Starfield to Receive Major Update with Highly Requested Features
Improved Maps and More
Starfield, the popular space game developed by Bethesda, is set to receive a significant update in May that includes a number of highly requested features. Currently in the Steam Beta version, the update is scheduled to go live for all players on May 15. One of the most anticipated additions is the introduction of detailed surface maps, which players have been requesting ever since the game’s release in September of last year.
In the patch notes released by Bethesda, the company jokingly acknowledged the players’ desire for improved maps, stating, “We’ve heard your feedback, and we’ve made some big improvements to surface maps, so you’ll always know just where to go and no longer ‘get lost’ on the way to your parents’ place (and they weren’t buying that excuse anyway, you should really go visit them).”
New Difficulty Options and Ship Decorations
Aside from the improved maps, the update will also introduce new difficulty options in the settings menu, allowing players to customize their gaming experience. Additionally, ship decoration will be added to the interior of the ships, allowing players to personalize their space vessels according to their preferences.
Improved Display Settings for Xbox Series X
Another exciting feature of the update is the addition of display settings for Xbox Series X to prioritize visuals or performance. This will allow players to choose whether they want the game to run at 60 frames per second, a feature exclusive to Xbox Series X. However, it is important to note that Xbox Series S does not support this feature.
In a previous interview with Todd Howard, the development chief at Bethesda, the decision to lock Starfield at 30fps across both Xbox Series X and S was explained as a measure to ensure consistency of performance. However, responding to the players’ feedback, Bethesda is now enabling more control over the graphic fidelity and performance on Xbox Series X.
Bethesda stated, “We’re now enabling that on Xbox Series X with a few options that you can use to find the best fit for your playstyle and display.” They recommended using a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) display running at 120hz to fully enjoy the game. In this setup, Starfield will default to a frame rate target of 40, while maintaining excellent visuals.
Shattered Space Expansion Rumored to be Released in Fall
In a recent interview, Todd Howard revealed that Starfield’s highly anticipated expansion, Shattered Space, is rumored to be released this fall. Although the exact launch date has not been confirmed, a separate report suggests that it will be available in September. This expansion will mark the first major update for Starfield since its launch, making it an exciting new addition to the game.
IGN’s Starfield review gave the game a solid 7/10 rating. The review mentions, “Starfield has a lot of forces working against it, but eventually the allure of its expansive roleplaying quests and respectable combat make its gravitational pull difficult to resist.”
Starfield May 2024 Update Patch Notes
Bug Fixes
General
- General Stability and Performance improvements.
- General improvements for Character fleeing, avoidance, and pathfinding.
- Fixed various issues with object placement.
Gameplay
- Fixed an issue causing a ship’s maximum shield capacity to appear decreased after loading a save with certain assigned crew.
- Fixed an issue where invisibility could persist on a companion’s weapon after the invisibility effect ended.
- Scanning flora/fauna XP is now also awarded via harvesting/killing.
- Resolved an issue with unintended harvest items appearing in flora from blended biomes.
- Addressed an issue that prevented repeated docking with a previously commandeered ship.
Graphics
- Exterior ship lights now appear as intended in Photomode and during travel sequences.
- Fixed various shadow issues (flickering and precision).
- Fixed an issue that could cause the galaxy map to zoom out to an incorrect extent (PC).
Outposts
- Fixed an issue that could cause robots to appear unassigned after deleting the Outpost Crew Station.
- Addressed an issue with Cargo Link parts not updating orientation after moving a structure at an Outpost.
- Removed red outline that could sometimes remain on objects after they were repaired at an outpost.
Quests
- Back to the Grind: Fixed an issue that could cause the camera to unintentionally return to first person when exiting the interview seat with Imogene.
- Breach of Contract: Resolved the issue where Dr. Keala may not have been present at the intended location.
- Sabotage: Fixed an issue that could cause manipulated characters to move in an unintended way.
- (and many more)
For more detailed information and a full list of the updates, please visit the official Bethesda website.
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