Highlights
- Rumors suggest a new Starfield expansion called Starborn is in development
- Zenimax trademarked the name Starborn recently, and given that the term is used in Starfield, it seems likely that it's a DLC name.
- Todd Howard has already said Starfield fans can expect more support for the game in the future.
As the first original IP from Bethesda in over 25 years, there was a lot of hype and excitement leading up to Starfield's launch. After all, following the release of 2015's Fallout 4, BGS fans had waited nearly a decade for a new single player game from the renowned RPG developer. On top of that, Starfield was even positioned as a system seller for Xbox consoles, due to it being exclusive to the platform. When the game finally launched in September 2023, however, it wasn't able to live up to everyone's lofty expectations. Though Starfield received mostly solid reviews from critics, the reception it received from fans was far more divisive, as many criticized the game for its exploration, presentation, and plot, among other things. Ultimately, what was meant to be a celebratory release for Bethesda ended up being embroiled in controversy.
Even though the reception to Starfield has been mixed, Bethesda has shown no signs of giving up on the game; on the contrary, the developer has doubled down on supporting its ambitious space RPG. Not only has the studio released consistent content updates for Starfield since launch, but it's also set to drop a major story expansion for the game later in 2024, titled Shattered Space. While Bethesda hasn't shared much information about this paid DLC, it's revealed even less about what will come beyond it. Some recent rumors, however, might give fans a clue as to what the developer has up its sleeves for Starfield in 2025.
Related
Starfield's Franchise Potential Can Only Go Up from Here
Starfield may have been divisive at launch, but the franchise only has room to grow from here on out thanks to its expansions and DLC.
Rumors Suggest That Bethesda is Working on a New Expansion For Starfield Called Starborn
Zenimax's Recent Starborn Trademark Caught the Attention of Fans
Eagle-eyed fans on Twitter recently spotted that Zenimax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Game Studios, filed a trademark for the name Starborn on July 12, 2024. While nothing in this registration is explicitly linked to Starfield, the chances of it being associated with Bethesda's space RPG are very high, considering the fact that "Starborn" is a term used in the game itself. Even if it is indeed related to Starfield, it's not exactly clear what this trademark is for, but fans are theorizing that it might be the name for the game's next expansion after Shattered Space.
A Second Starfield Expansion is Likely in the Works
Although a second Starfield expansion hasn't been formally announced yet, there is good reason to believe that more story DLC for the game is in the works. In an interview with MrMattyPlays in June 2024, Bethesda Game Studios director Todd Howard shared some information about the studio's future plans for Starfield. Besides providing some additional details about the upcoming Shattered Space expansion, the developer revealed that BGS is planning a "Year 2" roadmap for its space RPG. While Howard declined to comment on what exactly fans should expect of these updates, he did state that Bethesda wants to release a new expansion for Starfield annually for as long as possible. Based off this information, it looks like fans are very likely to get more story DLC for the game in 2025.
The Title of the Rumored Starfield Expansion Could Clue Fans in on What it's About
If Starborn is indeed the name for the next Starfield expansion in 2025, then this title could give fans a clue as to what the story DLC could be about. In the game, the Starborn are an enigmatic faction that serve as both an antagonistic force and the catalyst behind Starfield's main story. Assuming this Starborn expansion is real, then perhaps it could give players further insight into the lore behind this mysterious group. Additionally, Bethesda could take things a step further by making this DLC a call-back of sorts to Skyrim's Dragonborn expansion, which featured Miraak, the First Dragonborn, as a primary antagonist.
Sadly, it'll probably be a while before Bethesda reveals what this potential Starborn expansion is about and if it even exists. There is, at the very least, a small chance that it gets teased at Gamescom 2024, as Microsoft has already confirmed that Starfield will make an appearance there.
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Starfield
Starfield is the first new universe in over 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The ElderScrollsV:Skyrim and Fallout4. This next generation role-playing game marks a return to the studio’s deep RPG roots of meaningful customization, dialogue, and choice. Create any character you want and explore with unparalleled freedom as you embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery.
In the year 2330, humanity has ventured beyond our solar system, settling new planets, and living as a spacefaring people. You will join Constellation – the last group of space explorers seeking rare artifacts throughout the galaxy – and navigate the vast expanse of space in Bethesda Game Studios’ biggest and most ambitious game.
- OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Rating:85/100 Critics Recommend:84%
- Platform(s)
- PC , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
- Released
- September 6, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Bethesda
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda
- Engine
- proprietary engine
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs, Strong Language, Violence
- How Long To Beat
- 20 Hours
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- yes
- X|S Enhanced
- Yes
- File Size Xbox Series
- 101 GB (September 2023)
- Cross Save
- no
- Cross-Platform Play
- no multiplayer
- Video Games
- Explainer
- Starfield
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