Is Starfield Worth Playing in 2025?

Starfield is entering its second year since it launched back in 2023, and the game has experienced its fair share of changes. Bethesda’s space adventure may have been a divisive title at launch, but now that a series of post-launch updates have helped expand the scope of the game, there are bound to be gamers who are curious about whether Starfield is worth a fresh try in 2025 or not.

While the conclusion one comes to is subjective, there are several major factors to consider for those who are interested in either giving the game a second playthrough or trying it out for the first time. Now that Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer recently suggested that Starfield may even come to the PS5 down the road, non-Xbox players could also benefit from insight on the game’s post-launch changes.

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Is Starfield Worth Playing in 2025?

A Series of Post-Launch Updates Have Made Starfield a Stronger Experience

• The REV-8
• Improved maps
• Interior ship customization
• Creation Club
• Shattered Space DLC

One of the most exciting changes to come to Starfield since it launched is the arrival of the REV-8. As the game’s first official land vehicle, planet traversal is far easier than on foot. A common complaint post-release was that walking between points of interest on such large planets was incredibly time-consuming, and sometimes even boring, so the addition of a land vehicle has been a game-changer for planetary exploration.

Further upgrades, like more detailed maps and the ability to decorate the interior of ships, have also improved the game’s overall quality of life. Starfield has faced criticism from some who claim it’s an empty world, but when it comes to ship customization, the game has always been strong. The ability to also customize ship interiors makes this feature even more satisfying, so for gamers who love building and fine-tuning ships and settlements, Starfield‘s current state may be quite desirable.

The Creation Club has helped address the aforementioned critiques regarding Starfield‘s empty-feeling world. Since the mod platform launched, the Creation Club has been a great place to find both official Bethesda-built and fan-made mods that expand the game’s content. Last, but not least, the game’s very first DLC, Shattered Space, brought a new chapter that finally introduced the secretive faction of House Va’ruun.

Despite Upgrades, Starfield Still Has Room For Improvement

The post-launch changes to Starfield have indeed improved the game, but there is still more that could be done. Unfortunately, in terms of planets and NPC personalities, the game can still leave a bit to be desired. Yes, Shattered Space expanded the world, but the reception to the DLC was once again heavily mixed, with many being disappointed in its story and short length. Overall, quality of life improvements have been the most helpful upgrades, but in terms of the world’s immersive qualities, there is still work to be done.

On the bright side, though, rumors suggesting that Starfield is gearing up for a big announcement in the near future point toward a potential new DLC. If that’s the case, then a fresh expansion could breathe more life into the game. Ultimately, for players who enjoyed Starfield from the start, these post-launch updates have made it an even better experience, so it’s worth returning to in 2025. However, for those who didn’t connect with Starfield right away, these changes may not be significant enough to warrant a second try.

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Released

September 6, 2023

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs, Strong Language, Violence