Starfield Lands on PS5 as Steam Reception Stays Split

CGMagazine has released a PlayStation 5 review of Starfield, a big step for Bethesda Game Studios’ space RPG. The game first launched as an Xbox and PC exclusive in September 2023, and now it’s making its way to Sony’s platform. This transition introduces Bethesda’s largest original IP in years to a new audience. However, the existing player base has become increasingly split on whether the game has truly met its initial expectations.

On Steam, Starfield holds a 56% positive rating from 116,424 reviews. This “Mixed” classification sharply contrasts with its Metacritic score of 88. The disparity between critic reviews and player feedback is among the widest seen for a major AAA release in recent memory. It suggests that while critics enjoyed the game, it didn’t resonate as well with long-term players.

Currently, Starfield has around 25,347 concurrent players on Steam, a noticeable drop from its launch peak of over 330,000 in September 2023. Priced at $49.99 on Steam, the game has not seen a permanent price reduction despite being nearly two years old. This could limit its appeal to new buyers on PC, even as the PS5 version garners fresh attention.

The PS5 port arrives with hopes of renewed interest thanks to post-launch content. The Shattered Space DLC was released in late 2024, and updates have introduced the Tracker Alliance questline along with new star systems, including the Algorab system, featuring Anchorpoint Station as an explorable site. Whether these additions will change player opinions remains uncertain. Steam’s mixed score hasn’t shown significant improvement since the DLC launch.

For PlayStation players diving into the game for the first time, context is key. Starfield received strong critical praise at launch for its vast scope, featuring over 1,000 planets, robust character creation, and Bethesda’s hallmark open-ended quest design. However, it faced criticism for procedurally generated surfaces that felt empty and a main narrative that didn’t resonate with many players. PS5 owners will experience it without the baggage of two years of discussions, which might work in the game’s favor.

By The Numbers

Metacritic Score	88
Steam User Rating	56% positive
Steam Reviews	116,424
Current Steam Players	25,347
Steam Price	$49.99

Community sentiment on Steam has turned negative in recent months. One reviewer mentioned, “This game is boring. It hasn’t changed after the DLCs. I tried the Tracker Alliance mission. Bad enough I uninstalled the game.” This sentiment reflects a trend on the platform—players returning after updates find the core gameplay unchanged and not engaging enough to keep playing.

What To Watch

• PS5 review scores: CGMagazine’s review is just the beginning. Keep an eye on whether PS5 user scores on Metacritic and OpenCritic trend above or below Steam’s 56%. A gap would indicate that fresh players react more positively than veterans.
• Steam price movement: Starfield has stayed at $49.99 on PC for quite a while. A price drop coinciding with the PS5 launch could boost player counts and improve its Steam rating.
• Bethesda’s next content announcement: With Shattered Space already released and the reception lukewarm, any news about additional DLC or free updates will show if Bethesda plans to keep investing in the game’s revival or shift resources elsewhere.