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When Can You Play Starfield Premium Edition? Your Ultimate Guide to Early Access

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So, you’ve got your eye on the stars and are itching to jump into Bethesda’s epic space RPG, Starfield. The big question on everyone’s mind: when can you actually play the Starfield Premium Edition? The answer is: if you purchased the Starfield Premium Edition (digital or physical) or the Constellation Edition before its launch, you were granted Early Access to the game, starting up to five days before the official launch date of September 6, 2023. This means players could potentially begin their interstellar adventures as early as September 1, 2023. However, it is worth noting that this early access period has now ended, and everyone can play if they own the base game.

Now that the early access period has ended, and with the game already released, here’s everything you need to know about the Premium Edition and maximizing your Starfield experience.

Understanding the Starfield Editions: A Breakdown

Before diving deeper, let’s clarify the different editions of Starfield and what they offer. This is crucial for understanding the value proposition of the Premium Edition and whether it’s worth the investment.

Starfield Standard Edition

This is the base game. It gets you access to the core Starfield experience on the official launch date. If you are a Game Pass subscriber you can wait until the official launch date to play the base game.

Starfield Premium Edition (Digital or Physical)

The Premium Edition builds upon the Standard Edition and includes several digital bonuses, providing an enhanced experience. As mentioned earlier, its main draw for many was the up to 5 days of Early Access. Besides that, it also included:

Shattered Space Story Expansion: This is the first major story DLC for Starfield.
Constellation Skin Pack: This pack contains unique skins for the Equinox Laser Rifle, Spacesuit, Helmet, and Boost Pack.
Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack: Dive deeper into the world of Starfield with stunning concept art and the game’s evocative score.

Starfield Constellation Edition (Physical Only)

The Constellation Edition is the ultimate collector’s edition, packed with physical and digital goodies. Along with early access and the digital content from the Premium Edition, it included a Steelbook Case and a Starfield Chronomark Watch & Case.

Starfield Premium Edition Upgrade

The Premium Edition Upgrade is specifically for those who either already own the Standard Edition or plan to play Starfield through Xbox Game Pass. It provides access to all the digital bonuses of the Premium Edition (minus the base game itself), including the Early Access period when it was still available.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting for Early Access (Past September 6, 2023)

While the early access period is over, players might still encounter issues related to installing or accessing the premium content, so let’s review the common troubleshooting steps.

Ensure Full Download and Installation: Double-check that Starfield and all premium edition content are completely downloaded and installed. Sometimes, the installation process can be interrupted or incomplete. On Xbox, navigate to “Manage Game and Add-ons” to verify. On Steam, check your downloads tab.
Account Synchronization: Make sure you are logged in to the correct account on the Xbox app or Steam where you purchased the Premium Edition or Upgrade.
Xbox App Issues: If you’re using the Xbox app on PC, try opening the Microsoft Store app. Go to Starfield and select the game in the details section, where you’ll see Add-ons for this game where the skins and premium content can be installed. Press the “Play” button there, as this can sometimes trigger an update that doesn’t initiate within the Xbox app itself.

Maximizing Your Starfield Experience: Tips and Tricks

Now that you know when you could have played Starfield Premium Edition early (and assuming you have successfully accessed the content), here are some tips to enhance your gameplay:

Explore Everything: With over 1,000 planets to explore, don’t rush through the main storyline. Take your time to discover hidden locations, unique encounters, and valuable resources.
Experiment with Builds: Starfield offers a flexible character progression system. Experiment with different skills and builds to find a playstyle that suits you.
Engage with the Community: Join online forums and communities to share your experiences, ask questions, and learn from other players.
Enjoy the Freedom: Starfield is a game about exploration and discovery. Don’t be afraid to deviate from the beaten path and create your own unique story.

Starfield is a massive and ambitious game, and the Premium Edition offers a wealth of content to enhance your experience. Now that the game is released, there is no better time than now to experience this expansive universe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Starfield Premium Edition

To further clarify any lingering questions, here’s a comprehensive list of FAQs regarding Starfield Premium Edition:

Is the Early Access period still available? No, the Early Access period, which granted up to five days of early play for those who purchased the Premium or Constellation Editions, has passed since the game has launched.
What does the Starfield Premium Edition include? The Premium Edition includes the Shattered Space Story Expansion, Constellation Skin Pack (Equinox Laser Rifle, Spacesuit, Helmet, and Boost Pack), and the Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack.
If I have Xbox Game Pass, should I buy the Standard or Premium Edition? If you already have Game Pass, purchasing the Premium Edition Upgrade is the most cost-effective way to access the premium content, including Shattered Space Story Expansion, Constellation Skin Pack, and the Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack.
Can I upgrade to the Premium Edition after purchasing the Standard Edition? Yes, you can purchase the Premium Edition Upgrade to add the premium content to your existing Standard Edition.
How do I install the Starfield Premium Edition content? On Steam, the premium content should download automatically with the Premium Edition. If not, right-click Starfield in your Library, select “Properties,” then “DLC” to ensure all content is checked for installation. On Xbox, navigate to “Manage Game and Add-ons” to verify all content is installed.
I bought the Premium Edition, but the extra content isn’t showing up in-game. What should I do? Try restarting your game and console or PC. Ensure you are logged into the correct account. If the problem persists, contact Bethesda Support for assistance.
Is the Shattered Space Story Expansion included in the Premium Edition a physical copy? No, the Shattered Space Story Expansion is a digital download code included with the Premium Edition.
Can I play Starfield on Xbox One with the Premium Edition? While the Premium Edition Upgrade works on PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass, the game itself is optimized for Xbox Series X/S. Ensure your hardware meets the minimum requirements for gameplay.
What is the Constellation Skin Pack? The Constellation Skin Pack is a set of cosmetic items that change the appearance of your Equinox Laser Rifle, Spacesuit, Helmet, and Boost Pack to a Constellation-themed design.
Where can I find the Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack? The Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack are usually accessible within the game menu or as separate files in your Starfield installation folder, depending on the platform.
I’m having trouble with the Xbox Game Pass version. What should I do? Try opening the Microsoft Store app, navigating to Starfield, and pressing the “Play” button. This can trigger updates that don’t automatically initiate within the Xbox app.
How many planets are there in Starfield, and can I explore them all? Starfield features over 1,000 planets. While you can’t realistically visit every single one, a significant portion of them are explorable and contain unique content.
Does the Premium Edition come with any physical items? The digital Premium Edition only includes digital bonuses. To receive physical items, you would need to purchase the Constellation Edition.
I’m a long-time fan of Bethesda games. Is Starfield worth the investment? Many fans and critics praise Starfield for its vast scope, deep customization, and engaging gameplay. If you enjoy Bethesda’s previous RPGs, Starfield is likely worth the investment, especially if you enjoy space exploration and open-world adventures.
Where can I find more information about game-based learning? For information about the intersection of games and learning, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Final Thoughts

Starfield represents a bold new step for Bethesda, offering a universe of possibilities for players to explore. While the period to play Starfield Premium Edition early has ended, the core experience, including the expansion and extra content, remains a compelling reason to invest in the Premium Edition. Hopefully, this guide has answered your questions, addressed your concerns, and prepared you for an unforgettable journey among the stars. So, buckle up, fuel your starship, and prepare for liftoff!