Bethesda Game Studios is no stranger to sprawling open-world RPGs, and Starfield aims to be its most ambitious project yet—an interstellar sandbox teeming with factions, mysteries, and opportunities to shape your character’s story among the stars. But while the game delivers on scale and sci-fi flavor, it doesn’t escape the gravitational pull of uneven pacing and clunky systems, especially in its early hours.
For fans of games like Fallout 4 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Starfield might feel like a natural next step. The concept is immediately enticing: a massive galaxy to explore, complete with customizable ships, deep faction lore, and a narrative laced with intrigue, cosmic artifacts, and ethical dilemmas. Yet despite its compelling premise and rich world-building, Starfield takes time—perhaps too much—to find its footing.
A Universe Worth Exploring
Set in the 24th century, humanity has long since abandoned Earth, colonizing systems across the galaxy. The world of Starfield is densely packed with lore: remnants of inter-faction wars, elusive alien threats like the Terrormorphs, and clandestine groups like Constellation that hunt down enigmatic alien relics. The universe leans heavily into sci-fi tropes, with clear inspirations drawn from The Expanse, Blade Runner, and even Indiana Jones, but still manages to craft a world rich enough to get lost in.
As is typical in Bethesda RPGs, you begin with a customizable character whose origin story and traits subtly influence gameplay. Whether you choose to be a war veteran, a space rogue, or even someone with living parents (yes, really), your choices shape some interactions—but don’t expect dramatic divergence. While the system hints at depth, it ultimately feels more flavor than function, especially since there’s no way to respec your build later on.
Stumbling Out of the Gate
The early hours of Starfield are arguably its weakest. The introductory missions—while narratively necessary—lack the punch and agency that modern RPG players have come to expect. Players may find themselves confused by the game’s systems or unsure which quests are worth pursuing. It’s not until several hours in that Starfield begins to truly open up, offering the kind of branching narratives and emergent storytelling that Bethesda does best.
Once past the slow start, however, the game blossoms. Side quests are where Starfield shines brightest—whether you’re solving disputes between space colonists and resort tycoons, infiltrating pirate fleets, or uncovering chilling science experiments, there’s a surprising depth to many of these smaller stories. These missions often include moral quandaries, with options to use diplomacy, subterfuge, or brute force to shape outcomes.
Companions, Customization, and Cosmic Consequences
Companions are another strong point. Each crew member you can recruit—especially core Constellation figures like Sarah, Sam, and Barrett—feels like a meaningful addition to your journey. They have their own backstories, personal quests, and sometimes, their own agendas. Their dialogues are well-written and often offer a glimpse into the broader themes of the game: legacy, exploration, and the human cost of progress.
Customization, especially of your ship, is robust but can be overwhelming. Building the perfect vessel is rewarding but often trial and error. Similarly, crafting and modding weapons or outposts requires a fair bit of resource management, and not all systems are explained clearly.
Final Thoughts
After spending dozens of hours in Starfield, it’s clear the game is a mixed bag—but one worth unpacking. It’s a slow burn, no doubt, and not without its frustrations. Yet for those willing to invest the time, Starfield offers a galaxy full of stories, systems, and spacefaring surprises. It may not be Bethesda’s finest RPG, but it’s an undeniably ambitious step into the final frontier.
Starfield might not be the smoothest launch in Bethesda’s history, but once you break orbit, there’s a universe of content waiting to be discovered.