How to Download 'Starfield'

Eagerly awaited science-fiction RPG Starfield will officially be released on Sept. 1 or Sept. 6, depending on which edition you plan to buy, but whether you’re going with the Windows version or picking it up for Xbox Series X (or S), you can download and preload the game early to save yourself some hassle on launch day.

Pre-purchasing Starfield means you won’t be in a massive queue on the day of release, and even if the entire internet is taken offline by everyone downloading it at once, you’ll still be able to play it, because it won’t require a connection at all.

Here’s everything you need to know to be among the first players of Starfield.

What is Starfield?

Starfield is an action RPG developed by Bethesda Game Studios, the company behind hit franchises like The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim and Fallout. Formally announced five years ago, the long-in-development game will allow players free reign to explore more than 1,000 planets in both real and fictional solar systems across a galaxy rent by the so-called Colony War, a conflict between the rival United Colonies and the Freestar Collective. It’s the first entirely new IP from Bethesda in 25 years, and director Todd Howard has promised an experience akin to “Skyrim in space.” That game remains popular and heavily played even a decade after its release, so it’s no wonder anticipation is high for Starfield.

How to download Starfield for the Xbox Series S and X

Preloads of Starfield for current gen Xbox consoles began on Aug. 17. You’ll be able to preload it once you’ve either preordered it or subscribed to Xbox’s Game Pass. Here’s how to make it happen.

How to preload Starfield from your Xbox console

• Turn on your console and navigate to the Xbox Games Store.
• Search for Starfield.
• Select the edition you want to purchase (details on choosing which edition is best for you are below).
• Give up your credit card digits and hit “install.”

It is a big game—over 125 gigs—so it’s going to be a long download.

How to preload Starfield if you have Xbox Game Pass 

Because it’s a Microsoft game, Starfield will be available as part of Xbox’s Game Pass subscription. The service costs $9.99 a month. If you’re a “I want to try it before I drop $70 on it” kind of person, this might be your best bet. Here’s how to preload the game via Game Pass:

• Navigate to the Game Pass main page on your console (and subscribe if you’re not already a member).
• Search for Starfield.
• Hit “install.”

How to preload Starfield from a web browser

If you are at work, and want to start your download now, here’s how you can do it from a web browser, provided your Xbox is plugged in, has an internet connection, and you’ve chosen the Always Connected power option. (This setting means your Xbox doesn’t turn off. It just sleeps and you can wake it up remotely.)

How to preload Starfield from Xbox’s app

• Make sure your console is connected to power and internet and the “Always Connected” option is set to “on.”
• Open the app and hit the search icon.
• Search Starfield and choose the edition you want to download.
• Hit “download to console.”

How to preinstall Starfield for Windows through Steam

Starfield will be available for download on Steam for Windows users on Aug. 31, but you can pre-order your copy now.

• Navigate to the Starfield page on the web or log on to Steam and search for Starfield.
• Choose the edition you want to buy.
• Hit install.

Is Starfield available on the PlayStation 5?

Sorry, Sony gamers: Starfield is not available on the PS5 and won’t be available for it in the near future.

Which edition of Starfield is best?

The different versions of Starfield can be confusing, but here’s what’s going on: There are three separate editions of Starfield, ranging in price from the basic, $69.99, digital-only edition to the $299.99 “Constellation” edition that comes with a wristwatch, a ton of DLC, and other goodies. The core game is the same with any edition you buy, but the more expensive options give you some extras, and a chance to play it five days earlier—a big draw if you can’t wait.

You could also choose “none of the above,” and play Starfield with a Game Pass subscription on Windows or Xbox. If you later decide you want the extras that come with the premium edition, you can purchase the “Premium upgrade,” which upgrades either the Game Pass version or the standard version to the Premium version.

If you’re cautious, the most inexpensive option is signing up for Game Pass to try it out. Even if it’s the only game you download through the service, it costs $9.99 a month, which means you’ll have plenty of time to see if you’ll actually like Starfield.

What comes with each edition of Starfield?

Starfield: Standard Edition (digital only)

• Price: $69.99
• Includes the standard edition of the game as a download on Sept. 6

Pre-purchase Starfield Standard Edition on Amazon

Starfield: Premium Edition (digital only)

• Price: $99.99
• The Shattered Space Story Expansion (when released)
• 5 days early access (Sept. 1)
• Constellation Skin Pack: Equinox Laser Rifle, Spacesuit, Helmet and Boost Pack
• Access to Starfield Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack

Pre-purchase Starfield Premium Edition for Xbox and Windows 10

Starfield Premium Upgrade

• Price: $34.99
• Shattered Space Story Expansion (when released)
• 5 days early access (Sept. 1)
• Constellation Skin Pack: Equinox Laser Rifle, Spacesuit, Helmet and Boost Pack
• Access to Starfield Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack

Purchase Starfield Premium Upgrade on Amazon

Starfield: Constellation Edition

• Price: $299.99
• Starfield chronomark watch and case
• Constellation patch
• Steelbook display case
• 5 days early access (Sept. 1)
• Shattered Space Story Expansion when it’s released.
• Constellation Skin Pack: Equinox Laser Rifle, Spacesuit, Helmet and Boost Pack
• Access to Starfield Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack

Pre-purchase Starfield Constellation Edition for Xbox Series X at Best Buy

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