Starfield
News, coverage and analysis tracking Starfield across the outlets.
Latest coverage
The Free Lanes update will finally demolish Starfield's most annoying loading screens, sort of
The upcoming Free Lanes update for Starfield, releasing April 7, aims to significantly reduce the number of loading screens encountered during space travel and planetary exploration. The update will also introduce new features such as a land vehicle called the moon jumper, recruit-able companions, outpost improvements, and collectible action figures that provide buffs. Additionally, the Terran Armada DLC will launch on the same day, featuring a new questline.
Shoutout to Xbox owners for beta testing Starfield ahead of its PS5 launch next month
Starfield is set to launch on PlayStation 5 on April 7, 2026, coinciding with the release of the paid Terran Armada expansion and the free Free Lanes DLC. The game's standard edition price will be reduced by $20 across all platforms. The PlayStation 5 version will feature exclusive DualSense controller integration and two graphics modes for PS5 Pro owners.
Starfield expansion Terran Armada coming this April alongside Free Lanes update with new planetary travel, Todd Howard says Bethesda knew "we needed to do something that affects the game flow on a meta level"
Bethesda is releasing the Starfield expansion Terran Armada and the Free Lanes update in April 2026. The Free Lanes update introduces interplanetary travel, new resources, and expanded customization, while Terran Armada offers a new story-focused DLC with additional locations and enemies. Todd Howard stated these changes aim to significantly impact the game's meta flow.
Starfield Free Lanes update: From interplanetary travel to improved customization, here's the 5 biggest changes…
Bethesda has released the free Starfield Free Lanes update, introducing significant changes based on player feedback. Key additions include interplanetary travel between systems, increased Points of Interest variety on planets, improved outpost management with cross-outpost storage, a new X-Tech resource for finer upgrades, and a more rewarding New Game+ mode that allows players to carry over inventory items.
Everything Todd Howard told us about The Elder Scrolls 6, Creation Engine 3, and the future of Bethesda RPGs:…
Bethesda Game Studios executive producer Todd Howard provided insights into the development of The Elder Scrolls 6, confirming it is built on Creation Engine 3. He discussed the studio's approach to engine development, drawing lessons from Starfield's creation on Creation Engine 2. Howard also touched upon the studio's development philosophy, team sizes, and the long anticipation for the next installment in the Elder Scrolls series.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Has Made Todd Howard More Conscious of What He Announces: 'Just Pretend We Didn't Announce It' - IGN
Bethesda director Todd Howard expressed a desire to announce games closer to their release, stating he wishes players would 'pretend we didn't announce' The Elder Scrolls 6. He discussed the challenges of balancing fan expectations with development timelines, noting that while early announcements can inform audiences, it's not his preferred method. The article also touches on the long wait for The Elder Scrolls 6, comparing it to previous Bethesda titles.
Starfield PS5 release date confirmed as the price of the base game falls by $20 for all platforms
Starfield will be released on PlayStation 5 on April 7, 2026, for $49.99, marking the end of its Xbox Series X exclusivity. The price reduction applies to all platforms, with the base game originally launching at $69.99 on September 6, 2023. The PS5 launch coincides with a free update adding new features, and the Premium Edition will include the Shattered Space and Terran Armada DLCs.
Starfield Is Coming to PlayStation 5 With New DLC This April
Starfield is launching on PlayStation 5 on April 7, coinciding with the release of the Terran Armada story DLC and the Free Lanes update across all platforms. The PlayStation 5 version will feature DualSense controller integration and Pro modes for enhanced performance and visuals. The base game will be available for $49.99, with the new DLC introducing a robotic threat and improved exploration mechanics.
Gamers are right to be disgusted by NVIDIA's DLSS 5
Gamers have expressed widespread disgust and skepticism towards NVIDIA's new DLSS 5 technology, which uses AI to enhance lighting and materials. Critics argue it's another form of 'AI slop' that can homogenize visuals and stray from artistic intent, despite NVIDIA's claims of developer control. While the technology's full impact remains to be seen, the negative reaction highlights gamer concerns about AI's role in game development.
Nvidia's DLSS 5 is a Slap in the Face to the Art of Video Game Design - IGN
Nvidia's new AI graphics technology, DLSS 5, is criticized for its potential negative impact on video game art design, with concerns that it replaces human artistic intent with AI-generated enhancements. The author argues that the technology smooths over character details and alters lighting in ways that detract from the original artistic vision, citing examples from Resident Evil Village and Hogwarts Legacy. While optional for now, there is fear that studios may rely on AI to cut corners on art direction in the future.
'Bad ending: now every game is slop': Game developers share mixed reactions to DLSS 5
Nvidia has announced DLSS 5, an AI-driven technology for photorealistic visuals, but reactions from game developers are mixed. While some, like Todd Howard, are impressed with its potential for games like Starfield, many express concerns about it being an "AI slop filter" that could negatively impact artistic direction and character identity. Developers also question its high hardware requirements and the implications of its widespread adoption.
NVIDIA DLSS 5 has become the source of many memes as the backlash continues
NVIDIA is facing backlash and memes over its new DLSS 5 technology, with users comparing its visual effects to AI-generated "slop art" that alters character faces. NVIDIA and Bethesda have issued statements explaining that game developers have full artistic control over the DLSS 5 effects, which are not simply filters but are anchored in the game's 3D content. Despite these explanations, many players and developers criticize the technology for its perceived negative impact on game visuals.
The DLSS 5 memes are in full swing, so here are the ones that tickled me the most
Nvidia's new DLSS 5 AI upscaling technology has sparked a wave of memes among PC gamers, with many comparing its effects to a 'yassification filter' that dramatically alters character appearances. While the technology aims to enhance graphics and performance, its implementation has led to humorous comparisons and discussions about artistic control versus AI beauty standards, with notable examples seen in Resident Evil 4 and other games.
NVIDIA DLSS 5 Reveal | Starfield
NVIDIA has revealed DLSS 5 technology, showcasing its capabilities in Starfield. This AI-powered upscaling technology aims to enhance visuals by incorporating photorealistic lighting and materials, significantly improving the rendering quality.
Nvidia DLSS 5’s AI filter turns all your favourite Resident Evil Requiem characters into yassified Instagram models
Nvidia's new DLSS 5 technology introduces a real-time neural rendering model that applies AI-driven photoreal lighting and materials, but its primary effect is criticized for homogenizing game aesthetics and transforming characters into overly stylized models. While previous DLSS versions were seen as beneficial for performance and visuals, DLSS 5's embrace of generative AI is questioned for potentially diminishing artistic intent and creating artless, uniform visuals, despite endorsements from companies like Capcom and Bethesda.
NVIDIA DLSS 5 Reveal | Starfield
NVIDIA has revealed DLSS 5, a new AI upscaling technology that appears to be overhauling character models and lighting in Starfield. Players are expressing concerns that the AI enhancements are making characters look overly artificial and similar, with some noting changes to character makeup and facial features.
There's upscaling, and then there's straight-up changing a game's art direction, and your gaming hardware…
The upcoming Nvidia DLSS 5 technology is raising concerns about its potential to negatively impact game art direction by pushing for photorealism. While Nvidia states developers will have control, the author fears it could homogenize unique visual styles and diminish the artistic soul of games, potentially making hardware reliant on software that could change post-purchase.
Bethesda promises Nvidia's controversial DLSS 5 AI filters will be "totally optional" for players
Bethesda has assured players that Nvidia's controversial DLSS 5 AI filters will be entirely optional and controlled by their art teams. Following community concerns about the AI's impact on character and lighting aesthetics, particularly in Starfield, Bethesda stated they will adjust the final effects to align with their artistic vision. The company emphasized that players will have the choice to enable or disable the technology.
Todd Howard On Elder Scrolls 6: "Just Pretend We Didn't Announce It. It Doesn't Exist."
Bethesda's Todd Howard expressed regret over the early announcement of The Elder Scrolls 6 in 2018, joking that players should pretend it doesn't exist. He prefers to announce games closer to their release to manage player expectations. Howard also confirmed that The Elder Scrolls 6 will return to the company's classic single-player roots after Starfield and Fallout 76.
"We need to push back harder": Nvidia's DLSS 5 "AI slop" filter is being torn apart by industry veterans from Baldur's Gate 3, Palworld, and many more
Industry veterans from games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Palworld are criticizing Nvidia's new DLSS 5 AI upscaling technology, labeling it "AI slop" and "dogshit." Developers from New Blood Interactive, Epic Games, Pocketpair, and Larian Studios have voiced concerns about the uncanny visual results and the potential normalization of lower quality graphics for future generations.
