What Time Does Starfield Open? A Comprehensive Guide to Launch Times and FAQs
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The highly anticipated space exploration RPG, Starfield, has finally arrived, but knowing the exact moment you can jump in and begin your adventure across the cosmos can be a little tricky. The release isn’t a simultaneous global event, so the time you can start playing varies depending on your region. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of when you can access Starfield, along with answers to some frequently asked questions.
Starfield’s Release Time: A Regional Breakdown
Starfield officially launched on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at midnight UTC. However, due to time zone differences, this translates into different launch times across the globe. Here’s a regional breakdown, specifically for the main launch, not the Early Access times:
- US West: 5pm PDT (Tuesday, September 5th)
- US East: 8pm EDT (Tuesday, September 5th)
- UK: 1am BST (Wednesday, September 6th)
As you can see, for players in the Americas, Starfield essentially launched a day early, landing on September 5th due to the timezone differences. This means many were playing before the official ‘release day’.
Starfield Early Access Release Times
It’s also important to differentiate between the full release and the early access period. Early access was available to players who purchased either the Premium Edition or Constellation Edition of Starfield. These players got up to five days of early access before the main launch. Here were the early access launch times:
- August 31: 5pm PT (US Pacific Time)
- August 31: 8pm ET (US Eastern Time)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Starfield Launch Times and Gameplay
1. How can I know the exact release time for my specific region?
The best way to determine the exact launch time for your specific region is to use a time zone converter tool. Search for “UTC to [your timezone]” on a search engine like Google, and input midnight UTC. This will give you your local release time. The times previously specified for the US and UK are consistent with this, and you can use them to get an idea of relative timings for locations nearby.
2. Why did Starfield have different release times for different regions?
The main reason for staggered release times is due to time zone differences. Starfield launched at a single time (midnight UTC) to ensure a coordinated global release. This meant that certain regions received the game earlier in their local time than others. In the case of the US, the release was effectively the prior day.
3. I purchased the Premium Edition; why can’t I access the game early?
Make sure Starfield has completely finished downloading and unpacking the files. Then, completely shut down the Steam client (or Xbox app), you may need to use task manager to kill the process. Re-launch it and the game should be ready to play. Sometimes, a PC restart may be needed to initiate the release and unpack the files. This will enable the game to unlock.
4. Does the New Zealand trick work for Starfield?
No, the New Zealand trick does not work for Starfield. The launch was a worldwide release, meaning that changing your region on your console or PC will not grant you early access. This was true for both the early access and the full release.
5. Can I visit Earth in Starfield?
Yes, you can visit Earth relatively early in the game. However, you’ll need sufficient fuel for your ship to reach the Sol star system. The opportunity to visit Earth usually arises after delivering the first Artifact to Constellation during the game’s opening stages.
6. How long is the main story of Starfield?
The main story of Starfield is estimated to be around 30 to 40 hours long. However, if you focus only on the main quests, you might complete it in around 23 hours. For players who enjoy exploring and completing side quests, the play time can be closer to 60 hours or more.
7. What is the best ship in Starfield?
While there is no single best ship that suits every situation, the Razorleaf is a highly recommended starting ship and is often considered the best overall ship, especially early on. Other notable ships include the Aegis and Abyss Trekker for players seeking specific battle proficiencies.
8. How were some players able to play Starfield before its official launch?
Players who purchased the Premium Edition or Constellation Edition were granted up to five days of early access. This allowed them to play before the general public launch on September 6th, meaning that some players began playing as early as August 31st.
9. Where should I explore early in Starfield?
While Starfield guides you through New Atlantis, Akila City, and Neon, it’s highly recommended to go off the beaten path. Exploring other planets and systems can lead to interesting quests and unique encounters outside these central hubs.
10. Can I play Starfield early without paying extra for the Premium edition?
Yes, you can play Starfield without the Premium Edition or Constellation Edition. You can purchase the standard version of the game and start playing at the official launch time, or play via the Xbox Game Pass service on Xbox or PC.
11. Can I play Starfield at midnight in my location?
Starfield officially launched at midnight UTC, which translates into different times depending on your location. The release was timed for midnight in terms of UTC, rather than a rolling midnight release for each local timezone.
12. How many planets are in Starfield?
Starfield boasts over 1000 planets across 100 star systems. This immense number includes a mix of handcrafted and procedurally generated worlds, with approximately 100 of them being habitable. This was a major draw of the game, with players looking forward to exploration.
13. Does Starfield have multiple endings?
While Starfield doesn’t have multiple distinct endings, the decisions you make throughout your journey impact the final act of the game and your overall experience. There are not multiple branching paths to follow at the end of the game, but your choices in the story matter.
14. How long does it take to 100% complete Starfield?
To fully complete Starfield, you’re looking at an estimated playtime of approximately 154 hours, especially if you are a completionist who seeks to see all aspects of the game. This is on top of the time needed to complete the main storyline.
15. Can I manually land my ship in Starfield?
No, you cannot manually land your ship in Starfield. While you can control your ship’s flight, the game handles landing sequences automatically, and it is an interactive cutscene. This is a point of debate for many players, some of whom were hoping for completely manual flight, landing, and space travel.
Concluding Thoughts
Starfield’s launch has been highly anticipated, and knowing when you can start playing is crucial. With the regional launch times outlined above, and the answers to common questions, hopefully, you now have a clear understanding of when you can jump into the game. With a massive universe to explore, the adventure is only just beginning. Safe travels, and may your journey through the stars be epic.