Can I Play Starfield On PS5? Everything You Need To Know

“Starfield” is one of the most highly anticipated video games of 2023, developed by Bethesda Game Studios. As a space exploration RPG, it’s generating a lot of excitement due to its vast universe, immersive storytelling, and engaging gameplay mechanics. However, many players are wondering: Can I play Starfield on PS5? This article dives deep into this question and covers everything you need to know about playing the game on PlayStation 5, including platform exclusivity, game features, and possible alternatives.

What Is Starfield?

Before diving into the specifics of playing Starfield on the PS5, it’s important to understand what the game is all about.

Starfield is a next-gen role-playing game (RPG) from Bethesda, the creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. Set in the far future, the game allows players to explore the cosmos, undertake space missions, and uncover the mysteries of deep space. It features vast open-world exploration, customizable spaceships, deep RPG mechanics, and a rich narrative filled with factions, characters, and choice-driven quests.

Is Starfield Available On PS5?

No, Starfield is Not Coming to PS5

The short answer to the question “Can I play Starfield on PS5?” is no—Starfield will not be available on PlayStation 5.

Bethesda, after being acquired by Microsoft in 2021, made the decision to make Starfield an Xbox console exclusive (along with a PC release). This means that Starfield will be available on Xbox Series X|S and PC platforms, but not on PlayStation.

This exclusivity decision has been a significant talking point for fans, especially those who had been eagerly waiting for the title on Sony’s platform. While Xbox fans and PC players are in luck, those with PS5 consoles will have to explore alternative ways to experience the game.

Why Is Starfield Not On PS5?

The decision to make Starfield an Xbox and PC exclusive stems from Bethesda’s acquisition by Microsoft. After the acquisition, Microsoft made it clear that it would prioritize bringing Bethesda’s future titles to Xbox Game Pass and making them exclusive to their own platform.

There are several reasons for this:

Microsoft Acquisition: With Microsoft owning Bethesda, they have full control over how Bethesda’s new games are distributed. As a result, Starfield was never planned for PlayStation, and its absence on PS5 is a direct result of this corporate acquisition.

Boosting Xbox Game Pass: By making Starfield exclusive to Xbox consoles and PC, Microsoft aims to drive subscriptions to Xbox Game Pass, their subscription-based service. Xbox Game Pass provides access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee, and having Starfield as a key exclusive title can significantly boost the service’s value proposition.

Competition: Sony and Microsoft are in direct competition, and exclusivity has long been a strategy used by both companies to incentivize players to buy their consoles. By offering Starfield exclusively to Xbox, Microsoft adds a compelling reason for players to choose Xbox over PlayStation.

Can PS5 Players Still Play Starfield

While Starfield is not available on PS5 directly, there are a few options for PlayStation players who still want to experience the game:

Play on PC

If you have access to a gaming PC, you can play Starfield there. The game is designed with PC gamers in mind and boasts impressive graphics, advanced settings, and mods that can enhance the experience.

Xbox Cloud Gaming (via Xbox Game Pass)

Another potential way for PS5 players to experience Starfield is through Xbox Cloud Gaming, which allows you to play Xbox games on non-Xbox devices. As long as you have a subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you can stream Starfield directly to a compatible device, including smartphones, tablets, and potentially PS5 using web browser support (though this is not officially supported by Sony).

This option allows you to bypass the need for a console but does require a stable internet connection and a subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Wait for Future Changes (Unlikely)

There are no official announcements regarding Starfield coming to PS5 in the future. However, it’s always possible that deals could change or new platforms could be added in the future, though this seems unlikely given the current exclusivity arrangements.

What Are The Key Features Of Starfield?

For those considering playing Starfield, whether on PC or Xbox, here are some of the key features of the game that make it unique:

Massive Open World Exploration

Starfield offers an enormous universe to explore, featuring over 100 solar systems and more than 1,000 planets. Players can land on planets, explore alien landscapes, and mine resources to upgrade their ship and equipment. The sheer scale of the universe is one of the game’s standout features.

Space Combat and Ship Customization

Players can build, upgrade, and modify their own spacecraft, adding various features to suit their playstyle. The game also has intense space combat, where players can engage in battles with pirates or hostile factions.

RPG Elements and Storytelling

As a Bethesda RPG, Starfield will feature rich, branching storylines, character development, and meaningful player choices. Your actions can affect the fate of factions, NPCs, and the world itself.

Crafting and Exploration

In true Bethesda fashion, Starfield includes robust crafting mechanics. Players can gather resources, craft gear, and create new technologies. The game also places a strong emphasis on exploration, both in space and on the surface of planets, with varied environments to discover.

Factions and Politics

The universe of Starfield is home to a variety of factions with distinct ideologies and goals. Players can align with these factions, engage in political intrigue, and undertake missions that affect the overall narrative.

What Are The Alternatives For PS5 Players?

If you’re looking for similar experiences to Starfield on PS5, there are several games that might pique your interest:

No Man’s Sky

For players who are interested in space exploration but don’t have access to Starfield, No Man’s Sky is an excellent alternative. It offers procedural-generated planets, space combat, and a vast universe to explore. The game has been consistently updated, with new content and features being added regularly.

Elite Dangerous

Another great space simulation game available on PS5 is Elite Dangerous. While it’s more of a space-sim, it offers deep space exploration, combat, trading, and more. The game has a learning curve but provides a truly immersive space experience.

The Outer Worlds

If you’re looking for a narrative-driven RPG with space themes, The Outer Worlds by Obsidian Entertainment is a solid option. While it’s not as expansive as Starfield, it offers great writing, interesting characters, and decision-making that affects the story.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, for PS5 players, Starfield will not be an option at launch, as it is exclusive to Xbox and PC platforms. While this may be disappointing for many, there are still alternative ways to experience the game via cloud gaming or on PC. Additionally, other space exploration and RPG games are available on PS5 that offer similar experiences, such as No Man’s Sky and Elite Dangerous.

As we move forward, it’s clear that the gaming industry will continue to see more console exclusives, and players will have to make decisions based on the platforms they own. Whether or not Starfield will ever come to PlayStation remains to be seen, but for now, PS5 players will have to explore other ways to get their cosmic adventure fix.

ALSO READ: Efficient Auctane Shipping: Fast And Reliable Delivery Solutions

FAQs

What is Starfield?

Starfield is a space-themed RPG developed by Bethesda Game Studios. Set in the distant future, players can explore vast solar systems, engage in space combat, and experience a rich, branching narrative.