Exploring the Vast Expanse: When Does Starfield Take Place?
Starfield plunges players into the year 2330, a time when humanity has not only ventured beyond our solar system but has established a foothold among the stars. This places the game firmly in a future that, while distant, feels grounded in a plausible extrapolation of current technological trends and societal challenges.
A Universe Forged from History
The setting of 2330 is not arbitrary. It’s built upon a detailed timeline, showcasing Bethesda’s commitment to crafting a believable and immersive universe. The game’s world isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a product of specific historical events within the Starfield lore.
The Departure from Earth
A pivotal event shaping the Starfield universe is the abandonment of Earth. In 2203, Earth became uninhabitable due to a catastrophic collapse of its magnetosphere, triggered by the experimental Grav Drive developed by Dr. Victor Aiza in 2138. This forced humanity to embark on a mass exodus between 2149 and 2199, leaving billions to perish on a dying planet. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of humanity’s vulnerability and the consequences of unchecked technological advancement.
Colonization and Conflict
Following Earth’s demise, humanity spread across the stars, establishing colonies and encountering new worlds. By 2200, humans began to settle other planets and by 2310 two of the main factions, the United Colonies and the Freestar Collective, engaged in a bloody Colony War, a conflict that reshaped the political landscape of the Settled Systems.
The Present Day: 2330
When players step into Starfield in 2330, they enter a universe still grappling with the aftermath of these events. Factions vie for power, the remnants of Earth’s legacy linger, and new mysteries await discovery among the stars. Players can choose to align themselves with various factions, influence the political landscape, and ultimately shape the future of the Settled Systems. The game allows for freedom and the ability to create your own experience in a game that is vast with nearly endless options.
Time and Scale in Starfield
Understanding the passage of time within Starfield is crucial for immersion and strategic gameplay.
The 20:1 Timescale
Bethesda Game Studios (BGS) employs a 20:1 timescale in Starfield. This means that for every minute of real-world time, 20 minutes pass within the game world. This timescale affects everything from NPC schedules to the progression of in-game events.
Local Time vs. Universal Time
Starfield also introduces the concept of local time versus universal time (UT). Three hours on Jemison may equal six hours and 15 minutes UT. This relativity of time adds another layer of realism to space travel and the vast distances involved. Players can even choose to skip ahead in time between one and 24 hours to progress the game how they want.
Exploring the Known and the Unknown
The year 2330 provides a canvas for exploration and discovery. The Settled Systems are home to over 1,000 planets across 100 star systems, each offering unique environments, resources, and challenges. From barren ice balls to lush, habitable worlds, Starfield encourages players to venture into the unknown and uncover the secrets hidden among the stars.
Starfield and the Games Learning Society
Games like Starfield offer compelling opportunities for learning and engagement. By immersing players in a meticulously crafted world, they encourage exploration, problem-solving, and critical thinking. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) explores the intersection of games and education, promoting the use of games as tools for learning and development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Starfield’s Time Period and Lore
1. Is Starfield 25 years in the making?
While the full-scale development of Starfield wasn’t continuously underway for 25 years, Bethesda had been contemplating a space-themed IP for over two decades. Director Todd Howard has stated that the studio had been delving into space-themed games since as early as 1994. Starfield marks the culmination of these long-held ambitions.
2. Does Starfield take place in the Fallout universe?
No, Starfield is a completely new IP and is not connected to the Fallout universe. Although Bethesda considered linking the two, they ultimately decided to create a distinct and unique universe for Starfield.
3. What happened to Earth in Starfield?
As discussed earlier, Earth became uninhabitable in Starfield lore due to the collapse of its magnetosphere and the subsequent loss of its atmosphere. This environmental disaster was attributed to the Grav Drive technology.
4. Is every universe the same in Starfield?
Players can encounter over 10 different universes in Starfield, each presenting unique variations and unexpected twists. These universes introduce elements of surprise and intrigue, encouraging players to explore different realities.
5. Will Starfield really have 1,000 planets?
Yes, Starfield features over 1,000 planets across 100 star systems. These planets range from desolate resource-rich environments to thriving, habitable worlds.
6. Can you visit Earth in Starfield?
Yes, players can visit Earth in Starfield. The planet is available for exploration, though it serves as a desolate reminder of humanity’s past. You can actually visit Earth very early in the game.
7. What year did humans leave Earth in Starfield?
The mass exodus from Earth occurred between 2149 and 2199, culminating in the planet’s uninhabitability by 2203.
8. What is the 300-year timeline in Starfield?
Starfield‘s timeline spans roughly 300 years, starting with humanity’s arrival on Mars in 2050 and culminating in the game’s setting in 2330. This timeline encompasses major events such as the colonization of space, the Colony War, and the rise of various factions.
9. Do you need to sleep in Starfield?
Sleeping in Starfield provides benefits, such as the “well-rested” buff, which grants a 10% XP boost. Sleeping alongside a romanceable partner increases this bonus to 15%.
10. How many endings does Starfield have?
Starfield doesn’t have multiple distinct endings but the decisions you make during your journey will shape the narrative and themes in the final act of the game.
11. How long is one day in Starfield?
While the timescale is 20:1, meaning one real-world minute equals 20 in-game minutes, local time and universal time differ. Three hours on Jemison are equivalent to six hours and 15 minutes UT.
12. What is the longest sleep in Starfield?
Players can sleep for up to 100 local hours at a time in Starfield, leveraging the game’s local time system.
13. Who can you romance in Starfield?
Starfield features four romanceable companions: Sarah Morgan, Barrett, Sam Coe, and Andreja. All of these characters are part of the Constellation faction.
14. How many cities will Starfield have?
Starfield boasts four major cities: New Atlantis, Akila, Neon, and The Key. The Key is a space station serving as the headquarters for the Crimson Fleet faction.
15. What is the level cap in Starfield?
There is no level cap in Starfield. Players can level up infinitely, earning new skills and abilities as they progress.