edition Upgrade?

The Premium Edition Upgrade is priced around $35, although this can vary by retailer.

13. How many planets will be in Starfield?

Starfield will feature over 1,000 planets across more than 100 star systems.

14. When does the Starfield Premium Edition unlock?

Starfield Premium Edition early access begins up to 5 days before the official release date of September 6th. If you own the premium edition, you will be able to play from September 1st.

15. Is Starfield a large game in terms of size?

Yes, Starfield is a very large game, requiring 125 GB on Steam, and around 140 GB on the Microsoft store, depending on your platform.

This comprehensive guide should equip you with the knowledge needed to decide if the Starfield Premium Edition is the right choice for your cosmic adventures.

Is Starfield Premium Edition worth it?