Starfield’s PS5 Launch Plagued by Crashes, Analysts Skeptical

Starfield keeps crashing on both PS5 and PS5 Pro, and Bethesda hasn’t pinpointed the issue yet. That’s a rough start for a port the studio needed to be smooth.

As reported by Push Square, the crashes are happening consistently across both PlayStation versions. This suggests a software problem, not a manufacturing defect, since the issue isn’t limited to specific hardware units. However, the exact cause is still unclear.

Digital Foundry’s technical review of the PS5 version was straightforward: the game works, but it has significant technical issues that Bethesda needs to address quickly. That’s a tough critique for a studio trying to fix a title that already faced challenges on PC. Currently, Starfield holds a 56% positive rating from 116,440 Steam reviews. That’s a sharp contrast to its 88 Metacritic score, which reflects critics’ opinions at launch in September 2023.

Industry analysts aren’t optimistic about the port’s future. According to Tech4Gamers, at least one analyst has labeled the PS5 version a failure. They point to the numerous technical issues and crashes as serious problems that undermine its launch. Bethesda had hoped the PlayStation audience would breathe new life into the game. While it peaked at over 330,000 concurrent Steam players at launch, it’s now down to about 27,808 players — a significant drop over two and a half years.

The timing is less than ideal. Bethesda has been rolling out content updates for Starfield, and players have recently explored new areas like the Algorab System and Anchorpoint Station. These crashing problems on new hardware threaten that progress and could turn off PlayStation users who are trying the game for the first time without any prior goodwill.

By The Numbers

Metacritic Score (Critic)	88
Steam Review Score	56% positive
Total Steam Reviews	116,440
Current Steam Players	27,808
Current Steam Price	$49.99

Community feedback on Steam has been tough for a while. One reviewer hit the nail on the head, saying the game is “Repetitive, boring, empty, soulless.” This sentiment has been echoed in many recent reviews. The difference between player reactions and critical reviews at launch has shaped Starfield’s story since its release. The crashing issues on PS5 only add to that narrative.

What To Watch

• Keep an eye on whether Bethesda releases a patch aimed at fixing the PS5 crash issues, and how quickly they act. A long silence could fuel negative buzz among PlayStation players.
• Watch PS5 user review scores after the game has been out for two to four weeks. If crashes are as widespread as reported, expect the scores to reflect that reality.
• Look for sales data on the PS5 version, which Bethesda hasn’t shared yet. Third-party tracking via PlayStation Store charts will help determine if the port is gaining traction despite its rocky launch.