Starfield starts out as a relatively simple game about space travel but quickly devolves into a philosopher's wet dream. The game's narrative explores a variety of themes once players start to get into the swing of things, including theology, alien life, and the infinite nature of the universe, to name but a few.
It's not until the introduction of the Starborn that these topics really begin to bubble up to the surface, although the player's quest to learn more about the Unity ultimately provides more questions than it does answers. By the end of Starfield, many of these mysteries have been explained, but some players may still be left scratching their heads when the credits start to roll.
Where Did the Artifacts Come From?
The first artifact that humanity ever discovered was found during an excursion on Mars and was later used to create a prototype Grav Drive that would ultimately lead to Earth's destruction. It's never actually explained who created the artifacts in Starfield, though players do eventually learn that finding them all will guide them to a place called the Unity, kind of like a universal treasure map. It's also clear that the artifacts are not man-made, but whether they were created by some omnipotent deity or a benevolent alien species is left for the player to decide.
What is the Unity?
The Unity is a place from which people are able to pass over into different universes. Walking into the light at the Unity will result in players being reborn as a Starborn and waking up in another universe that is similar to the one they left behind, but not quite the same. They'll retain their memories of their previous lives, but nothing else.
What are Starborn?
Starborn are people who have passed through the Unity and been reborn into other universes. Their goal is to repeat this process as many times as possible by repeatedly tracking down all of the artifacts and returning to the Unity in each new universe that they find themselves in.
Who is the Hunter?
The Hunter is a version of Father Aquilus who passed through the Unity long ago. Repeating this process multiple times has changed him considerably though, which is why he and the version of Father Aquilus that players encounter in New Atlantis are so very different.
Who is the Emissary?
The Emissary is a version of the playable character's friend who died during the High Price to Pay main story mission. In their original universe, it was the playable character who died, which is why the Emissary has something of a soft spot for the player and can be easily persuaded to stand down.
What Happens at the End of Starfield?
Those seeking meaning from Starfield's ending will likely come away disappointed, as ultimately, the game doesn't really have a definitive endpoint. Those who submit to the critical path are destined to endlessly repeat the main story (or some abridged version of it), becoming more and more detached from reality with every subsequent visit to the Unity. It is an endless cycle that teases answers, yet never actually provides them.
Starfield is available now for PC and Xbox Series X|S.