Starfield Preload Dates for Xbox and PC Confirmed, Q&A Session Reveals Jail System

Xbox players can begin preloading tonight August 17, while PC (Steam) preloading starts August 30.

Written by Rahul Chettiyar, Edited by Manas Mitul | Updated: 17 August 2023 18:41 IST

Starfield Preload Dates for Xbox and PC Confirmed, Q&A Session Reveals Jail System

Photo Credit: Bethesda Softworks

Starfield marks the first new universe from Bethesda in 25 years

Highlights

Starfield launches September 6 on PC, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Game Pass
Players will be thrown in jail if they’re caught smuggling contraband
Starfield has over 20 named companions with unique backstories

Starfield has finally gone gold ahead of its release next month, indicating that main development on the game has ended and that it's ready to hit store shelves soon. As such, developer Bethesda has confirmed preload details for its expansive space-set RPG, with Xbox Series S/X receiving early treatment on August 17. Meanwhile, PC players on Steam can begin pre-installing the game in anticipation, starting August 30. Additionally, the game will be available to play for free to those who're subscribed to Xbox Game Pass, though access for them will begin on launch day i.e., September 6.

Leading up to the release, lead game designer Emil Pagliarulo and lead quest designer Will Shen also held a Q&A session on Starfield's Discord server (via ResetEra), revealing some interesting details such as the inclusion of a jail system. Just like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, performing sketchy acts such as smuggling contraband can get you in trouble with law enforcement of the galaxy. Upon being caught, you'll be presented with two main options to deal with the situation: you can either pay the required fine when apprehended or get thrown into jail. And of course, there is the third alternative, which is to blast your way through them and go on the run. Those looking for smooth sailing, however, can invest in spaceship parts and modules that help conceal those illegal items, as you get past security.

Prepare for launch.#Starfield has gone gold! Preloads begin tomorrow for @Xbox X|S and Windows PC and August 30 for Steam. pic.twitter.com/LC8xJnI8WN
— Bethesda Game Studios (@BethesdaStudios) August 16, 2023

The items themselves have a set price in Starfield's universe but can be sold for a profit if you have the right skills unlocked. That money can then be spent on property located in major cities or you can complete specific quests that grant homes as a reward. An interview from last year revealed that Bethesda is heavily leaning on character customisation in this game — to the extent that picking up the ‘Kid Stuff' trait makes it so your in-game parents resemble your appearance. The developers weren't entirely clear in what capacity parents would be involved in Starfield, but noted that the feature is quite similar to Fallout 3 and Fallout 4. Another feature derived from Fallout is the Persuasion system, which can be used to avoid confrontations by smooth talking your way through, albeit Bethesda confirmed that a full pacifist playthrough isn't ‘totally feasible.'

Just like previous Bethesda RPGs, Starfield presents companions who would tag along for the ride — in this case, over 20, all of whom are named and have unique backstories. The Q&A also confirmed that while real-world religions are present within the game's universe, the focus is mostly on the three fictional ones. We've got the Sanctum Universum, which preaches that God is somewhere out there in the wider universe; a group of atheists who called themselves The Enlightened; and The Great Serpent, who is worshipped by mysterious citizens.

Starfield is out September 6 on PC and Xbox Series S/X. Preloading on Xbox begins on August 17, while PC (Steam) players can start on August 30.

What are the most exciting titles that gamers can look forward to in 2023? We discuss some of our favourites on the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

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Starfield

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Good
Massive scale
Immersive side stories
Strong role-playing foundation
Great art design
Satisfying dogfights

Bad
Extremely slow start
Unoriginal main story
Robotic animations and voice acting
Fast travel-based space exploration
Boring on-foot planet exploration
Horrible surface map

Read detailed Bethesda Starfield review

Genre RPG

Platform Xbox Series S/X, PC: Windows

Modes Single-player

PEGI Rating 18+

More Bethesda Games

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