Bethesda's colossal space RPG has left everyone in awe, pondering just how expansive a game can truly be. Yet, despite the excitement surrounding Starfield, fans are still left with lingering questions regarding Starfield's exploration mechanics, particularly when it comes to planetary surveys.
With the confirmation of over 1,000 planets in Starfield's universe, players are eager to understand the level of exploration and any potential limitations that may affect their journey. To address these concerns, this guide delves into the details of Starfield's interplanetary exploration, shedding light on the possibilities and constraints that await adventurers.
How Explorable Are Starfield Planets
Based on pre-release information from developers, Starfield will feature fully explorable planets. In Todd Howard’s words, players can explore the entire galaxy of Starfield with complete freedom.
During a Twitter interaction, Pete Hines, Bethesda’s senior vice president of global marketing, also confirmed Starfield’s infinite survey mechanic. In response to a tweet asking if the game’s planets are fully explorable, Hines replied, “Yup, if you want. Walk on, brave explorer.”
Of course, gameplay leaks have also led to contrary speculations, as leakers claimed to have found invisible walls in the far ends of planets. However, relying on official announcements and Starfield Direct information, players will likely be able to visit all parts of a planet if they have the right equipment or skill set.
Starfield Planetary Exploration Explained
Since the game's planets are procedurally generated, players won't have the option to ride mounts or operate vehicles on them. So, Starfield’s planetary exploration will be based on walking, scanning, and discovering new items or points of interest.
It is also speculated that players won’t have the option to land on a planet manually. Instead, they will start exploration after choosing a specific landing point.
Potential Constraints in Starfield's Exploration
Despite developers’ emphasis on the game’s galactic freedom, Starfield’s exploration is likely to be limited in certain aspects. During the August Starfield Direct, Todd Howard implied this by saying, “We love exploration and rewarding it, but you do explore this game differently given its scale.”
There are several gameplay elements that might restrict players’ planetary survey:
- Oxygen consumption. Since the main character relies on oxygen, running long distances or getting away from the spaceship might cause HP reduction, which interferes with free exploration.
- Environmental hazards. Each planet and biome might have geological threats like Radiation or Thermal, which can limit players’ time on a planet.
- Thirst and hunger. Like most Bethesda games, Starfield has a detailed survival mechanic that affects planetary exploration. Basically, players’ hunger, thirst, or energy level might stop them from visiting all parts of a planet.
Starfield will be available for Windows 10/11 and Xbox Series X|S on September 6, 2023.