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Is Starfield Worth It in 2026?
Two DLCs, a massive free update, and a PS5 launch later — has Bethesda's space RPG finally found its footing?
DEPENDS
THE VERDICT IN 2026
Developer
Bethesda Game Studios
Original Release
September 2023
Current Price
$50 (often $30)
Platforms
PC, PS5, Xbox Series X (Game Pass)
Current State
Improved, Not Redeemed
Starfield wasn't a broken launch like Cyberpunk — it was a divisive one. It reviewed well (83 Metacritic), sold millions, and then... people stopped playing. The procedural generation felt hollow. The loading screens killed immersion. The companions lacked charisma. The 'Bethesda magic' that made Skyrim and Fallout special felt absent.
In 2026, Starfield has received the Free Lanes update (manual space flight, Cruise Mode, rovers), Shattered Space DLC, Terran Armada DLC, and a PS5 launch. It's better. But is it enough?
WHAT IT WAS AT LAUNCH
- ✗Procedural generation created repetitive, lifeless planets
- ✗Constant loading screens broke immersion — couldn't fly between planets
- ✗Companions felt flat and lacked the charisma of Skyrim/Fallout NPCs
- ✗Planet exploration was a chore — same buildings, same corpses, different sky
- ✗Shattered Space DLC was widely criticized as disappointing
- ✗Player count dropped dramatically within weeks of launch
WHAT IT IS NOW
- ✓Free Lanes update: manual flight between planets, Cruise Mode, rovers
- ✓30+ unique point-of-interest types added — exploration variety massively improved
- ✓Terran Armada DLC adds focused, handcrafted story content with ship combat
- ✓PS5 launch with performance modes up to 60fps and PS5 Pro enhanced mode
- ✓New enemy modifiers, X-Tech upgrades, and outpost improvements
- ✓Stability and performance dramatically improved from launch
WHAT'S STILL NOT GREAT
- !Core procedural generation problems remain — handcrafted content is still the minority
- !Loading screens between planet surfaces and space still exist
- !Companions still lack the charisma of Skyrim/Fallout characters
- !If you bounced off at launch, these updates may not change your mind
- !Free Lanes manual flight between planets is technically possible but painfully boring
- !The game still feels like it's an inch deep and a mile wide
WHO SHOULD BUY THIS NOW?
If you're on PS5 and never played it: This is the best version of Starfield. All updates, both DLCs, performance modes, and you're coming in with zero baggage. At $30-40 on sale, it's a solid 60-100 hour RPG.
If you bounced off at launch: Be honest with yourself. The Free Lanes update and Terran Armada are genuine improvements, but the core game is still the same Starfield. If procedural generation, loading screens, and flat companions killed it for you, updates haven't fixed those fundamental issues.
If you're on Game Pass: Just try it. It's included. The worst case is you lose a few hours and move on.
⟐ VERDICT IN 2026: DEPENDS
Starfield in 2026 is better than it's ever been, but 'better Starfield' may not be enough if the core game didn't click for you. The Free Lanes update and Terran Armada are real improvements, and the PS5 launch is the best console version. But the fundamental issues — procedural generation, loading screens, flat companions — haven't been solved. Worth trying on Game Pass or at a discount. Not worth $70.
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