Starfield is set to launch on PS5 next week, as confirmed by Bethesda. This brings Sony’s platform-specific features to a game that debuted as an Xbox and PC exclusive back in September 2023. Along with the game, players can expect new DLC that adds quests and the much-anticipated ability to fly between planets.
Bethesda has shared a dedicated PS5 Features trailer for the release, following Sony’s typical format for major third-party launches. The trailer showcases how the PS5 version utilizes hardware-specific capabilities. However, it hasn’t provided an exhaustive list of DualSense features, including haptic feedback and adaptive trigger support, ahead of the release.
The new DLC included with the PS5 launch addresses a major criticism from the original game: the lack of seamless planetary flight. Starfield launched in 2023 with loading screens interrupting what players expected to be smooth transitions from space to surface, which drew considerable criticism. It’s still unclear whether this DLC will also be available for PC and Xbox players or if it’s just a PS5 launch perk. Space.com reports that the DLC will also introduce new quest content alongside the flight mechanic.
The timing is interesting. It’s now April 2026, nearly two and a half years after Starfield’s initial release. The game is finally making its way to PlayStation, bringing features that existing PC and Xbox players have been eagerly waiting for. Currently, Steam shows 6,842 concurrent players, a small fraction compared to the numbers at launch. The Steam review score sits at 55% positive based on 115,843 reviews. This mixed rating highlights a gap between the game’s critical reception (Metacritic: 88) and how well it retains players over time.
For PS5 players diving in now, the version they’re getting is likely more complete than what Xbox and PC users experienced at launch. The new DLC and planetary flight mechanics are significant additions. The real question is whether this will create strong momentum on a new platform, considering the game’s reputation has had two years to settle. Push Square’s breakdown of the PS5-specific features suggests Bethesda is fully committed to integrating the hardware.
| Original Release Date | September 6, 2023 |
| Metacritic Score | 88 |
| Steam Review Score | 55% positive (115,843 reviews) |
| Steam Current Players | 6,842 |
| Steam Price | $49.99 |
Community sentiment among PC players ahead of the PS5 launch is quite chilly. One Steam reviewer captured the frustration: “Everyone kind of already knows the story here. It’s 2026 and nothing has changed. But wait — when I first opened the game it took me right over to their new paid mod section.” This complaint about Bethesda focusing on monetized mods over meaningful updates has come up often in recent reviews. It suggests that the PC audience feels neglected while the PS5 version gets new content.
What To Watch
- Whether the planetary flight DLC launches at the same time on Xbox and PC or stays a PS5 timed exclusive. This will influence how much goodwill Bethesda can regain with its existing player base.
- Sales data from the PS5 launch and whether new players respond more positively than the current 55% Steam score indicates, especially since they’re getting a more complete feature set at launch.
- Bethesda’s plans beyond this release. Two and a half years of mixed reviews have set low expectations, so the studio needs to outline concrete update plans to rebuild player confidence across all platforms.
