The new major May 2024 update for Starfield is live! In particular, it makes the game more beautiful, more fluid or somewhere in between, and improves the overall experience.
The Starfield epic continues and we know when the Shattered Space DLC could be released. According to Tom Warren of The Verge, the extension could land next September. Knowing that it was already the launch month of the main game, it can be held. It remains to be seen when the announcement will be made, but the Xbox Showcase 2024 seems to be the best place for it since it will be followed by millions of people around the world. But we are talking here about paid content, while free and highly anticipated new features have just arrived.
A 60fps patch for Starfield on Xbox Series
After ruling out any possibility of running Starfield above 30fps on Xbox Series X, Bethesda is backpedaling. The huge patch available today offers new game modes aimed at prioritizing visual effects, fluidity or a mixture of the two. However, certain doors will be closed to you if you do not have the appropriate screen.
If you are not equipped with a VRR-compatible 120 Hz monitor or TV, you can run the game at 30 or 60fps. With such a framerate on console, there are obviously concessions and the details of visual effects, lighting or the number of NPCs are reduced. Bethesda also points out that Starfield is subject to tearing issues at 60fps – the phenomenon that causes the image to tear in two – if the screen does not have the VRR option. If you are this time equipped with a 120Hz Variable Refresh Rate device, you have a compromise often preferred by players: 40fps. It will therefore be smoother, but the visual difference will not be as pronounced as in 60fps. It’s up to you to decide whether graphics take precedence over performance or vice versa.
You don’t give that much importance to technique? Notable changes have also been applied to Starfield with the latest update. It was a promise that has been kept: the cards are now more readable. The publisher thus explains having replaced the surface points with terrain markers, and having ensured that the points of interest are on the city maps. For larger cities, there are even other markers that have dual uses. The first is to be able to remember the location of a merchant for example. The second is to use it as a place for quick travel.
Other new features (ship customization, NG+…)
The May 15, 2024 update adds more gameplay options to Starfield. After installing it, you will be able to increase merchant credits, your maximum load or have access to a ship’s hold from the inventory. The survival mechanics, which were discussed some time ago by the teams, also gain in flexibility and depth. You can indeed choose the effects of food or environmental dangers that you will face during the exploration of each planet. If the difficulty wasn’t high enough until then, and you don’t have a PC to take advantage of the mods, know that an “Extreme” level has been implemented. On top of that, space combat will be more complicated for everyone. It doesn’t matter which difficulty mode you select.
To get to the planets of Starfield, you will have to invest and customize ships. In order to become one with your flying house, the patch pushes the limits of customization with a system “similar outpost decoration system”. You will be able to play as Valérie Damidot in D&CO with new decorative modules, while the interior configuration of each ship can be retouched. Concerning the New Game Plus, again, things are moving. “Now, after entering the Unit, you will have the ability to change your appearance and traits, allowing you to choose who you will play as in your new universe” specifies Bethesda. Finally, other elements are available in Starfield to deactivate the dialogue camera, facilitate navigation in menus during exchanges, etc.