Summary
Starfieldhas yet to live up to its full potential, but it could copy one ofFallout 76’s moves to make remarkable progress.Starfieldalready has a DLC planned, so there is potential for some of its issues to be addressed in a timely fashion. However, the developers should be on the lookout for more ways to improve the game regardless.Starfieldmay not have reached the same heights asBethesda’s other big IPs, but that’s no reason to give up on it just yet. There are still a few tricks that could give the game a major boost.
Despite a strong start withStarfieldbreaking Bethesda recordsat launch, the game has not become the same sort of sensation thatThe Elder ScrollsandFalloutare. While the mechanics are solid, the game’s story and characters have received less acclaim. That’s not the end for the game, of course. After all,Cyberpunk 2077got off to a rocky start and experienced a revival following several updates. Considering Bethesda’s reputation, it’s unlikely thatStarfieldwon’t be seeing some significant updates in the future to address its issues. In particular, there are a few ideas that could easily assist with many ofStarfield’s shortcomings.
Starfield’s Universe Needs To Be a Little Less Lonely
Starfield’s Universe Feels Smaller Than It Should
Even though players have the option tovisit countless planets inStarfield, there is an unfortunate lack of life in the galaxy. Granted, major hubs such as New Atlantis are bustling, with several quests for the protagonist to choose from. However, so many of the planets that the player can visit are largely devoid of life aside from plants to collect and hostiles to fight. However, there is a big different between someone to fight and someone to talk to. Exploring inStarfield, even with a group of allies, can feel lonely, which can hold the game back from being an exciting, immersive adventure.
Starfieldisn’t the first Bethesda game to have this problem. BeforeFallout 76added its first NPCs, it had the same problem, only amplified. Even though the game was populated by players, the lack of NPCs made the game world feel barren. SinceFallout 76’s world became more populated, it started to match the feel of the otherFalloutgames. While they take place in a wasteland, they don’t necessarily have to feel like one.
Starfieldcould benefit from something similar, adding more NPC, even as random encounters, to make the universe feel like a less empty place during the player’s travels.
Meeting Intelligent Aliens Could Make Starfield’s Universe Feel Whole
One unique twist thatStarfieldcould use in populating its world would be adding aliens. One ofStarfield’s biggest missed opportunitieswas not featuring intelligent alien life in the game, and an update could address that. Finding alien colonies and civilizations while exploring planets would add an exciting sense of discovery to the player’s journey. Some could simply be there for the player to encounter, while others could have their own short tasks or questlines for the player to complete.
Starfield’s universe may not be Bethesda’s most exciting at the moment, but that can still change. TheShattered Space DLC could revitalizeStarfieldand give new and old players a reason to play again. Adding intelligent life in space outside of humanity could play a key role in that revival. Making the worlds ofStarfieldfeel more lived-in would do the game a major service, while also giving it more replay value.Starfield’s skies could become a little more friendly with the help of some extraterrestrial encounters.
Starfield
WHERE TO PLAY
Starfield is the first new universe in 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. In this next generation role-playing game set amongst the stars, create any character you want and explore with unparalleled freedom as you embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery.The year is 2330. Humanity has ventured beyond our solar system, settling new planets, and living as a spacefaring people. From humble beginnings as a space miner, you will join Constellation – the last group of space explorers seeking rare artifacts throughout the galaxy – and navigate the vast expanse of the Settled Systems in Bethesda Game Studios’ biggest and most ambitious game.
