Starfield PS5 Launch: What New Players Need to Know

Starfield is now available on PS5, bringing Bethesda Game Studios’ expansive space RPG to a fresh audience. This game has sparked mixed opinions since its September 2023 launch on PC and Xbox. With over 1,000 planets to explore and a complex skill system, new players will find themselves facing a challenging learning curve.

GamingBolt has put together a 15-point guide for PS5 newcomers. It covers everything from inventory management to the game’s unique fast-travel mechanics. The PS5 version also includes DualSense features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that weren’t available at the original PC release. So, players on Sony’s platform get a slightly improved experience right from the start.

Currently, Starfield boasts a Metacritic score of 88 based on critic reviews. However, its reception on Steam tells a different story, with only 55% positive ratings from 116,138 user reviews. This disparity between critical acclaim and player feedback has shaped Starfield’s reputation for over two years. Now, PS5 players step into a debate about whether the game’s ambitious design justifies its execution.

A few mechanics are essential to grasp early on. Starfield doesn’t follow a traditional open-world model. Traveling between planets relies on menu-driven fast travel instead of smooth flying, which surprised many players at launch. Additionally, the skill system requires active use of abilities to unlock upgrades. So, if you want to specialize, you’ll need to adopt that playstyle right from the beginning rather than saving skill points for later.

The game is priced at $49.99 on Steam and currently sees around 17,939 concurrent players. That’s a modest but stable figure for a game that’s nearly three years old. The upcoming Terran Armada DLC, which details were recently hinted at through Steam achievements, might launch alongside the PS5 version, potentially boosting the player base across all platforms.

By The Numbers

Metacritic Score	88
Steam User Approval	55% positive
Steam Reviews	116,138
Current Steam Players	17,939
Current Steam Price	$49.99

On Steam, community sentiment leans negative among the loudest reviewers. One user bluntly stated: “absolute waste of money i cannot believe they got away with making this game and are still in business.” This reflects a segment of players who feel Bethesda’s procedural generation created a universe that seems expansive but lacks depth. This criticism has followed the game since it launched, and PS5 players should consider it before making a purchase.

What To Watch

• Terran Armada DLC release date: The achievements teased on Steam suggest the expansion is in the late stages of development. If it launches during the PS5 release window, it could greatly influence new-player retention on Sony’s platform.
• PS5 player reception: Console players usually review games differently than those on Steam. Keep an eye on whether PS5 user scores align more with the 88 Metacritic consensus or the 55% approval rating on Steam in the coming weeks.
• Bethesda’s Cyberpunk-style recovery odds: Analysts believe Starfield’s chances for a CD Projekt Red-style recovery are slim, but the PS5 launch offers the game a significant chance to change that narrative.