Starfield is set to arrive on PlayStation 5, and Bethesda has revealed some PS5-exclusive features that utilize Sony’s hardware. This marks a big change for a game that was initially released as an Xbox and PC exclusive back in September 2023.
Bethesda has detailed enhancements for the PS5, including DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive trigger support. These features will enhance the game’s weapon handling and environmental interactions. A dedicated trailer on Bethesda’s official site showcases these upgrades, making it clear that the PS5 version isn’t just a simple port.
This shift represents a reversal from Microsoft’s original Xbox exclusivity plan. Starfield launched on September 6, 2023, and was marketed as a flagship title for Xbox Series X|S and PC. Bringing it to PS5 fits with Microsoft’s broader strategy to embrace multiplatform releases, which has already included titles like Hi-Fi Rush and Sea of Thieves on Sony’s platform.
Currently, Starfield holds a 55% positive review score on Steam from 115,855 ratings, landing it in the “Mixed” category. This contrasts with its Metacritic score of 88, indicating that critical responses and player reactions diverged significantly post-launch. The game has lost most of its concurrent players, with only 4,445 active users as of now. PlayStation LifeStyle provided an in-depth look at the PS5 feature trailer, emphasizing the visual and haptic enhancements Bethesda has showcased.
The key question remains whether these PS5-exclusive features can spark renewed interest in a game that has faced challenges holding onto its PC audience. The PS5 version is set to launch alongside what Evrim Ağacı reports as “major updates,” although Bethesda hasn’t released a comprehensive changelog yet. The current Steam price of $49.99 suggests that the PS5 version might launch at a similar or adjusted price point.
| Metacritic Score | 88/100 |
| Steam Review Score | 55% Positive (Mixed) |
| Total Steam Reviews | 115,855 |
| Current Steam Players | 4,445 |
| PC Price (Steam) | $49.99 |
Community feedback on Steam leans negative. One reviewer expressed their frustration bluntly: “I would rather go to work than play this game — what a disappointment.” This reflects a common theme in post-launch criticism: Starfield’s procedurally generated planets and limited exploration didn’t meet the high expectations set by Bethesda’s previous open-world RPGs like Skyrim and Fallout 4.
What To Watch
- PS5 launch date and pricing: Bethesda hasn’t yet confirmed a specific release date or price for the PS5 version. Keep an eye out for an official announcement, especially regarding possible discounts compared to the PC version or if it will appear on PlayStation Plus.
- Update scope: Reports indicate “major updates” will come with the PS5 launch. A detailed changelog could reveal whether Bethesda has addressed the exploration and content issues that contributed to Steam’s mixed reviews.
- Player retention: Monitoring Steam’s concurrent player data will be key. If the PS5 launch leads to a noticeable increase in PC players, it suggests a renewed cross-platform marketing push. If not, the player base may remain divided.
