Table of Contents

Will Starfield be on Game Pass Core?

No, Starfield is not available on Xbox Game Pass Core. While this may be disappointing to some, it’s important to understand the different tiers of Xbox Game Pass and what each offers. Starfield is included in the standard Xbox Game Pass (for consoles and PC) and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions, but not Game Pass Core. Game Pass Core provides online multiplayer access, a curated library of games, and deals, but it doesn’t include access to the full catalog available with the standard Game Pass or the Ultimate tier. To play Starfield on Xbox Game Pass, you’ll need either the regular Xbox Game Pass subscription for consoles or PC, or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

This article will further clarify Starfield’s accessibility through various Xbox Game Pass options and address frequently asked questions about its availability on cloud gaming services, the game’s performance, and more.

Starfield and Xbox Game Pass: Understanding the Options

It’s essential to distinguish between the different Xbox Game Pass tiers to understand how to access Starfield:

Xbox Game Pass Core: This tier is primarily a replacement for Xbox Live Gold, offering access to online multiplayer gaming, a limited library of games, and exclusive discounts. It doesn’t offer day-one releases or access to major titles like Starfield.
Xbox Game Pass (Console/PC): This tier provides access to a large library of games on either consoles or PC, respectively. Starfield was made available on Day One with this subscription.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: This tier combines all the benefits of Xbox Game Pass for console and PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Xbox Live Gold (now Game Pass Core). It provides the most comprehensive experience, including access to Starfield on consoles, PC, and through cloud gaming.

Therefore, if your aim is to play Starfield through Game Pass, you will need either a standard Game Pass subscription for your chosen platform (console or PC) or an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.

Starfield’s Day One Game Pass Release

Starfield launched on September 6, 2023, and was immediately available on Xbox Game Pass (both for consoles and PC) as a day-one release. This is a major benefit for Game Pass subscribers, allowing them to play the highly anticipated RPG without needing to buy it outright, providing considerable value.

Starfield: Xbox Play Anywhere and Cloud Gaming

Starfield also supports the Xbox Play Anywhere feature. This means that if you purchase a digital copy of the game, you can seamlessly switch between playing on your Xbox console and your PC without having to purchase the game twice. This is also available when using the Xbox Game Pass service, as long as the game is available on both platforms. Furthermore, Starfield can be played via cloud gaming on a variety of devices, provided that you have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. The game has shown good performance on the cloud, despite some initial turbulence, making it a viable option for those without high-end hardware.

Other Options for Playing Starfield

Aside from Xbox Game Pass, Starfield is also available on NVIDIA’s GeForce Now cloud gaming service. This can be useful for those who prefer cloud gaming without an Xbox system. However, there have been some complications with Bethesda pulling their games from GeForce Now due to disagreements regarding game ownership, which highlights some of the complexities of cloud gaming services and ownership rights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the accessibility, features, and other aspects of Starfield:

1. Is Starfield free on Game Pass?

Yes, Starfield is available on Xbox Game Pass (for console and PC) and Game Pass Ultimate without any extra cost beyond the standard subscription fee.

2. Can I play Starfield on my phone?

Yes, you can play Starfield on your phone through Xbox Cloud Gaming, provided you have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. You’ll need the Xbox Game Pass app and a compatible device.

3. How long will Starfield be on Game Pass?

Because Bethesda is owned by Microsoft, it is highly likely that Starfield will remain on Game Pass indefinitely, unlike many third-party titles that rotate off the service.

4. What is the price of Starfield?

The standard edition of Starfield costs $70, while the premium edition, which includes extra digital content, costs $100. There is also an upgrade from the Standard edition to premium for $35.

5. Is Starfield better on Xbox Cloud or GeForce Now?

In user experience, GeForce Now often provides smoother gameplay and better visuals compared to Xbox Cloud, assuming a good internet connection. However, Xbox cloud is typically more accessible.

6. Why did Bethesda remove games from GeForce Now?

Bethesda removed their games from GeForce Now due to disagreements over game ownership. Bethesda believes users should repurchase games for cloud streaming, while Nvidia argues users already own them.

7. Will Starfield have loot?

Yes, Starfield includes extensive lootable items, but the majority of them are not particularly useful due to the encumbrance of them.

8. Is picking up junk worth it in Starfield?

No, unlike some previous Bethesda titles, junk items in Starfield are not useful for crafting and are generally not worth picking up, mainly due to their low value and use.

9. Is food worth picking up in Starfield?

Most food items in Starfield are not worth picking up due to their low value and limited use. Players should focus on weapons, spacesuits, resources, and ammo instead.

10. Is Starfield worth playing on Xbox?

Yes, Starfield has received positive feedback for its compelling world, side quests, and characters. It offers a significant gaming experience, despite some minor issues.

11. Why is Starfield such a big deal for cloud gaming?

Starfield is a demanding game on PC, needing a strong CPU and GPU to perform well. Cloud gaming offers a good alternative, making it playable for more players with weaker hardware, but requires a strong internet connection.

12. Has Starfield sold well, despite Game Pass?

Yes, Starfield has performed well in terms of sales, demonstrating strong interest from gamers despite being available on Game Pass.

13. Will Starfield have guns?

Yes, Starfield features a variety of guns, with many standard-issue weapons being effective and upgradeable.

14. What is Xbox Play Anywhere?

Xbox Play Anywhere allows owners of a digital copy of an Xbox game to play on both their Xbox console and PC, without needing to buy the game twice. Starfield supports this feature.

15. How often does the Game Pass Core library update?

The Game Pass Core library is updated 2-3 times a year, meaning new games get added, but it does not mean all games or major releases such as Starfield will become available.

Conclusion

In summary, while Starfield is not on Game Pass Core, it is widely available through other Game Pass tiers and cloud gaming options. This vast availability ensures that a large player base can experience the game without having to purchase the title outright, which has contributed to Starfield being considered a success in its first few months. For those looking to dive into the vast universe of Starfield, understanding the differences between the Game Pass subscription tiers is essential to make sure you have the correct access.

Will Starfield be on Game Pass core?